21 Actors Who Are Actually Nepo Babies Of Famous Old Hollywood Actors, But It's Not Super Obvious

Nora Dominick
·9-min read

1.First, Mariska Hargitay, who has notably starred as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU for 26 seasons, is the daughter of actors Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay.

Mariska Hargitay in an episode of
Mariska Hargitay in an episode of
A man and a woman are embracing and smiling for the camera. The woman has styled hair and is wearing a sparkly top
A man and a woman are embracing and smiling for the camera. The woman has styled hair and is wearing a sparkly top

Virginia Sherwood / NBC, Evening Standard / Getty Images

Jayne was an actor and Playboy Playmate. She was known for her roles in both movies like Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?, The Girl Can't Help It, Too Hot to Handle, and more.

Mickey was an actor and 1955's Mr. Universe. He made four movies alongside Jayne, including Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and Promises! Promises!

2.Kate Burton, who is best known for playing Ellis Grey in Grey's Anatomy and Sally Langston in Scandal, is the daughter of actors Richard Burton and Sybil Christopher.

Kate Burton as Ellis Grey in a scene from
Kate Burton as Ellis Grey in a scene from
A man in a tuxedo and a woman in an elegant evening dress with a fur stole smile at an event
A man in a tuxedo and a woman in an elegant evening dress with a fur stole smile at an event

ABC, Evening Standard / Getty Images

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Richard was nominated for seven Academy Awards for his work in My Cousin Rachel, The Robe, Becket, The Spy Who Came In from the Cold, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Anne of the Thousand Days, and Equus.

Sybil was an actor but also best known for being the founder of the NYC nightclub Arthur and the founder of the New Theatre in NYC.

3.Chris Pine, who is best known for his work in The Princess Diaries 2, the Star Trek films, Wonder Woman, and more, is the grandson of actor Anne Gwynne.

Chris Pine in a scene from the
Chris Pine in a scene from the
A woman in vintage clothing, wearing a ruffled dress, sits at a vanity table holding a hairbrush in a classic film noir style setting
A woman in vintage clothing, wearing a ruffled dress, sits at a vanity table holding a hairbrush in a classic film noir style setting

Disney, Everett Collection

Anne is considered one of the first scream queens in Hollywood. She is best known for her work in horror films like Black Friday and House of Frankenstein. She also starred in Men of Texas, Ride 'Em Cowboy, and more.

Chris' parents, Robert Pine and Gwynne Gilford, are also actors.

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4.Natasha Richardson, who is probably best known for starring as Elizabeth James in The Parent Trap, was the daughter of actor Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson.

Natasha Richardson in a scene from
Natasha Richardson in a scene from
A person in a buttoned coat with a peace badge stands outside a building, looking confidently at the camera
A person in a buttoned coat with a peace badge stands outside a building, looking confidently at the camera

Disney, Evening Standard / Getty Images

Vanessa won an Academy Award in 1977 for Best Supporting Actress for Julia. She also has two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. She's best known for her work in Atonement, Howards End, Mary, Queen of Scots, and more.

Tony was a director, screenwriter, and producer. He won two Academy Awards in 1964 for Best Director and Best Picture for Tom Jones.

5.Ethan Peck, who is best known for playing Spock in Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, is the grandson of actor Gregory Peck.

Ethan Peck dressed as Spock and wearing a blue shirt with a gold pin
Ethan Peck dressed as Spock and wearing a blue shirt with a gold pin
Person sitting on a couch, wearing a pinstripe suit and patterned tie, looking directly at the camera
Person sitting on a couch, wearing a pinstripe suit and patterned tie, looking directly at the camera

Marni Grossman / Paramount+, Ernest Bachrach / Getty Images

Gregory is best known for starring as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1962. He also starred in Roman Holiday, Spellbound, and more.

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6.Sean Astin, who is best known for The Goonies, Rudy, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and more, is the son of actors Patty Duke and John Astin.

Sean Astin wearing a sweater and a cape in a scene from
Sean Astin wearing a sweater and a cape in a scene from
Two people smiling at an event. The man is wearing a patterned suit with tie; the woman has a lace shawl
Two people smiling at an event. The man is wearing a patterned suit with tie; the woman has a lace shawl

Warner Bros / Everett Collection, Ron Galella / Ron Galella Collection / Getty Images

Patty won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in The Miracle Worker, a role she also originated on Broadway. She also starred in The Patty Duke Show, Valley of the Dolls, and more.

John, who adopted Sean, was best known for starring as Gomez Addams in The Addams Family TV series, as well as Freaky Friday, National Lampoon's European Vacation, and more.

7.Jared Harris, who is best known for his work in Mad Men, The Crown, and Chernobyl, is the son of actor Richard Harris.

An individual in a naval officer uniform with medals stands near an ornate carriage, adjusting their hat
An individual in a naval officer uniform with medals stands near an ornate carriage, adjusting their hat
Man in a tuxedo with a bow tie at the People's Choice Awards
Man in a tuxedo with a bow tie at the People's Choice Awards

Netflix / Everett Collection, Ron Galella / Ron Galella Collection / Getty Images

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Richard was a two-time Academy Award nominee for his work in This Sporting Life and The Field. He also starred in Gladiator. He's probably best known for playing the original Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with the latter being his final film role.

8.Dakota Johnson, who is best known for her work in the Fifty Shades of Grey movies, How to Be Single, Suspiria, and more, is the grandaughter of actor Tippi Hedren.

Dakota Johnson in a long shirt leans against a door frame in a casual pose, with exercise balls in the background
Dakota Johnson in a long shirt leans against a door frame in a casual pose, with exercise balls in the background
Person seated indoors wearing a striped dress and a pearl necklace, with an elegant hairstyle and hand resting on chin
Person seated indoors wearing a striped dress and a pearl necklace, with an elegant hairstyle and hand resting on chin

Universal / Everett Collection, Wesley / Getty Images

Tippi is best known for starring in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds and the movie Marnie.

Of course, Dakota is also the daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson.

9.Zoë Kravitz, who is best known for her work in Big Little Lies, Mad Max: Fury Road, High Fidelity, The Batman, and more, is the granddaughter of actor Roxie Roker.

Zoe Kravitz with long hair sitting at a table with a lit candle in front, wearing a casual floral-patterned top, smiling gently outdoors
Zoe Kravitz with long hair sitting at a table with a lit candle in front, wearing a casual floral-patterned top, smiling gently outdoors
Person wearing a collared shirt and scarf, with hoop earrings. They appear poised in a portrait-style photograph
Person wearing a collared shirt and scarf, with hoop earrings. They appear poised in a portrait-style photograph

HBO, CBS / Everett Collection

Roxie starred as Heken Willis on The Jeffersons for eleven seasons from 1975 to 1985.

Of course, Zoë is the daughter of Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz. Roxie was Lenny's mother.

10.Miguel Ferrer, who was best known for his work in Twin Peaks, Crossing Jordan, and NCIS: Los Angeles, was the son of actors Rosemary Clooney and José Ferrer.

Two people sit at a table with technology equipment. The woman wears a blouse, and the man wears a suit with a pin. They appear engaged in discussion
Two people sit at a table with technology equipment. The woman wears a blouse, and the man wears a suit with a pin. They appear engaged in discussion
A smiling man in a pinstripe suit and hat looks at a woman adjusting his bow tie. She wears a floral dress and gloves
A smiling man in a pinstripe suit and hat looks at a woman adjusting his bow tie. She wears a floral dress and gloves

Suzanne Tenner / Showtime / Everett Collection, Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Rosemary was best known for starring as Betty Haynes in White Christmas. She also notably appeared in an episode of ER in 1994 alongside her nephew George Clooney. She was also a well-known singer.

José is considered one of the most celebrated Hispanic-American actors. He notably won a Tony and Academy Award for his work as Cyrano de Bergerac in the play and film of the same name. He also starred in Joan of Arc, Moulin Rouge, and more.

11.Riley Keough, who is best known for her work in Mad Max: Fury Road, Daisy Jones & the Six, and more, is the granddaughter of musician and actor Elvis Presley.

Riley Keough as Daisy Jones with long hair leans against a bus with large text painted on it, gazing thoughtfully into the distance
Riley Keough as Daisy Jones with long hair leans against a bus with large text painted on it, gazing thoughtfully into the distance
Elvis in a vintage-style setting, seated with an acoustic guitar, wearing a striped shirt
Elvis in a vintage-style setting, seated with an acoustic guitar, wearing a striped shirt

Prime Video / Everett Collection, Archive Photos / Getty Images

Alongside his legendary singing career, Elvis was also known for starring in movies like Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Blue Hawaii, Viva Las Vegas, and more.

Riley is the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, who was also a singer.

12.Oona Chaplin, who is best known for her work as Talisa Stark in Game of Thrones, is the granddaughter of actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin.

A woman smiling, wearing a simple, tailored dress with her hair styled neatly. Candlelit background suggests a formal or historical setting
A woman smiling, wearing a simple, tailored dress with her hair styled neatly. Candlelit background suggests a formal or historical setting
A person with a bowler hat, cane, and a distinctive mustache, wearing a loose suit, stands in a playful pose, reminiscent of early 20th-century comedy
A person with a bowler hat, cane, and a distinctive mustache, wearing a loose suit, stands in a playful pose, reminiscent of early 20th-century comedy

HBO, General Photographic Agency / Getty Images

Of course, Chaplin is known for his string of movies in the silent film era, most notably The Kid, A Woman of Paris, The Gold Rush, The Circus, and more.

13.Steven R. McQueen, who is best known for playing Jeremy Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries, is the grandson of actor Steve McQueen.

Young man with short hair wearing a casual dark hoodie in a serious expression
Young man with short hair wearing a casual dark hoodie in a serious expression
Actor in a casual pose, wearing a black turtleneck and shoulder holster, leaning against a wall
Actor in a casual pose, wearing a black turtleneck and shoulder holster, leaning against a wall

The CW / Everett Collection, Getty Images

Steve was known as the "King of Cool." He earned an Academy Award nomination for his work in The Sand Pebbles. He also starred in movies like The Cincinnati Kid, Nevada Smith, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and more.

In 1974, Steve was reportedly the highest-paid movie actor in the world.

14.Sam Robards, who is best known for starring in American Beauty, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Fandango, and more, is the son of actors Lauren Bacall and Jason Robards.

Two individuals stand together. One wears a checkered shirt, the other a tuxedo with a ruffled shirt. They appear to be in a formal setting
Two individuals stand together. One wears a checkered shirt, the other a tuxedo with a ruffled shirt. They appear to be in a formal setting
A man in a tuxedo and a woman in an elegant dress smile while holding a photograph at a formal event
A man in a tuxedo and a woman in an elegant dress smile while holding a photograph at a formal event

Warner Bros / Everett Collection, New York Daily News Archive / Getty Images

Lauren is considered one of the greatest actors of classic Hollywood. She is best known for her work in movies like To Have and Have Not, Murder on the Orient Express, The Mirror Has Two Faces, Misery, and more. She received an honorary Academy Award in 2010.

Jason is best known for playing Bed Bradlee in All the President's Men, a role that earned him an Academy Award. He also won an Oscar for his work in Julia. Jason was also known for his work in the TV series Inherit the Wind and the Broadway play The Disenchanted.

15.Anjelica Huston, who is best known for her work in Prizzi's Honor, The Addams Family, The Witches, and more, is the daughter of actor John Huston.

Anjelica as Morticia Addams is dressed in dark, elegant attire with long, straight hair, standing in a dimly lit room
Anjelica as Morticia Addams is dressed in dark, elegant attire with long, straight hair, standing in a dimly lit room
Person in a hat and tweed jacket sits outdoors, holding a cigarette, looking to the side
Person in a hat and tweed jacket sits outdoors, holding a cigarette, looking to the side

Paramount / Everett Collection, John Springer Collection / Corbis / Getty Images

John was a director, screenwriter, and actor. He won two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Writing, Screenplay in 1948 for The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

Anjelica's grandfather, Walter Huston, was also an actor.

16.Tony Goldwyn, who is best known for his work in Scandal, Ghost, and more, is the son of producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and actor Jennifer Howard.

A person in a formal suit and tie stands in an indoor setting, looking serious
A person in a formal suit and tie stands in an indoor setting, looking serious
A person in formal attire, wearing a suit with a tie, looks upward thoughtfully. Portrait-style photograph
A person in formal attire, wearing a suit with a tie, looks upward thoughtfully. Portrait-style photograph

Nicole Wilder / ABC / Getty Images, George Konig / Getty Images

Samuel is best known for producing films like Mystic Pizza, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and more.

Jennifer was a well-known TV actor who appeared in shows like The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Perry Mason, and more.

Tony's grandfather was Samuel Goldwyn, who was one of the founders of the iconic film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

17.Alia Shawkat, who is best known for her work in Arrested Development and Search Party, is the granddaughter of actor Paul Burke.

Two people outdoors, one in a striped long-sleeve shirt and the other in a floral dress with a jacket, looking upward with expressions of curiosity
Two people outdoors, one in a striped long-sleeve shirt and the other in a floral dress with a jacket, looking upward with expressions of curiosity
Two people in 1960s attire converse on a city street. The man holds a newspaper and cigarette, engaging with the woman
Two people in 1960s attire converse on a city street. The man holds a newspaper and cigarette, engaging with the woman

20th Century Fox / Everett Collection, Everett Collection

Paul was best known for his leading roles in the TV series Naked City and 12 O'Clock High. He was nominated for two Emmy Awards for Naked City, where he played Det. Adam Flint.

18.June Lockhart, who is best known for classic films like A Christmas Carol and Meet Me in St. Louis and shows like Lassie and Lost in Space, was the daughter of actors Gene Lockhart and Kathleen Lockhart.

A woman smiles while embracing a collie dog, standing by a tree. She wears an elegant, vintage-style dress
A woman smiles while embracing a collie dog, standing by a tree. She wears an elegant, vintage-style dress
Three people in vintage attire: a woman with a hat and fur collar, a man with a cigar and suit, and a boy with a cap and casual clothing. Classic film scene
Three people in vintage attire: a woman with a hat and fur collar, a man with a cigar and suit, and a boy with a cap and casual clothing. Classic film scene

Everett Collection

Gene appeared in over 300 films during his lifetime. Notably, he received an Academy Award nomination for his work as Regis in Algiers in 1938.

Kathleen was known for her roles in movies like Sweethearts, Roughly Speaking, and Penrod's Double Trouble.

19.Sarah Sutherland, who is best known for her work as Catherine Meyer in Veep, is the granddaughter of Donald Sutherland.

Person seated, wearing a white blouse with delicate lace details, looking thoughtfully to the side. Indoor setting
Person seated, wearing a white blouse with delicate lace details, looking thoughtfully to the side. Indoor setting
Person in a brown jacket with a shirt and tie, standing indoors
Person in a brown jacket with a shirt and tie, standing indoors

HBO, Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Donald was best known for his work in Kelly's Heroes, M*A*S*H, Animal House, and for his portrayal of President Snow in The Hunger Games films.

Of course, Sarah is also the daughter of actor Kiefer Sutherland.

20.Abby Elliott, who is best known for The Bear and Saturday Night Live, is the granddaughter of actor Bob Elliott.

Three people stand in conversation outside a building. The woman wears a textured sweater, and the men are in casual tops
Three people stand in conversation outside a building. The woman wears a textured sweater, and the men are in casual tops
Two men in vintage suits pose together, smiling warmly. One sits with arms crossed, while the other stands behind, resting hands on the other's shoulders
Two men in vintage suits pose together, smiling warmly. One sits with arms crossed, while the other stands behind, resting hands on the other's shoulders

FX / Everett Collection, Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images

Bob is best known as being one-half of the comedy duo Bob and Ray. He's best known for appearing in Happy Days, Newhart, Laraine & Gilda, Saturday Night Live, and more.

Abby's father, Chris Elliott, is also known for starring in Saturday Night Live and Schitt's Creek.

Abby is the third generation of the family to be featured on SNL.

21.And finally, Drew Barrymore, who is best known for her work in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Scream, Charlie's Angels, The Wedding Singer, and more, is the granddaughter of actors John Barrymore and Dolores Costello.

Person in sequined dress stands in dimly lit setting, looking forward
Person in sequined dress stands in dimly lit setting, looking forward
Elegant couple in early 20th-century formal attire, with the gentleman in a tuxedo and the lady in a lace dress, posing outdoors
Elegant couple in early 20th-century formal attire, with the gentleman in a tuxedo and the lady in a lace dress, posing outdoors

Columbia Pictures / Everett Collection, Hulton Archive / Getty Images

John was best known for his work in silent films like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes, and The Sea Beast. He also starred in movies like Midnight, Dinner at Eight, and more.

Dolores was nicknamed "The Goddess of the Silent Screen" by John. She is known for her work in movies like The Sea Beast, Moby-Dick, and more.

Drew's entire family — the Drew and Barrymore families — is considered an acting dynasty, with all of her paternal great-grandparents and paternal grandparents being actors.

We can't fit everyone into one post, so which other actors were you surprised to find out were the children or grandchildren of famous classic Hollywood actors? Tell us in the comments below!

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