The fact that the age-old nepotism debate has picked up steam in recent times easily puts it in the category of evergreen gossip. The debate continues to rage thanks to the legacy names of showbiz who sometimes aggressively, sometimes openly justify their privilege. In this regard, Maya Hawke has once again added her name to the list. The actor wholeheartedly admitted that being called out repeatedly for her privilege in following her path in Hollywood is, in fact, “a lucky place to be”.
Who really deserves it?
Maya, the daughter of actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, has previously been embroiled in the nepotism issue based on comments she made during an interview in 2019. take revenge The actor auditioned in his bedroom with his dad and landed a role in Quentin Tarantino’s film once upon a time in hollywood (2019) was not liked at all by the internet. Especially for the nonchalance with which Maya narrated her ordeal. Almost 5 years later, the actor has a more refined perspective to share. She herself admits to being “comfortable with not being worth it and yet doing it”.
Elizabeth Olsen, the sister of actress-turned-fashion designer Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen, remembers feeling confused about the same sentiment when she was 10 years old. In 2021, avengers The star recalled that during her early years as a child star she didn’t want to be associated with her sisters. Elizabeth even considered dropping her last name. Olsen then presented herself as a credible example of a quintessential ‘nepo baby’ who has managed to prove her worth over the years.
extra effort
To Excitement What’s special about star Maude Apatow is that nepotism has never been a topic she tries to stay away from. The daughter of director Judd Apatow and actor Leslie Mann, Maude has appeared in several films directed by her father, including those of her mother, such as Knocked (2007) and this is 40 (2012). Although being tagged as a ‘nepo baby’ is a habit, Maude is willing to do anything to prove her worth. In an interview with Variety in 2020, Maude revealed that she often seeks advice from her parents when it comes to her creative pursuits, but is willing to go the extra mile on her own. She said, “I will literally spend the rest of my life trying to prove myself and work twice as hard.”
Gwyneth Paltrow during her performance Who’s in my bathroom? with Hailey Rhode Bieberechoed the sentiment. The daughter of actor Blythe Danner and director-producer Bruce Paltrow, Gwyneth made her TV movie debut High (1989), written and directed by her father. She went on to have a very celebrated career with an Academy Award, a Golden Globe win, and an Emmy. However, she is still aware of her comfortable launch into the industry. During her conversation with Hailey, Gwyneth acknowledged her privilege, saying, “As someone’s child, you get access to privilege that other people don’t have, so the playing field isn’t level in that way.”
From gender to ability: diverse perspectives
Lily Allen, daughter of actor Keith Allen and filmmaker Alison Owen, correctly pointed out that the gendered connotation of the term ‘nepotism baby’ is almost always female. Referring to the term being used as the equivalent of ‘Karen’ in showbiz, the singer, songwriter and actress emphasised that “it’s just a term used basically for women who are taking up space.” While this is the primary gist of the nepotism debate, Allen’s own comments on the nepotism debate are still being discussed. Do you miss me The podcast highlights an often overlooked aspect of patriarchal privilege that is a natural part of the practice of keyboard warriors showing women their place.
Ben Stiller, the son of comedian Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, is an established actor in his own right. In 2021, he expressed his support in favour of Team The Right Way, which featured top-tier ‘Nepo Babies’ as the lead players. Starring Sean Penn’s son Hopper Penn, the film was to be directed by Steven Spielberg’s daughter Destry Spielberg and Stephen King’s son Owen King. Taking cues from the same, American film and television producer Franklin Leonard took a dig at Hollywood’s idea of ​​meritocracy in an X post (formerly Twitter). Stiller’s response to this was to point out how every aspirant eventually has their own path, regardless of whether they are already in the industry or not.
Leonard and Stiller’s exchange of exes ultimately led to the conclusion that “reach is reach,” but neither man can endlessly ignore the legacy of his last name.
