Catherine Zeta-Jones says ‘nepo babies’ didn’t ask to be born into fame
Zeta-Jones argued that children born into famous families should not be blamed for having parents who are successful
Catherine Zeta-Jones has defended so-called “nepo babies”, arguing that children born into famous families should not be blamed for having parents who are already successful.
The Welsh actor, who shares two adult children with husband Michael Douglas, said her son Dylan and daughter Carys are now finding their own paths while growing up under the intense attention that comes with being part of a Hollywood dynasty.
“They didn’t ask to be born into fame,” Zeta-Jones said, addressing the criticism often directed at children of celebrities. She acknowledged that Dylan and Carys have benefited from opportunities that may not be available to everyone, but suggested that their family background should not define how people view them.
Zeta-Jones and Douglas have been married since 2000 and have raised their children in the public eye. Douglas is the son of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, meaning their children were born into a family with generations of connections to the entertainment industry.
The actor said her children are now “finding their own way in life”, adding that they are comfortable with the world they grew up in and are pursuing their own interests.
The comments come amid an ongoing debate around “nepo babies”, a term commonly used to describe people whose careers benefit from having famous or influential parents. While critics argue that family connections can provide an unfair advantage, others point out that celebrity children cannot choose the circumstances into which they are born.
For Zeta-Jones, that distinction is important. Her children may have grown up surrounded by Hollywood privilege, but she believes they should still be allowed to establish identities and careers separate from their parents.
Dylan and Carys have both shown an interest in creative careers. Dylan has pursued acting, while Carys has worked in fashion and modelling, occasionally appearing alongside her parents at major events.
Zeta-Jones has previously spoken about trying to give her children a relatively normal upbringing despite the family’s extraordinary level of fame. Her latest comments suggest that she remains conscious of the advantages they have inherited while also pushing back against the idea that they should be judged simply because of their parents.
The discussion surrounding celebrity offspring is unlikely to disappear, particularly as a new generation of actors, musicians and models with famous surnames enters the entertainment industry. But Zeta-Jones’ argument is that the children themselves should not be held responsible for the circumstances of their birth.
