Top 10 Nepotism Baby Performances That Were Surprisingly Awesome
#10: Sunny & Sadie Sandler
“You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” (2023) Adam Sandler signed onto a big four picture deal with Netflix in 2014. The partnership proved so successful that they reportedly renewed the deal twice. And indeed, 2023’s “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” is shaping up to be one of the best movies of Sandler’s career. It’s a Jewish coming-of-age tween dramedy starring Sandler’s daughters, Sunny and Sadie. Like their father, the girls put forward an incredibly endearing performance. As Stacy, Sunny’s comedy chops blossom from a wellspring of pre-teenage angst. She realistically captures the unsure footing of a teenager, painting a nuanced portrait of a girl trying to find her place in the world. Her sister may have a smaller part as Ronnie, but she makes a fantastic impression too.
#9: Maya Hawke
“Stranger Things” (2016-) When your folks are Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, there is a solid chance you may have acting in your blood. That couldn’t be more true for Maya Hawke, who exploded onto the scene as Robin in season 3 of Netflix’s smash hit horror, “Stranger Things.” Robin is a closeted lesbian in the middle of suburban Indiana during the 1980s. While the show doesn’t lean too heavily on the bigotry that may entail, Hawke captures the palpable realities that come with her character’s reality, while avoiding stereotype and caricature. Despite essentially coming from Hollywood royalty, the star is effortlessly relatable. Her mixture of insecurity, ferocious loyalty, and sincerity made Robin an instant fan-favorite character.
#8: Allison Williams
“Get Out” (2017) Allison Williams, daughter of NBC anchor Brian Williams, landed the female lead in Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning directorial debut, “Get Out.” Famously, Williams reportedly knew in her bones that the film would be in the Academy Award conversation in production’s earliest stages, and she was right. Her character, Rose, is arguably one of the most shockingly insidious villains in movie history. For much of the runtime, she comes across as a mostly understanding white girlfriend with a somewhat problematic family. By the end, we realize that Rose is actually the worst of a bad bunch. In subsequent viewings, you can see all the very subtle seeds that Williams plants throughout her performance. She plays pure, unequivocal evil with unabashed nuance and skill.
#7: Margaret Qualley
“Maid” (2021) We can debate whether Margaret Qualley looks like her famous mother, Andie MacDowell. But there’s no denying she inherited her talent. Over the last decade, Qualley has been something of a journeyman actor, netting roles in projects like “Palo Alto,” HBO’s “The Leftovers,” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” In 2021, we got to know her better as the lead in the Netflix adaptation of “Maid.” It's an autobiographical story about a woman who works as a maid after getting away from an abusive partner. It’s a very heavy topic handled with delicate love and respect. Qualley absolutely shines as a single mom persevering and doing her best. Her performance is both relatable and filled with hope, and she deservedly netted an Emmy nomination.
#6: Jack Quaid
Top 10 Jack Nicholson Performances
“The Boys” (2019-) As the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, Jack Quaid is a nepo baby on both sides. What’s incredible is that he manages to emulate the best of both his parents. Indeed, he has both his father’s affable demeanor and his mother’s genuine heart. He’s been practically everywhere of late, notably voice acting in both the DC and Star Trek animated universes. However, he made his big splash onto the scene in Amazon Prime Video’s “The Boys.” In a dark, twisted universe filled with horrible broken people, Jack’s Hughie is the show’s “moral center.” He is at once both a hapless dork and a source of goodness and light. Quaid is able to capture all that while also exploring the character’s more complicated side.
#5: John David Washington
Top 10 John Hurt Performances
“BlacKkKlansman” (2018) John David Washington is another nepo baby with two successful parents. His mother is singer and actor Pauletta Washington. His father is an Oscar winner so famous he’s often referred to by just his first name, Denzel. After a stint in professional football, John decided to follow in his parents’ footsteps. His football skills must’ve been useful for his role in HBO’s “Ballers,” but he was really able to showcase the full depths of his talents in Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman.” He stars as an undercover cop who, along with his Jewish partner, manages to infiltrate the KKK. His discomfort with getting enmeshed in white supremacy is palpable, and he uses his deep, powerful voice to great effect.
#4: Jamie Lee Curtis
Top 10 Jamie Foxx Performances
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022) Jamie Lee Curtis is both the daughter of Tony Curtis and a second generation scream queen. About 18 years after her mother, Janet Leigh’s character, was killed in “Psycho,” Jamie Lee helped take down Michael Meyers in “Halloween.” Her parents, though, are not solely responsible for her decades-long career in film: that was due to her talent and charm. Decades after getting her start, she earned an Oscar for her stellar performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” She was a pivotal piece of an incredible, off-kilter sci-fi ensemble film. Of course, the movie was a vehicle to center the great work of Asian actors. Despite winning Best Supporting Actress as a white woman, Curtis took the opportunity to lift up her co-stars, too.
#3: Nicolas Cage
Top 20 Greatest Nicolas Cage Moments
“Pig” (2021) Nic Cage knew from the beginning of his career that being a nepo baby is a double edged sword. It can open doors, but also limit the way people see you. Indeed, he changed his name in an effort to separate himself from his world-famous uncle, Francis Ford Coppola. The result is a decades-long, award-winning career ranging from comedy, to action, to straight dramas, to some of the weirdest flicks out there. In 2021, Cage proved once again that he has the goods. In “Pig,” he plays an ex-chef who has eschewed the limelight for life as a recluse raising a truffle pig. The understated masterpiece features an uncharacteristically low-key performance from Cage that leaves audiences breathless.
#2: Dan Levy
Top 10 Most Unexpected Nepotism Baby Roles
“Schitt's Creek” (2015-20) Dan Levy put together “Schitt’s Creek” with his father, famous comedian Eugene Levy. Eugene has been a fixture of Canadian and international comedy for years. Working together, the two created one of the funniest shows in CBC history. Dan stars as David Rose, a spoiled rich boy who, along with his family, is essentially exiled to the titular town when they lose their fortune. David, who is both a brat and a fashionista, has an incredible arc across the lifespan of “Schitt’s Creek.” He goes from self-absorbed to caring about others, from helpless to strong and confident. The combination of biting wit, self-effacing ignorance, and personal growth Levy infuses into the role has made David one of the most empathetic characters television has ever seen. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Angelina Jolie, “Girl, Interrupted” (1999)
Top 10 Outstanding Angelina Jolie Performances
Jon Voight’s Daughter Is Stellar in This Honest Deep Dive Into Women’s Mental Health
Maude Apatow, “Euphoria” (2019-)
The Scion of Comedy Icons Shines as Rue’s Normcore Bestie
Tracee Ellis Ross, “Black-ish” (2014-22)
This R&B Princess’ Daughter Became One of America’s Most Beloved TV Moms
Jason Schwartzman, “Rushmore” (1998)
Another Top 10 Badass Jason Statham Moments
The Son of Adrian from “Rocky” & Member of the Coppola Family Plays a Quirky High School Student
Bryce Dallas Howard, “The Help” (2011)
The Third Generation Actress Utilizes Incredible Subtlety to Play a Racist Bad Guy
#1: Laura Dern
Top 10 Greatest Laura Dern Performances
“Jurassic Park” (1993) In recent years, the unparalleled Laura Dern has earned praise for roles in “Star Wars,” “Big Little Lies,” and “Marriage Story,” to name a few. But the daughter of actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd has been crushing it since the ‘80s. In 1993, Dern’s star rose to new heights in Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur classic, “Jurassic Park.” It’s easy to see why when you look at the skill with which she portrays Dr. Ellie Sattler, a woman with many layers. She’s equally at home fighting for her life and elbow deep in a pile of dinosaur droppings. Utilizing a mix of childlike wonder and fierce determination to survive, Dern made Ellie a relatable every-woman. We’re thrilled anytime we see her reprise the role.