In the world of Hollywood, it’s no secret that some stars get a head start because of who they know, not just what they know. This is called “nepotism,” and it’s when people use their family connections to get special treatment or opportunities. In Hollywood, that often means children of famous actors, directors, or producers land big roles and high paying jobs, even if they’re new to the industry.

Take, for example, the famous actress Gwyneth Paltrow. She is the daughter of actress Blythe Danner and film producer Bruce Paltrow. Growing up, she was surrounded by people who could help her break into the industry. Today, Paltrow has a successful career and even runs her own business. But many people believe her success is partly due to her family’s influence.

“My favorite ‘nepo baby’ is Emma Roberts,” shared sophomore Carolina Castillo.

This pattern isn’t limited to just a few celebrities. Many children of stars, like Jaden Smith (son of Will Smith) and Lily Collins (daughter of musician Phil Collins), have stepped into the spotlight thanks to their famous parents. While these celebrities are talented, critics argue that they had an advantage simply because of their family connections.

“My favorite ‘nepo baby’ is Hailey Bieber, because I love her company,” said sophomore Victoria Baird.

But not everyone sees nepotism as a bad thing. Some argue that these celebrities often work hard and deserve their success, even if their family helped them get started. Others believe that nepotism can be unfair to those who don’t have famous relatives, making it harder for new talent to break into the industry.

In the end, nepotism is a complex issue. While it’s clear that connections can help, it’s also important to remember that success in Hollywood often depends on talent, hard work, and sometimes, just luck.