the fame is in the name

Nepotism has given many Hollywood stars an easier path to fame.

BY ELLE SIMON WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The world is obsessed with the lives of celebrities and their families. The infatuation ranges from practically worshipping the ground they walk on to destroying the careers of others who make one miniscule mistake. Now, the rage of the general public is directed towards celebrities with no control over what they’re being harassed for: nepotism.

Nepotism is an advantage or favor given to relatives, friends or associates of those in power in a certain field of practice. Commonly associated with nepotism is the term “nepo babies.” Nepo babies are people whose relatives are well known and have achieved great success in their field.

When talking about nepotism in Hollywood, the biggest discussion is ‘does nepotism outweigh talent?’ Many nepo babies choose to pursue a career in the same field that their parents have, and New York Magazine’s Dec. 19, 2022 cover story discussed the idea of the “it” factor being hereditary as reasoning for why so many children of celebrities follow in their parents’ footsteps.

Similar to being born with natural athleticism, some nepo babies are born with an inherent talent for doing what their parents do or take after the traits their parents have. Take actress Kate Hudson for example: she’s the daughter of musician Bill Hudson and actress Goldie Hawn, and is a phenomenal actress herself.

Many times, nepo babies will make their debut in projects or industries that their parents have had some part in.

In a 1997 issue of Vanity Fair, author Fran Lebowitz wrote, “Getting in the door is pretty much the entire game, especially in movie acting.”

Nepo babies are born with their foot already in the door. Their last names provide them opportunities that aspiring actors, singers and models from typical backgrounds might never see.

Besides connections, the unlimited financial support their mega-rich parents can provide benefits nepo babies first starting their career. Living in the big cities where rising stars tend to find their big breaks is expensive. Without a significant source of income, it’s difficult to start in the entertainment business.

As beneficial as nepotism is for children of Hollywood insiders, the privilege that results from it can also be the reason their career doesn’t take off. The sense of entitlement that some nepo babies carry around is detrimental to how they are perceived by the