In the world of modern Hollywood, casting lists and billboards are filled with second-generation artists. While many continue working to overcome their parents’ notability, others have conquered their family’s name. 

In 2022, a phenomenon was uncovered as people discovered the lineage of many household names. The phrase nepotism baby, shortened to nepo-baby was born. It is “a catchier way to say the successful child of a celebrity – someone who rode to fame on the coattails of their talented parent.” 

The discovery begs the question of whether or not those people have a significant advantage. It is undeniable that a superstar’s children will have a consequential edge in Hollywood because, like Gwyneth Paltrow, the child of Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner, said, “As the child of someone, you get access other people don’t have, so the playing field is not level in that way.”

But does the lineage of these nepo-babies prevent them from making a name for themselves? People like Paris Jackson (Michael Jackson) and Lily-Rose Depp (Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis) are still largely associated with their famous parents whereas people like Miley Cyrus (Billy Ray Cyrus) and the Kardashian sisters (Robert Kardashian) are not even correlated with them.

Up-and-coming model and actress Lily-Rose Depp is the daughter of legendary actor Johnny Depp and famed French model Vanessa Paradis. As she continues to build on her resume, Lily-Rose is slowly migrating away from her parents’ shadow. 

She is known for denying her status saying, “People are going to have preconceived ideas about you or how you got there, and I can say that nothing is going to get you the part except for being right for the part.” She goes on, adding, “Maybe you get your foot in the door, but you still just have your foot in the door. There’s a lot of work that comes after that.” 

The problem that many people have is that Lily-Rose Depp, like many other celebrity babies, was able to so easily slide in with the top actresses and models of Hollywood, whereas many people have had to work twice as hard even to get halfway from where Lily started. 

Then again, nepo-babies still have to work hard to keep or increase their status, something that should not be ignored.

In an industry where it is so hard to succeed, nepotism babies have a clear advantage, but that edge possibly comes with an added roadblock. Not only do they have to get and stay successful, but these celebrities have to do enough to shake their parents’ names from their own. 

Besides Lily-Rose, one celebrity child was able to overcome her parent’s shadow and make a name for herself. Miley Cyrus, the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, found her way to the top of Billboard Charts in 2013 when her hit song “Wrecking Ball” debuted. 

Miley’s father, a famous Billboard-breaking artist in his own right, left a huge shadow for Miley to overcome. She started young, starring in Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana.” After that, Miley was able to establish herself as both an actress and a budding musician. Cyrus continued building upon her success, making her name her own, not her father’s. Miley Cyrus is now a household name, and she earned that through her own hard work.

So, why are we blaming the nepotism babies for an advantage they do not choose to have? There is still a lot they have to do in order to overcome their family’s legacy, and that does not come easily, but it can be done. Getting into the industry does not keep you there. 

Without nepo-babies, some of the most famous people in the world would be left untapped, our favorite songs yet to be listened to, and even the most popular of movies and shows would be missing the best of characters. 

If there is anything we should take away from the experiences of celebrities with famous parents, it is that we do not have to live behind someone else. There is a way for us to overcome the legacy, good or bad, that our families and friends have left for us. 

Everyone can make their own way in this world while also accepting the advantages that their background gives them.

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