Ben Stiller’s Take on ‘Nepo Babies’: From Criticism to Selling Point
Hollywood’s ongoing debate about “nepo babies” — celebrities’ children who benefit from family connections — has sparked discussions about privilege and merit. Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller, son of comedy legends Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, recently shared his perspective, suggesting the label might actually be an advantage.
In a candid interview, Stiller compared the term to the 1980s “Brat Pack” phenomenon, where young stars like Rob Lowe and Molly Ringwald were grouped together under a label that eventually became iconic.
“I think the term ‘nepo baby’ is almost a selling point now,” Stiller said. “It’s kind of like that Brat Pack thing back in the day — a way to categorize people that becomes part of their public identity.”
The Rise and Rebranding of ‘Nepo Baby’
The term gained traction as critics called out Hollywood’s nepotism, spotlighting stars like Maude Apatow (daughter of Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann) and Kaia Gerber (daughter of Cindy Crawford). However, Stiller believes the conversation is evolving.
“If you’re good at what you do, people will recognize that,” he noted. “But yes, a famous last name opens doors. That’s just reality.”
Brat Pack vs. Nepo Babies: A Cultural Parallel
The Brat Pack label was initially seen as dismissive but later became a nostalgic badge of honor. Similarly, “nepo baby” may be losing its negative connotation. Stars like Lily-Rose Depp (daughter of Johnny Depp) and Maya Hawke (daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman) have embraced their backgrounds while proving their talent.
Hollywood’s Double Standard: Privilege vs. Opportunity
While Stiller acknowledges frustrations over industry gatekeeping, he points out that connections matter in every field. “In showbiz, it’s just more visible,” he said. Critics argue nepotism limits opportunities for outsiders, but some believe talent ultimately shines through.
What’s Next for the Nepo Baby Debate?
With Gen Z celebrities owning the label through humor and transparency, “nepo baby” may become a neutral — or even positive — term. Social media memes and TikTok trends have softened its edge, turning it into a cultural talking point rather than pure criticism.
“At some point, it stops being a critique and becomes part of the story,” Stiller concluded. “If it gets people talking, that’s not always bad.”
Do you think ‘nepo baby’ is fair criticism, or is it time to move on? Share your thoughts below!
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