Julia Vorbeck
The Southern Editor
Nepotism has long been a staple of the entertainment industry, with many celebrities having parents who paved the way for their success. For those unaware, nepotism is defined as the practice among those with the power or influence of favoring relatives, friends, or associates, especially by giving them jobs.
While some “nepo babies” might use their privileged status to work hard and build a career based on their own merits, others will ride the coattails of their famous last names without putting in the effort anybody else would have to do. The difference between a “good” and “bad nepo baby” often comes down to their work ethic, humility and the values instilled by their parents.
You might be asking, what makes a “good nepo baby” and who am I to instill the guidelines? Well, I am simply a teenage girl with a lot of free time and have personally devoted myself to the entertainment world. So do with that as you will.
From my perspective, a “good nepo baby” is someone who acknowledges their privilege while still working diligently to prove themselves. They recognize that their famous name may have opened doors, but they also put in the effort to sustain a career on their own. “Good nepo babies” often have parents who emphasize hard work, professionalism and humility, which helps them gain respect in their industry.
For example, my personal favorite “nepo baby” is Milo Manheim, son of actress Camryn Manheim. He started his career in the theater and then, like every young actor does, joined the world of Disney. He starred in Disney’s “Zombies” franchise, before recently returning to the stage to perform in “American Idiot” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Despite his mother’s success, he was able to create his own career and grow in the industry due to his dedication as a performer who genuinely enjoyed his craft.
Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, daughter of director J.J. Abrams, has also set herself apart from her family lineage. While she could have easily leaned on her father’s Hollywood connections, she instead built her music career by honing her songwriting skills and collaborating with respected musicians. She has gained a dedicated fan base through her emotional and deeply personal lyrics, proving that she is more than just a product of nepotism.
In contrast, a “bad nepo baby” is someone who takes their privilege for granted, using it to coast through their career without putting in the work. They may lack talent, a strong work ethic, or even an understanding of how lucky they are. Many “bad nepo babies” also fail to acknowledge the advantages they’ve had, which can make them appear entitled and out of touch.
Take Alabama Barker, the daughter of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. While she has attempted to pursue a career in music and social media, much of her fame comes from her wealthy upbringing rather than any significant talent. She is often criticized for flaunting her privilege by showcasing her material items, disregarding their prices and complaining about how she wants more, failing to show any real dedication to honing her craft.
Another infamous case is Olivia Jade, daughter of actress Lori Loughlin. Jade became known not for her achievements, but for her involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal, where her parents paid bribes to get her into the University of Southern California. Instead of focusing on academics or building a career through talent and effort, she used her family’s money and status to gain unfair advantages. When the scandal broke, she appeared indifferent, further proving that she took her privilege for granted.
Matty Healy, son of actress Denise Welch, has also faced criticism. While the lead singer of The 1975 has had some success in the music industry, his reputation has been marred by problematic behavior, including offensive comments and erratic actions that overshadow his work. His lack of professionalism makes him an example of someone who doesn’t fully appreciate the platform he has been given.
Despite what I’ve said, everything can’t come down to the child. The difference between a successful “nepo baby” and one who fails to gain respect often comes down to how they were raised. Those who have been taught the importance of hard work, humility and perseverance tend to go further in their careers. They understand that while their family name may get them through the door, staying in the room requires talent and effort. On the other hand, those raised with a sense of entitlement often struggle to gain credibility. When nepotism is their only advantage, they fail to develop the resilience needed to thrive in competitive industries.
Nepotism is an unavoidable part of Hollywood, but not all “nepo babies” are created equal. The good ones, like Manheim and Abrams, acknowledge their privilege while working hard to prove themselves. The bad ones, like Barker, Jade and Healy often, rely too heavily on their famous connections without putting in the effort to truly earn their success. At the end of the day, a famous last name may open doors, but only hard work and talent can keep them open.
