Hailing from famous families: These 7 popular stars opened up on nepotism in Hollywood

We are well aware of how film industries work. Most of them operate by indulging in nepotism, which is a greatly prevalent issue for some, while not a great deal for others.

Nepotism is quite unpredictable and comes with it’s package of boons and banes.

While some very popular star families have given us our infamous and most followed superstars, they have also provided privilege to many who probably failed to prove their worth in Hollywood.

Some people are born to rule the screens and entertain viewers, as the talent runs in their family bloodline. The ones who fail to make their mark, will eventually get nothing but a fall.

Although a big disadvantage to many budding and aspiring artists out there, here are some popular stars hailing from famous celeb families, who’ve proved they are worth the privilege and have opened up on nepotism.

 

#1 Hailey Baldwin Bieber

In a conversation with ‘Grazia Magazine’, in 2016, the then 19 year old model revealed, “I want to do everything on my own without my name being a factor. I try to keep myself separate from it. Kids that already have a famous background are just following in their families’ footsteps. My dad and all of his brothers have done this. This is my family business.”

 

#2 Gigi Hadid

In an interview with Vogue Australia, in 2018, Gigi opened up about getting support by her millionaire real estate father, “I know I come from privilege, so when I started there was this big guilt of privilege, obviously. I’ve always had this big work ethic, because my parents came from nothing and I worked hard to honour them. There are so many girls who come all over the world and work their arses off and send money home to their families like my mother did and I wanted that it’s never about me trying to overshadow or take their place.”

 

#3 Emma Roberts

In an interview with ‘PopEater’, in 2011, Roberts said, “A lot of people think that [my aunt Julia Roberts is behind my success], and they talk about nepotism, which I think is so ridiculous considering it’s obviously not true, because I’ve auditioned for so many things and never gotten the part. Also, it’s like, you know, maybe someone can get you one part, but they can’t really get you ten parts.”

 

#4 Lily Collins

In an interview with ‘Marie Claire’, in 2014, Collins shared, “When I first met with agents I was asked, “Well, what makes you so special? Everyone in LA is a cousin or daughter of someone… At the beginning, [my father] was the most interesting thing about me. Now I’ve done eight films, it’s an afterthought. I get kids who say, “Oh, I love your movie, but my mum loves your dad.” It’s really nice to be able to share that with him, but it doesn’t define who I am career-wise.”

 

#5 Mabel

In an interview with ‘Evening Standard’ in 2017, Mabel shared, “When I was in my teens, was like, I really want to do music. I felt quite embarrassed by being my mum and dad’s daughter. I thought, People will never take me seriously.”

 

#6 Elizabeth Olsen

In an interview with ‘Glamour UK’, in 2021, Elizabeth said, ““I was 10 and I was curious about auditioning… But during that time, I thought, ‘I don’t want to be associated with [Mary-Kate and Ashley],’ for some reason. I guess I understood what nepotism was inherently like as a 10-year-old. I didn’t know if I knew the word, but there is some sort of association of not earning something that I think bothered me at a very young age.”

 

#7 Rashida Jones

In an interview with ‘NBC New York’, in 2011, Rashida said, “I totally would have taken handouts. I didn’t get any. I wish! No I’m just kidding. Listen, I went to college, I had a great upbringing, I’m privileged, I wanted for nothing my entire life, but I definitely did not get career handouts. It took fifteen years to build a career, which is what it should take.”