nepotism baby (nepo baby) - noun - term used to describe a person often in the entertainment industry who benefits from their parent's fame or connections, suggesting that their success is partially due to those connections rather than solely their own merit or talent. (Google)
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in the auditorium of the Academy Museum of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences listening to legendary actor Goldie Hawn, whom I have always respected, mainly because she, unlike so many in the industry, is not a nepo baby, one who benefited from her parents' connections. Although she had a lot of information to share, mainly about her own career, she mentioned in passing that she never outright helped her children Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson, and Wyatt Russell get to where they are today in show business. Albeit honest, the statement struck me as being ironic as she has never needed to lift a finger to assist them. Everyone who is anyone in Hollywood knows her and recognizes her children, giving them a clear advantage over actors who aren't related to celebrities. Although many in the biz will insist that the wielders of power in the entertainment sector don't like the idea of nepo babies, they clearly have a leg up and always have. Remember the adage: "It's not what you know, but whom you know"? I do.
How many nepo babies can you name? There are just so many. Hmm. Other than the aforementioned, there are Miley Cyrus, Dakota Johnson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Nicolas Cage, Lenny Kravitz, George Clooney, Nancy Sinatra, Liza Minelli, etc., etc. Some nepo babies have considerable talent while others don't. All grew up in the shadows of their famous parents, not knowing much of anything but privilege and all the right moves that might make them some money in the entertainment world.
Those who have been in show business all of their lives and have never been given much in the way of breaks via their parents or anyone else know that luck and talent need to work together to create success. For example, although Cher's mother was an actor who appeared as an extra in many films, she never got anywhere because she refused to use the casting couch (big in the forties and fifties) to obtain roles. In her recent memoir, Cher writes that she is aware that there are thousands of performers out there who have way more talent than she does, but Lady Luck has not been on their side. And she is absolutely right. She just happened to be in the right place at the right time and met the right men who promoted her to super stardom. Serendipity always makes for a better story than nepotism in my opinion anyway. The rags-to-riches yarn is pretty much the definition of the American Dream.
Interestingly enough, the celebrity of the moment, Taylor Swift enjoyed luck of another kind. Her parents, notably her dad, possesses sumptuous quantities of money to finance her career. Emotional as well as monetary support can result in fame. Talent, although generally natural, can be enhanced via the right people. In the music business, it is usually the producers that make the difference, and Swift has had many.
Although there are times when I wish I were a nepo baby or just had parents who had the motivation to be stage parents, I am glad that I remained a hardworking G.D.I. in show business. Lady Luck shook my hand momentarily, but the timing just wasn't right. And as we all know, timing is everything. Besides, who wants mega attention anyway? It involves so much responsibility and very little privacy. Heck, the Internet thinks I'm famous. What more do I need?
If you aren't a nepo baby, don't despair. You are probably way more content than they are.
#nepotism, #nepobabies, #Personal Essay, #blog, #blogger, #society, #spilled thoughts
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