The term “nepo baby” might be trending now, but the idea of famous children following in their iconic parents’ footsteps is nothing new.
For as long as there’s been a Hollywood sign, there have been second-generation stars trying to carve out their own paths—some succeeding spectacularly, others struggling under the weight of legacy.
Let’s take a look at some of the industry’s longest-standing “nepo babies” who’ve built remarkable careers while navigating their famous family names.
Jane Fonda, 87: From Troubled Bonds to Timeless Stardom
Jane Fonda was born into showbiz royalty, the daughter of legendary actor Henry Fonda.
But while her father gave her an early platform, their personal relationship was distant and emotionally complex.
Jane made her acting debut alongside him and quickly proved she wasn’t just his daughter—she was a star in her own right.
From Oscar-winning roles in Klute and Coming Home to cult classics like 9 to 5, Jane made a name for herself beyond her surname.
Offscreen, she stirred controversy with her fierce political activism, particularly her Vietnam War protests, earning the infamous nickname “Hanoi Jane.”
In the ’80s, she reinvented herself again as the queen of home fitness with her bestselling workout tapes, and later as a Hollywood power wife when she married media mogul Ted Turner.
Today, she continues acting with the same passion that’s defined her decades-long career—and she’s always acknowledged that her father’s fame opened doors.
But she worked hard to prove she belonged in the room.
Anjelica Huston, 74: Acting Royalty with a Rebellious Streak
Anjelica Huston may have had acting in her blood—her father was acclaimed director John Huston—but she didn’t jump at the chance to work with him.
In fact, her film debut A Walk with Love and Death was more of a command than a choice, and the experience left her discouraged.
She stepped away from acting and found success as a model—and as Jack Nicholson’s high-profile partner.
Still, she felt the industry’s scrutiny, knowing her connections could be both a blessing and a burden.
Eventually, after refining her craft, she starred in Prizzi’s Honor—directed by her father and opposite Nicholson—earning her own Oscar and respect as a formidable actress.
Since then, her career has included everything from The Addams Family to John Wick, proving she’s in it for the long haul.
Jamie Lee Curtis, 66: The Original Scream Queen Knows Her Roots
With both her parents—Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh—being silver screen icons, Jamie Lee Curtis was born into fame.
Her father wasn’t very present, but her mother’s legacy opened doors, including the one that led her to star in Halloween, which launched her as a horror movie legend.
Jamie Lee has never denied her privilege, often jokingly calling herself the “OG Nepo Baby.”
Yet over four decades in film, she’s proven her worth with standout performances in everything from comedies to sci-fi, eventually winning an Oscar for Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Through it all, she’s balanced gratitude for her lineage with pride in her own hard-earned career.
Michael Douglas, 80: From Producer’s Son to Hollywood Icon
Being the son of Kirk Douglas, one of Hollywood’s greats, Michael Douglas had the name and the access—but he also had the ambition.
He started as a producer, bringing classics like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to life (even if it meant replacing his father in the lead role).
As an actor, he hit his stride in the ’80s with Fatal Attraction, Wall Street, and Romancing the Stone.
While he’s often asked about nepotism, Michael sees it as a natural part of any profession.
“I’m a nepo baby too,” he once said, adding that helping your kids succeed isn’t unique to Hollywood.
Now retired after nearly 60 years in the business, he’s also taken on the role of preserving his father’s legacy.
June Lockhart, 100: The Quiet Trailblazer of Classic TV
June Lockhart may not be instantly associated with the “nepo baby” label, but she was born into the business.
With two actor parents, she stepped into the spotlight early, appearing in A Christmas Carol at age 13.
Her real fame came on television, playing beloved motherly roles in Lassie and Lost in Space.
Her warmth and steady presence made her a favorite of generations, and she continued acting well into her 90s.
Her daughter Anne Lockhart also followed in her footsteps, proving the family’s talent is still alive and well.
Isabella Rossellini, 73: Beauty, Brains, and Bold Choices
Isabella Rossellini’s lineage reads like a film history book—her mother was Ingrid Bergman, her father, director Roberto Rossellini.
Despite the enormous shadow cast by her parents, Isabella found her own spotlight first as a model, then as an actress.
She became a cult favorite with Blue Velvet and starred in a mix of European and American films.
Over time, she came to appreciate her heritage rather than resent it.
“People used to introduce me as their daughter, and it bothered me,” she once said.
“Now, young people don’t even know them. That’s heartbreaking.”
Liza Minnelli, 79: A Star Who Carried the Torch—and the Burden
Liza Minnelli’s parents were Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli—two icons of the Golden Age.
That meant she was born into both genius and chaos.
Her childhood was glamorous but unstable, shadowed by her mother’s addiction and fame.
Liza broke away and found success on Broadway, winning a Tony at 19 and later an Oscar for Cabaret.
Still, comparisons to her mother were inevitable, especially given her similar voice and troubled personal life.
Liza overcame addiction and tragedy to leave a legacy of her own, one that complements—but never mimics—her mother’s.
Vanessa Redgrave, 88: The Politically Fearless Powerhouse
British acting royalty doesn’t get much grander than the Redgraves, and Vanessa carried the torch with style and substance.
Her early roles often included family collaborations, but she quickly became a formidable name on her own.
An Oscar winner with a rebellious streak, Vanessa’s political views made headlines, sometimes even at awards shows.
Her children, including the late Natasha Richardson and Joely Richardson, continued the family tradition.
Vanessa’s story is one of talent, activism, and surviving both personal and public storms.
The Nepo Legacy: Privilege or Pressure?
These stars were born into the industry—but none of them coasted.
Their names opened doors, yes, but their staying power came from talent, discipline, and perseverance.
The conversation around nepotism in Hollywood isn’t black and white.
For every opportunity granted, there’s often the pressure to live up to an impossible standard.
At the end of the day, many of these legends have redefined what it means to be a “nepo baby”—not just someone born into fame, but someone who used that platform to build something lasting.