The 15 Nepo Babies Who Hide it from Us the Best
Hollywood has plenty of famous families, but not every celebrity makes their connections obvious. Some actors have different last names from their parents, while others became so successful that people stopped thinking about where they came from. You might know someone from a beloved sitcom or a blockbuster movie without realizing their mom was a chart-topping singer or their dad spent decades working in television. Having a famous relative doesn’t automatically explain someone’s career, of course, but it can make for an interesting family tree. And some of these connections are genuinely surprising. Here are 15 celebrities whose showbiz backgrounds might have slipped right past you.
Ben Stiller Grew Up With Two Comedy Legends
Long before Zoolander, Ben Stiller was surrounded by comedy at home. His parents were Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, the famous comedy duo who also enjoyed successful acting careers.
Nicolas Cage Was Born Into the Coppola Family
Nicolas Cage was born Nicolas Coppola, making director Francis Ford Coppola his uncle. He adopted a different professional surname early in his career to establish his own identity.
Jennifer Aniston’s Dad Was a Soap Opera Star
Before Friends made Jennifer Aniston a household name, her father, John Aniston, had spent years on television. He was particularly well known for playing Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives.
Maya Rudolph’s Mom Sang “Lovin’ You”
Maya Rudolph’s mother was Minnie Riperton, the singer behind the 1975 hit “Lovin’ You.” Her father, Richard Rudolph, also worked in music as a songwriter and producer.
Mariska Hargitay Is the Daughter of a Hollywood Bombshell
Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay is the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay. Her family was famous long before she became Olivia Benson.
Chris Pine Has a Familiar Face in His Family Tree
Chris Pine’s father is Robert Pine, who played Sergeant Joseph Getraer on the television series CHiPs. His mother, Gwynne Gilford, also worked as an actress.
Lily Collins Has a Very Famous Musician for a Dad
Before audiences knew Lily Collins as Emily Cooper in Emily in Paris, her father, Phil Collins, was already a global superstar thanks to Genesis and his solo career.
Rashida Jones Comes From Music Royalty
Rashida Jones may be best known for Parks and Recreation and The Office, but her parents are legendary music producer Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton.
John David Washington Followed in His Father’s Footsteps
Tenet and BlacKkKlansman star John David Washington is the son of Denzel Washington and actress Pauletta Washington. He actually pursued professional football before turning to acting.
Jack Quaid Has Two Romantic-Comedy-Era Icons for Parents
Jack Quaid, known for The Boys, is the son of Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid. His parents were already major Hollywood stars before he made his film debut in The Hunger Games.
Domhnall Gleeson’s Dad Also Went to Hogwarts
Domhnall Gleeson played Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter films, while his father, Brendan Gleeson, played Mad-Eye Moody. They’ve also appeared together in several other films.
Margaret Qualley’s Mom Is Andie MacDowell
Before starring in The Substance and Maid, Margaret Qualley grew up with an actress for a mother. Andie MacDowell even played her character’s mother in Maid.
Eve Hewson Has a Rock Star for a Father
Bad Sisters and The Perfect Couple actress Eve Hewson is the daughter of U2 frontman Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson. Her screen career has taken a very different direction from her father’s music.
Jared Harris Is the Son of an Oscar-Nominated Actor
Jared Harris, known for Mad Men, Chernobyl, and The Crown, is the son of Richard Harris, who played the original Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films.
Billie Lourd Comes From Hollywood Royalty
Booksmart and American Horror Story actress Billie Lourd is the daughter of Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher and the granddaughter of Debbie Reynolds, making her part of three generations of Hollywood performers.