Daughter of INXS rock legend Kirk Pengilly hits back at nepo baby label: ‘I didn’t want to be in my dad’s shadow’

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She’s the famous daughter of famed INXS rock legend Kirk Pengilly.

April Rose Pengilly emphasizes that despite building a thriving career as both a model and an actress, she prefers not to be identified solely as her father’s shadow.

37-year-old April Rose, who is about to wed her fiancé Adam Paul in France this month, shares that she didn’t adopt her family name when she began modeling at a young age.

She shared with Stellar on Sunday that she preferred not to constantly follow in her father’s footsteps; instead, she chose to explore different places and start anew multiple times. Her career took her to Japan, New York, and London.

Ultimately, they managed to understand the situation. Despite that, I’m content with my decision since I demonstrated to myself that I was capable of making it successful.

April Rose, who is the daughter of INXS band member and fashion designer Karen Hutchinson, began her modeling career at the age of 16. In an interview, she addressed the controversy surrounding her as a ‘nepotism baby.’

Famous offspring who follow in the entertainment industry often face accusations of riding on the coattails of their renowned families instead of earning their own success.

This version maintains the original meaning while using more natural and easy-to-read language, and avoids using derogatory terms.

She added, “Often, whenever anything is written about me, people tend to involve my father in the narrative. I read comments, and regardless of any achievements, it’s always something like, ‘It’s all thanks to her father.’ Such remarks can definitely take a toll on one’s mind.

April Rose indicated that she plans to keep the surname Pengilly following marriage, despite her fiancé’s preference for her to adopt a different last name.

She’s been going by this name since birth, and it holds a special significance for her as it shares the same name with her father. The connection to her father makes the name particularly meaningful. Unlike her mother, her parents were never legally married, so her mother has a different surname.

‘They were together for 10 years. But it never bothered me that I had a different surname to her.’

Elsewhere in the conversation, April Rose expressed her pride that INXS topped Triple J’s annual Aussie song poll with their hit “Never Tear Us Apart.

‘I think Australia definitely voted correctly, and it is well deserved,’ she said.

After April Rose showcased her large diamond engagement ring on a public outing with her boyfriend earlier this year, it followed…

The former Neighbours actress announced her engagement to Adam Paul in December 2023.

‘APRIL’S TRIP TO SYDNEY’S ROYAL EASTER SHOW WAS MY BEST DAY OF THE YEAR,’ she labeled the post displaying photos from her adventure.

The couple had been together for just under two years when Adam popped the question.

Information about the forthcoming wedding has been limited, as April Rose mentioned last month that she prioritized shopping for clothing instead of wedding preparations.

‘Starting to look for my future groom’s suit,’ she captioned an Instagram post in March.

‘Honestly, we’re doing a lot more outfit shopping than wedding planning. Priorities innit.’

April has established a successful acting and television career, ensuring she isn’t perceived as simply riding on the success of her father. He once expressed that she desired independence rather than relying on his accomplishments.

The star joined Neighbours in 2017, playing Chloe Brennan, and left the famed soap in 2023.

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2025-08-10 14:03