Let’s be real—Tinseltown is essentially a huge family reunion, only with designer suits and improved lighting. The “nepo baby” controversy has been going on forever, and truthfully, it’s not difficult to understand why. Many celebrity children ride on their parents’ coattails, realizing the easiest thing for them, but a few of them blow right past their parents and end up more famous than anyone could have predicted. So grab a bag of popcorn—here are 10 celebrity children who totally overshadowed their already-famous parents.
10. Drew Barrymore
The Barrymore surname has been acting royalty for centuries, but Drew Barrymore made it her brand. Her dad, John Barrymore, had an honorable career, but Drew pilfered the spotlight at an early age—scoring E.T. at age seven—and she never relinquished it. From rom-com sweetheart to talk show host, Drew is the most recognizable Barrymore of them all.
9. Lenny Kravitz
You may not immediately associate Lenny Kravitz with his mother, Roxie Roker (aka Helen Willis of The Jeffersons), but his journey to superstardom began in the household. As Roxie caused a splash on television, Lenny became a rock legend, winning Grammys, selling over 40 million albums, and even landing parts in The Hunger Games. The guy’s essentially music and cool in human form.
8. Gwyneth Paltrow
Blythe Danner is an acclaimed, Oscar-winning actress, but Gwyneth Paltrow is a cultural phenomenon. She won an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love, headlined massive blockbusters, and then launched Goop as a lifestyle giant. She began with a TV movie starring her father, but soon became the name on everyone’s lips.
7. Jeff Bridges
Lloyd Bridges was an adored actor, but Jeff Bridges became one. Well, The Dude. With seven Academy nominations and a victory for Crazy Heart, Jeff’s filmography spans cult comedies to gritty dramas. Today, he is considered one of Hollywood’s all-time greats—beating even his father’s legendary status.
6. Jennifer Aniston
John Aniston was a fixture on Days of Our Lives, but Jennifer Aniston broke out worldwide with Friends. She made “The Rachel” a hairstyle craze, dominated the rom-coms, and is still one of the most recognizable faces in show business. Safe to say, she didn’t just move out of her dad’s shadow—she left it light years behind.
5. Miley Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus did a monster with “Achy Breaky Heart,” but Miley Cyrus was a full-on cultural phenomenon. From Hannah Montana to Grammys and viral hits like “Wrecking Ball,” she’s sold more than 200 million records and created an image that’s uniquely her own. The second she put on the blonde wig for Disney, her star shot higher than her dad’s.
4. Jamie Lee Curtis
Born to Oscar-nominated parents Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis came into the world as Hollywood royalty—but didn’t ride on coattails. She emerged as a scream queen in Halloween, went on to have a career that stretches across decades, including comedies, dramas, and Oscar-worthy performances. She’s now arguably better known than both parents combined.
3. Angelina Jolie
Jon Voight is an acclaimed actor, but Angelina Jolie became an international icon. She’s got an Oscar, countless blockbuster roles, a voice role in Kung Fu Panda, and a massive humanitarian résumé. Add in her high-profile relationships and adoption advocacy, and she’s a household name in a way her dad never was.
2. Whitney Houston
Cissy Houston was a talented gospel and soul singer, but Whitney Houston was the voice of a generation. With a record-breaking run of number-one hits, six Grammys, and more than 200 million albums sold, Whitney’s talent and fame went stratospheric. Few artists have ever eclipsed their parents as much as she did.
1. Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Sr. was a significant filmmaker, but his son? He’s Iron Man. RDJ transformed from a problem child to one of the biggest stars living today, with an Oscar nod and a key role in kick-starting the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nowadays, he’s Hollywood’s most popular comeback kid—and quite the most famous name in the family.
Hollywood may adore a legendary last name, but these 10 celebrities confirm the sequel is stronger than the original. Occasionally, the second generation doesn’t simply carry on the family tradition—they take it somewhere their parents could only imagine.