Hollywood is obsessed with dynasties, but every so often, the children don’t merely inherit their parents’ steps—they run circles around them, construct dynasties, and redefine fame in its entirety. The “nepo baby” debate has been ubiquitous recently, but loathe it or not, some celebrity offspring have transitioned from “so-and-so’s kid” to world-renowned figures in their own right. These ten stars demonstrated that legacies are not merely passed down but remade.
10. Gigi & Bella Hadid (Daughters of Yolanda Hadid)
The Hadids turned modeling into a true family affair, but Gigi and Bella have eclipsed their mom’s career by miles. Yolanda Hadid was a successful model back in the ’80s and ’90s and later a Real Housewives staple, but her daughters are runway royalty. Gigi’s landed dozens of Vogue covers, while Bella’s been crowned Model of the Year more than once. With their worldwide promotions and online followers of millions, they’ve become cultural icons well beyond mom’s spotlight.
9. Ben Stiller (Son of Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara)
Comedy is in Ben Stiller’s blood, practically. His parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, were celebrated comedians and sitcom legends, but Ben’s career soared to an entirely different altitude. From Meet the Parents to Tropic Thunder to Zoolander, he established himself as both a comedic leading man and an acclaimed director. While Jerry Stiller will always be a legend (hello, Frank Costanza!), Ben forged a legacy of his own—larger, wider, and still thriving.
8. Drew Barrymore (Daughter of John Drew Barrymore)
The Barrymore family is Hollywood royalty, but Drew is the one who resuscitated the name as a household brand. Her dad, John Drew Barrymore, struggled with personal demons that kept his career in check. Drew, meanwhile, transitioned from her debut in E.T. to a decades-long acting, producing, and now talk show hosting career. She not only topped her dad—she renovated the Barrymore reputation for an entire new generation.
7. Chris Pine (Robert Pine’s son)
Robert Pine maintained a consistent TV career, most remembered for CHiPs, but Chris Pine propelled the family name directly to blockbuster fame. From Star Trek to Wonder Woman to his musical talents in Into the Woods, Chris has established himself as one of Hollywood’s greatest leading men. Where his father remained stable in supporting roles, Chris’s star presence propelled him to the A-list.
6. Josh Brolin (James Brolin’s Son)
James Brolin enjoyed success in television, but his son Josh was a box-office powerhouse. With The Goonies and launching into superstardom with No Country for Old Men and his iconic performance as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Josh has traded indie credentials for mainstream stardom. His credentials and international fame are well beyond his father’s, making him one of the most esteemed actors of his generation.
5. Gwyneth Paltrow (Child of Blythe Danner & Bruce Paltrow)
Raised by an award-winning actress mother and a director father, Gwyneth Paltrow was born for Hollywood. But she didn’t just coast on the family name—she created an empire. Her Oscar award for Shakespeare in Love and her performance in the Marvel universe cemented her acting career, but her lifestyle company, Goop, turned her into a divisive but undeniable mogul. Her parents were admired; Gwyneth was a cultural phenomenon.
4. Miley Cyrus (Daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus)
Billy Ray Cyrus gave the world “Achy Breaky Heart” in the ’90s, but Miley Cyrus has been shaping pop culture for nearly two decades. From Hannah Montana superstardom to a music career full of reinvention (Wrecking Ball, Flowers), she’s consistently stayed at the forefront of entertainment. Her dad had one monster hit—Miley built an entire career of them.
3. Jennifer Aniston (John Aniston’s daughter)
John Aniston was a soap veteran for decades, but Jennifer Aniston is now one of the most familiar faces on the globe because of Friends. Jennifer’s performance as Rachel Green defined an era in television, and she became a top-paid actress in Hollywood. Aside from her work, she’s a cultural icon whose reach far exceeds that of her father’s lengthy but more subdued career.
2. Whitney Houston (Daughter of Cissy Houston)
Cissy Houston gained respect as a gospel and background vocalist, but Whitney Houston was one of the all-time best voices in music history. With more than 200 million records sold, scores of Grammys, and hits that continue to own playlists even today, Whitney didn’t just surpass her mother—she revolutionized the music industry altogether. Her voice, her movies, her legacy? Unblemished.
1. Angelina Jolie (Daughter of Jon Voight)
Jon Voight is an Oscar winner with a storied career, but Angelina Jolie redefined international stardom. From Tomb Raider to Maleficent, helming award-winning movies, and her widespread humanitarian efforts, Jolie’s influence extends far outside of Hollywood. She’s not only more well-known than her father—she’s among the most influential names in contemporary culture.
Hollywood might adore its legacies, but these celebrities demonstrate that sometimes the following generation does not simply maintain the light burning—sometimes they ignite the entire world.