It feels like everywhere you look, there’s a new celebrity kid making it big — and people are starting to ask why. Romy Mars, Maya Hawke, and Jaden Smith are just a few of the many “nepo babies” taking over the spotlight, thanks in part to their famous families. While some say they’ve earned their place, others can’t help but wonder if having a well-known last name is the real ticket to success.
The term “nepo baby” — short for nepotism baby — exploded on social media in recent years, especially after a viral New York Magazine cover in 2022 featured a collage of celebrity offspring under the headline “She Has Her Mother’s Eyes. And Agent.” Since then, the phrase has become part of the pop culture vocabulary, used to describe everyone from actors to influencers to fashion designers who got their start with a little help from family connections.
Romy Mars, for example, is the daughter of filmmaker Sofia Coppola and the granddaughter of The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola. While she’s only just begun to step into the spotlight, her viral TikTok appearances and modeling gigs have already drawn attention — and criticism. Some people praise her style and personality, while others question if she’d have the same opportunities without her family name.
Maya Hawke, daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, has become a fan favorite on Stranger Things and is also pursuing a music career. She has even acknowledged the privilege that comes with her background, telling Rolling Stone In 2022 that she knows she got “a seat at the table” because of her parents, but she’s working hard to “earn the place.”
Jaden Smith has been in the public eye since childhood, acting alongside his dad, Will Smith, and releasing music to a wide fan base. Though he’s known for his creativity and unique style, critics often wonder if his projects would get the same attention without his famous last name attached.
The conversation around nepotism isn’t just about jealousy or gatekeeping — it’s about access. In industries like entertainment, where competition is fierce and opportunities are limited, it’s clear that having connections can make a huge difference. While talent and hard work still matter, not everyone gets the same shot to prove themselves.
At the same time, some argue that the backlash against nepo babies can be unfair. “It’s not their fault they were born into fame,” said one TikTok user in a now-viral video defending Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of Johnny Depp. “We should judge their work, not their last names.”
Still, for many young artists trying to break in without connections, it can feel like the deck is stacked. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the spotlight isn’t just shining on these rising stars — it’s also exposing the system behind them.
