Hollywood ‘Nepo Babies’ Who Actually Have The Talent To Back It Up

The term “nepo baby” gets thrown around a lot these days, often with an eye roll and dismissive wave.

Sure, having famous parents might open doors in Hollywood, but keeping those doors open requires legitimate talent. While some industry kids coast on their last names, others work twice as hard to prove they belong. The following ten actors might have benefited from their family connections initially, but they’ve since carved out impressive careers through raw talent, dedication, and smart choices that have silenced the skeptics. Let’s give credit where it’s actually due.

Mariska Hargitay

Most fans of Law & Order: SVU probably don’t even realize they’re watching the daughter of Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield when they tune in to see Olivia Benson crack cases. Mariska Hargitay has become so thoroughly identified with her character — now the longest-running female character in a TV drama — that her lineage seems almost irrelevant. She’s got an Emmy and a Golden Globe to show for it, too. Plus, she’s raised millions for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, proving her commitment runs deeper than just playing a compassionate cop on TV.        

Maya Hawke

When your parents are Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, expectations run pretty high. But thankfully, Maya Hawke is doing her own thing completely. Breaking through as Robin Buckley in Stranger Things, Maya delivered deadpan wit and surprising depth to what could have been just another side character. Her film choices — from Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to indie darlings like Asteroid City — reveal an actress more interested in interesting projects than blockbuster paychecks. Maya’s venture into indie music further proves she’s not just banking on her genetic jackpot but actively carving out her own creative territory.

Zoë Kravitz

With Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet as parents,  Zoë Kravitz could’ve coasted on vibes alone. Instead, she’s built a career of exceptional range — from blockbusters like The Batman to critically acclaimed series like Big Little Lies and High Fidelity. Her directorial debut with Blink Twice showcases her strengths behind the camera. Zoë’s famous parentage might have gotten her into early auditions, but her distinctively cool presence and undeniable skill have kept her booked and busy for over a decade.

John David Washington

Being the son of Denzel Washington — arguably one of the greatest actors alive — could have crushed John David Washington under impossible expectations. But he sidestepped Hollywood entirely, pursuing a professional football career before circling back to acting on his own terms. His breakout in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman earned him Golden Globe and SAG nominations, proving this apple didn’t fall far from the talent tree. The actor’s performances in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and Netflix’s Malcolm & Marie showcase his range from action hero to intense dramatic actor. The Washington name might have opened the door, but John David kicked it down with performances too powerful to dismiss.

Margaret Qualley

The daughter of model/actress Andie MacDowell, Margaret Qualley has built her career on fascinating choices and genuinely surprising performances. Her Emmy-nominated performance in Maid — where she starred alongside her real-life mom — showcased acting skills that transcended any nepotism charges. From her memorable role as a Manson girl in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to her haunting work in Sanctuary, Qualley’s fearless approach to challenging material proves she’s earned her place through genuine artistic talent.

Patrick Schwarzenegger

When your dad is literally the Terminator and a former governor, making your own mark seems nearly impossible. But Patrick Schwarzenegger is wisely charting his course with interesting projects and roles. His disturbing turn as a sociopathic student in the psychological thriller Daniel Isn’t Real showed his willingness to take risks, while his performance in the HBO series The Staircase displayed subtle dramatic abilities. His recent work in The White Lotus Season 3 and The Terminal List proves that Schwarzenegger is trying to earn respect through considered performances rather than just capitalizing on his instantly recognizable last name.

Ben Platt

The son of mega-producer Marc Platt (responsible for everything from Wicked to La La Land), Ben Platt could have easily slid into cushy film roles through family connections. Instead, he ground it out on Broadway, eventually creating the career-defining role of Evan Hansen that earned him a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy before age 30 — missing only an Oscar for EGOT status. Ben’s phenomenal vocal abilities, combined with his raw emotional performances, have established him as a genuine talent, regardless of his Hollywood lineage. Though critics pounced on the film version of Dear Evan Hansen, Ben has continued evolving with projects like Ryan Murphy’s The Politician and his own music career, showing a resilience and range that proves his success stems from genuine ability rather than familial favoritism.

Wyatt Russell

Following in the footsteps of Hollywood royalty Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn seems daunting, but Wyatt Russell initially avoided the comparison altogether by pursuing professional hockey. When injuries ended his sports career, Wyatt turned to acting and brought a refreshingly natural quality to his performances. His breakthrough as the psychologically damaged soldier Corporal Lewis in Overlord and his portrayal of John Walker/U.S. Agent in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased how he embraces character roles rather than leading man parts. The famous parentage might have helped get early auditions, but his laid-back charisma and commitment to character work have earned him respect on his own merits.

Allison Williams

The daughter of longtime news anchor Brian Williams, Allison Williams has deliberately chosen roles that play with audience expectations and challenge her as an actress. After playing the uptight Marnie on Girls, she switched gears with a chilling performance in Get Out. Her recent work in thrillers like M3GAN and The Perfection further proves she can create complex characters and give us genuinely surprising performances that no amount of nepotism could deliver.

Jack Quaid

With parents Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, you’d think Jack Quaid would lean into romantic comedies and action films. But the actor has taken on characters notably different from his mom and dad’s famous roles. As Hughie Campbell in The Boys, he brings vulnerable humanity to a superhero satire known for its excess and becomes the moral center of a deliberately amoral show. His voice work in Star Trek: Lower Decks and supporting roles in films like Oppenheimer showcase his range. And what makes Jack particularly refreshing is his apparent lack of entitlement — taking smaller roles, embracing ensemble work, and gradually building a career based on consistent performance rather than flashy star turns.