Meet the nepo-babies who have hit back and claimed having famous parents forced them to have work ‘three times harder’ to succeed and left them ‘starved of stability and love’

Meet the nepo-babies who have hit back and claimed having famous parents forced them to have work 'three times harder' to succeed and left them 'starved of stability and love'

As I delve into the lives of these remarkable individuals, I am struck by their unique paths and the resilience they’ve shown in carving out their own identities.

Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Lily Allen, and Jamie Lee Curtis, often referred to as Nepo babies, have responded to their criticisms and asserted that they’ve had to exert themselves thrice as much to achieve success.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that children of famous parents may sometimes struggle with a lack of emotional nurturance and stability due to their unique circumstances.

Even though the presence of a ‘nepo baby’, or a celebrity offspring, in the spotlight often sparks controversy, these well-known kids consistently argue that being part of the family industry is just an everyday job, like any other.

Furthermore, some individuals may accept it gracefully, but others feel that being labeled as “lessened” or “devalued” undermines their abilities.

TopMob takes a look at the nepo-babies hitting back……

Meet the nepo-babies who have hit back and claimed having famous parents forced them to have work 'three times harder' to succeed and left them 'starved of stability and love'

Gwyneth Paltrow

Famous parents: Movie producer Bruce Paltrow and actress Blythe Danner

53-year-old Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow has countered the criticism against the so-called “nepotism kids” by stating that she sees no issue in pursuing or desiring a career path similar to one’s parents.

In a 2023 conversation with Bustle, she expressed that no one criticizes a child for aspiring to become a doctor if their father and grandfather are also doctors.

Nevertheless, she firmly maintained that her daughter Apple, aged 20, prefers to keep a low profile and holds no ambition towards modeling, let alone for Gwyneth’s lifestyle brand, Goop.

She reflected: ‘Now there’s this whole nepo baby culture, and judgment that exists around kids of famous people. She’s really just a student, and she’s been very…. She just wants to be a kid and be at school and learn.’

Gwyneth advocated for kids who follow in their parents’ footsteps in their chosen professions, emphasizing that they are influenced by what they learned at home.

In her words, “Growing up, if your environment is filled with artists and creative endeavors, that’s what becomes familiar to you, just as if you grow up surrounded by law, conversations at the dinner table revolve around specific legal issues. To me, that label ‘artist’ can be quite unattractive.

She expressed: “I merely wish that my kids can freely chase after whatever they desire, regardless of others’ opinions or comments.

Gwyneth Paltrow has a daughter and a son named Moses (aged 18) with her former husband Chris Martin, who gained worldwide popularity as the lead vocalist of the band Coldplay.

Lily Allen

Famous parents: Actor Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen

39-year-old artist Lily countered the accusations of favoritism among offspring of famous families, stating that many of them grow up lacking emotional support and affection due to their self-centered parents.

In 2022, I find myself advocating for a shift in societal focus: instead of harboring envy towards individuals who attain positions in the entertainment industry, let’s express concern about those who secure roles in the world of banking and politics due to their familial connections. It’s essential that we acknowledge and address this issue to foster a more equitable and merit-based society.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but voice my concerns about the entertainment industry, which I firmly believe isn’t always child-friendly. It’s disheartening to see how, at times, these young talents might unintentionally miss out on the warmth and affection that every child deserves – a form of ‘love’, if you will.

As a conscientious observer, I would like to draw your attention away from the spotlight-grabbing ‘nepo babies’ towards those who are quietly making strides behind the scenes. These are the individuals diligently serving in legal firms, banking institutions, and politics.

In the context of discussing tangible outcomes and depriving individuals of chances, I should clarify that it doesn’t concern me personally.

She also mentioned, “Before anyone accuses me of being a product of nepotism, I’ll admit it myself – I truly don’t deserve anything.

When someone on Twitter questioned her, “Why do your parents show up as blue links on Wikipedia?”, she answered: “Since I’m a product of nepotism, both my exceptionally gifted parents are highlighted there.

Lily asserted that the entertainment world isn’t always suitable for parents, and she found it challenging to recognize her own advantages while dealing with past traumas experienced during childhood.

She continued: ‘In childhood we crave stability and love, nurturing, we don’t care about money or proximity to power yet.

‘Numerous “nepotism kids” might have missed out on essential experiences during their childhood due to their parents’ self-centered personalities.’

‘And entertainment business is not parent friendly eg.. Touring/months away shooting.

It might be challenging for individuals dealing with childhood traumas to recognize their own privileges since they are still healing, and many of these children have not fully grasped this concept yet.

Previously, she shared that the divorce of her parents in 1989 made her feel uncertain and yearning for affection intensely.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Famous parents: Movie star’s Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis, aged 66, has not hesitated to counter arguments surrounding the “nepotism baby” topic. Previously, she openly admitted that every workday in her career is marked by reminders that she is the child of famous film actors.

However, her ultimate retaliation came last year when she was honored with the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once”.

In a heartfelt address, the actress highlighted that although her famous parents, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, were each nominated, they never managed to reach the stage for an award presentation.

Some social media users jokingly commented that her success, given her parental background, could be seen as the ultimate retaliation or triumph for a person often referred to as a “nepotism baby”.

In conclusion, I’d like to share a personal note. My mom and dad, each of them, have been honored with Oscar nominations in separate categories. Guess what? I’ve just received an Oscar myself!

Previously posting on Instagram, she stated: “Ever since I was 19, I’ve been a professional actress, thus earning me the title of ‘Original Nepotism Baby’. I’ve never grasped, nor do I ever plan to, what specific traits secured my job that day. However, from my initial lines on Quincy as a contract player at Universal Studios up until my recent exceptional creative year spanning 44 years.

She continued: ‘The current conversation about nepo babies is just designed to try to diminish and denigrate and hurt.’

In a post on Instagram, Halloween Ends star expressed that for over four decades, they’ve benefited from the perks connected with their recognized and pondered reputation. However, it’s important to acknowledge these advantages don’t diminish my inherent worth as an individual.

The artist noted it was intriguing how quickly people jump to conclusions and make critical comments when someone well-known in their artistic field is assumed to lack any skill or ability at all.

Curtis emphatically stated that the common belief about celebrity offspring being exempt from effort is completely false. She went on to share her decades-long dedication, which demanded unwavering integrity and commitment to excellence in every production she was part of.

She remarked that we’re not isolated individuals, but a numerous group. We take great pride in our skills and the legacy we come from, and we stand firmly in our conviction that we have the right to persist.

Kate Hudson

Famous parents: Actress Goldie Hawn and musician Bill Hudson

Kate, who is 45 years old, additionally argued that it’s not uncommon for family members to work together in various fields, and she emphasized that exceptional talent can surface anywhere it may be found.

In an interview with The Independent back in 2022, she expressed: ‘Origin or connection to the business aside, if you put in the effort and excel, that’s all that truly matters.’

Regarding nepotism, honestly, it’s not something that bothers me too much. We are a family deeply entwined with storytelling, and this trait seems to run in our veins. Others may label it as they wish, but it won’t alter the fact that we are a storytelling clan.

The actress from Almost Famous expressed the opinion that there are other sectors where such occurrences are more common.

Occasionally, during business meetings, I find myself thinking, “Who is this person’s child? It seems they lack knowledge on the subject.

Two of her brothers, Oliver Hudson, 48, and Wyatt Russell, 38, are also actors

Dan Levy

Famous parents: Actor Eugene Levy

Dan Levy, the renowned actor from Schitt’s Creek, aged 41, asserted that individuals who gain fame through family connections (often referred to as “nepotism babies”) must put in three times the effort to build their own careers.

Even though he deliberately stayed away from his well-known father Eugene for a span of five years to prevent being accused of riding on his father’s success, this did not hinder him.

In my journey at MTV Live, I deliberately chose to maintain privacy about my family lineage. My goal was to build my own success story apart from the shadow of my esteemed father, who is 77 years old.

Only after he felt he had established a reputation within the entertainment industry, did he then reach out to Eugene about co-producing the sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.

‘I think there was a part of him that always wondered why I never came to him.

‘You know the culture, you know how easy it is to judge people who have grown up in the industry.’

He went on to say, ‘From high school to college, then onto MTV, nobody recognized my father during my audition, and this continued for a full five years.’

After I built a connection with my audience and saw my TV show thriving, I felt confident enough to contribute to the discourse, at which point I decided to involve him.

After completing the task, it was then that the concept for Schitt’s Creek struck me, and I realized I had the necessary skills to contribute effectively.

In such circumstances, it often requires exerting three times the effort, rightfully so, to eventually reach a point where you can approach your father, similar to what I did, and request his assistance in my work.

Schitt’s Creek premiered in 2015 and continued for six seasons, with its finale airing in 2020.

People who are criticized for leveraging their parents’ success assert that they must strive even more diligently to demonstrate their unique abilities. However, some offspring of renowned parents have chosen to channel this dedication into fields beyond entertainment.

In other words, Gary Barlow, a member of the band Take That, has shared that each of his offspring is choosing an academic route. Specifically, his son Daniel, aged 24, and daughter Emily, who’s 22, have made the decision to work in the fields of medicine and physiology respectively.

Children of famous individuals who choose not to pursue the same path as their parents and instead carve out a unique niche for themselves often leverage their family name to succeed in other areas.

Instead of becoming influencers or starting their own brands, like Stella McCartney, many have chosen more down-to-earth professions as an alternative.

Two highly acclaimed Oscar-nominated actors are blessed with sons who are venturing into culinary professions, meanwhile, one of the world’s cherished vocalists takes pride in his son, who serves as a firefighter in New Jersey.

Here TopMob reveals the perks of not becoming yet another nepo baby.

Gary Barlow’s son Daniel

Job: Medical student

Take That band member, aged 53, is married to Dawn Andrews for 25 years and together they have three children – Daniel (24), Emily (22) and Daisy (15). Interestingly, none of his offspring have pursued fame despite their father’s significant achievements in the entertainment industry.

Rather than choosing an academic route, Gary’s older kids, Daniel and Emily, have elected to enter the fields of medicine and physiology instead.

Gary shared that his youngest child hasn’t yet decided which area she’s most passionate about, but she shares the academic diligence of her other siblings.

When talking to a mirror, he stated, “The eldest ones, Daniel and Emily, seem to be focusing on medicine and physiology, specifically in the area of strength and conditioning. As for our youngest, Daisy, I’m not completely sure about her future plans, but she definitely takes her studies seriously… unlike me and my spouse.

I believe they won’t continue my path in the music industry, yet I wouldn’t have dissuaded them had they shown interest. In fact, if they wished to pursue it, I would have found no reason to stop them. It has proven beneficial for me.

It’s uncertain what path Daniel’s medical career is taking, however, it’s thought that he completed his studies last year, with his parents Gary and Dawn looking on with pride.

Apart from expressing his joy, Gary has mentioned his immense pride in his exceptionally fit son for participating in an Ironman contest. He expressed: “There’s no words to describe how proud we are of him – incredible dedication and perseverance – when one puts forth effort, the rewards will follow.

Brian May’s son Jimmy May

Job: Physiotherapist

He is one of the biggest musicians in the world, however the son of Queen guitarist Brian May has completely contrasted his dad’s rock and roll lifestyle.

Rather than traveling extensively, Jimmy May, a person Brian shared his life with during his marriage to Chrissie Mullen, chose to pursue a profession as a physiotherapist instead.

The healthcare professional as worked at top Harley Street practices and even trained with Sarah Key, a physiotherapist to King Charles.

Jimmy has a strong scientific background, as he follows in the footsteps of his father, who studied Mathematics and Physics at Imperial College London and earned a PhD in Astrophysics in 2007. This education can be seen in his work across various clinics throughout London.

Ulrika Jonsson’s daughter Bo Jonsson

Job: Nanny

Born in Sweden, Ulrika Jonsson gained popularity during the early ’90s as a weather broadcaster, later transitioning to host the successful television program Gladiators on ITV.

Instead, Bo, aged 23, has opted out of this vibrant lifestyle, having instead chosen to study and train as a nanny at the esteemed Norland College.

In the thrilling month of April 2023, I, a fervent admirer, found myself utterly ecstatic as I witnessed the momentous milestone of Ulrika, gracefully at 57 years of age, proudly sharing heartwarming snaps with her cherished daughter. Her daughter had just completed her university course to embark on an enchanting journey as a nanny.

The television personality shared that she felt incredibly proud of her daughter, who was born with a congenital heart condition, for achieving this significant milestone despite facing challenges in her academic journey.

Bo was hailed as both ‘hardworking’ and ‘action-oriented’ when she posted photos from the ceremony at esteemed Norland College, where she honed her skills as the caregiver for the Prince and Princess of Wales’s child.

Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the caretaker for Prince William and Kate’s three kids, George, Charlotte, and Louis, is herself an alumna of the distinguished Bath Nursing Institute.

This training program costs a grand total of £36,000 and offers both martial arts instruction and stunt driving as part of its course. It is designed to meet the needs of contemporary customers, who often include celebrities and the ultra-wealthy.

Bruce Springsteen’s son Sam

Job: Firefighter

Over the course of his impressive six-decade span in music, the renowned artist Bruce Springsteen has put out a total of 21 studio albums.

Yet music didn’t appeal to his son Sam who became a firefighter in Jersey City in 2020.

Earlier, Bruce (age 75) shared with The New York Times about his son’s career, expressing: “There were many twists and turns along the way.

‘He was very dedicated for quite a few years and we are just excited for him today.’

In 2014, Sam completed his studies at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. Following that, he took on the role of a volunteer firefighter in Colts Neck, the part of New Jersey where he was raised.

His parents had front-row seats as he accepted his duties as a firefighter for the district.

He told ABC News at the time: ‘This is my son’s day, so I’m staying out of it.’

Despite keeping his personal life under wraps, it was previously disclosed by Bruce’s spouse, Patti, that Sam became a father for the first time in July 2022, welcoming Lily Harper Springsteen into the world.

Harrison Ford’s son Ben

Job: Chef

Harrison Ford is widely recognized as a significant figure in cinema, with the global box office earnings from his movies exceeding an impressive $9.3 billion.

In contrast to his father’s significant fame, Ben chose a less glamorous path, opting to work as a chef in a modest restaurant rather than pursuing a life in the limelight.

He founded Ford’s Filling Station in LAX airport in Los Angeles – which has a 3.5 star rating on Trip Advisor.

Additionally, he is the creator of California Southland Doorstep Market, a platform that champions locally grown produce and artisan-made items.

Ben has previously spoken of how his dad helped inspire his passion for cooking.

In simpler terms, he shared with The Mail that his father was indeed present during his childhood years, and they both enjoy cooking as a shared hobby.

And he added: ‘Seeing how meticulous he was at his craft has stayed with me as a chef.’

Roger Taylor’s daughter Rory

Job: Doctor

Besides Roger Taylor’s daughter, who is a doctor, another child from the band Queen, namely Brian May’s son, has also ventured into the healthcare field, indicating a family trend in the health sector within Queen’s family.

While Rufus, like his dad Roger, is a drummer, Rory works as a General Practitioner (GP) for the National Health Service (NHS) in west London.

Rory holds a diploma from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and she strongly advocates regular breast self-exams to help individuals take charge of early breast cancer indications as part of her work with CoppaFeel.

As a fervent admirer, let me share that I’m part of a esteemed team within a breast cancer charity as a Medical Advisory Group member. Last November, I undertook an arduous 60-mile, five-day journey across the vast Sahara desert, all in the name of fundraising for this noble cause.

She mentioned that the hardest aspect for her was fitting in time to break in her hiking boots amidst her demanding job and role as a new mother. As a result, she ended up wearing them at home and during nursery drop-offs.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, she frequently appeared on Channel Four News, discussing guidelines and the issue of hand sanitizer disappearing from various locations.

Anna Wintour’s son Charles Shaffer:

Job: Doctor

Instead of relying solely on his mother’s reputation, Charles Shaffer might have leveraged the recognition and acclaim associated with being the child of renowned fashion figure and long-term Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.

Rather than embracing the spotlight, Charles, at the age of 39, chose a different path: he decided to study medicine, much like his father who was a distinguished professor specializing in child psychiatry for many years.

Prior to heading back to New York to earn his medical degree from Columbia University, Charles had already obtained his bachelor’s degree in Modern History from Oxford University, located in England.

As a seasoned healthcare professional who’s served in various U.S. hospitals, I currently occupy the role of Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry and Attending Psychiatrist at Weill Cornell.

In 2020, Anna shared uncommon details about her personal experiences when she disclosed that Charles fell severely sick while caring for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.

In a video shared on the Vogue Instagram account, she expressed: “At present, my child, who’s a dedicated doctor, is unwell and practicing self-quarantine at home. Once he recovers, he plans to resume his duties in the ICU of his hospital.

I’m incredibly proud of him and deeply appreciative towards all the medical professionals, first responders, nurses, and doctors who tirelessly work to contain the virus and protect lives.

Bill Murray’s son Homer

Job: Chef

Bill Murray, an actor known for his role in Ghostbusters, has a son named Homer who deviated from the world of acting and instead chose to focus on culinary arts as his career path.

To begin with, Homer Murray started his career as an assistant in photography. This job gave him the chance to traverse many places, where he got to savor a variety of culinary delights. It was during this journey that his passion for cooking was ignited.

In 2012, upon coming back to America, he established his own eatery within the Greenpoint district of Brooklyn.

Currently known as “21 Greenpoint,” this restaurant, which has been awarded a Michelin star, offers an assortment of meals such as fried calamari, pork collar, and the famous Spaghetti Meg Ryan.

Initially, upon the restaurant’s debut, it was noticeable that a 74-year-old actor was observed behind the bar, serving drinks and pouring shots for patrons.

According to reports, the actor from Lost in Translation was quoted as saying to a boisterous crowd: “I’m overjoyed… that he didn’t carry on with the family trade.

Speaking to the New York Post at the time, Homer said: ‘[My dad] has been very supporting of me.

‘He didn’t do this because I asked him to. He didn’t do this because he thought it would drum up business. He did this because he wanted to. That’s the beauty of it.’

On the restaurant’s website, there is a picture featuring Homer alongside his well-known father. The actor’s quote accompanying the image reads: ‘Homer has dedicated his life to bringing the pleasure of family gatherings for food, drinks, and camaraderie all under one roof.’

Robert De Niro’s son Raphael

Job: Real Estate Broker

Raphael De Niro, aged 46, is Robert De Niro’s firstborn, yet he has demonstrated remarkable self-made success.

In his youth, he demonstrated a strong knack for business, taking on numerous summer roles such as working at a Persian rug shop, serving as a doorman, and assisting in his father’s Nobu restaurant during the summer months.

Raphael, who experienced his parents’ divorce while still quite young, eventually enrolled at New York University, but ultimately didn’t earn a degree there.

Initially, it seemed like he was going to continue the acting legacy begun by his father, given his initial screen appearances. However, he ultimately chose to diverge from the traditional path set by his family.

Rather than that, he ended up becoming a real estate broker in New York, climbing the ladder in the property sector.

Raphael eventually founded his own team under the Douglas Elliman real estate umbrella in 2004.

After some time, the De Niro group consistently generated the highest revenue for the company, averaging over $250 million in yearly sales.

And Raphael counts famous faces such as Renee Zellweger and Kelly Ripa among his client base.

Willem Dafoe’s son Jack

Job: Environmentalist

67-year-old actor Willem Dafoe boasts an illustrious career in Hollywood, garnering multiple accolades such as Academy Awards and BAFTAs.

Despite having a renowned father and a director mother, Elizabeth LeCompte, Jack has chosen a distinct course – channeling his legal abilities towards environmental conservation efforts instead.

Previously, he held a senior role in shaping and researching public policy at the New York City Apollo Alliance, an organization dedicated to sparking a nationwide clean energy transformation, creating job opportunities for many millions of U.S. citizens.

Currently, he holds the position of an Assistant Attorney General within the Natural Resources Division based in Maine, a region known as New England.

Based on information from thethings.com, he approximately makes $600,000 from his job. It’s a substantial income, but it doesn’t compare to what his father earns.

It seems that his affection for nature might stem from his father, who prefers not to eat meat due to its harmful impact on our planet.

He told Foodiamo in 2018: ‘I don’t eat meat. I admire vegans, but I’m only a vegetarian.

Occasionally, I enjoy having fish for a meal, but these days, I’ve stopped consuming meat entirely due to the significant role that livestock farming plays in damaging our planet.

2024-11-05 02:43

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