One thing Christian Wilkins, Willow Stefanovic and Robert Irwin have in common
Christian Wilkins, Willow Stefanovic and Robert Irwin have all quietly benefited from one thing that most stars are embarrassed to admit.
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Are you a nepotism baby? A nepo baby is the offspring of someone famous or incredibly influential who has benefited from their family’s connections to build a career.
That personally counts me out. My mum’s an English teacher, and my dad owned a pub. Sadly, that didn’t get me an agent, just more copies of Pride and Prejudice than anyone could ever truly need.
However, I did land a pretty sweet gig as a waitress at Max Brenner because my sister also worked there, so you know – I get it. Plus, I was really quite bad at waitressing and in all honesty didn’t deserve the gig but that is nepotism for you. I was the Brooklyn Beckham of waitressing.
.
Brooklyn Beckham just cuts cheese wheels and makes clothing tags like https://t.co/PozJ7unaP6
— nana 🎂 (@littlenanafreak) December 22, 2022
No, surprises here, but the Australian media landscape is full of them, and nepo babies get a bit defensive, so let’s proceed with caution.
For instance, recently, when model Lottie Moss, Kate Moss’s half-sister, was accused of benefiting from nepotism, she tweeted, “I’m so sick of people blaming nepotism for why they aren’t rich and famous or successful.”
She has since deleted her Twitter account.
The internet has been ablaze with talk about how nepotism makes up the bulk of Hollywood. Did you know actor Dakota Johnson from Fifty Shades of Grey is actor Melanie Griffith’s daughter? Or that Lily-Rose Depp, who frequently models for Chanel, is Johnny Depp’s daughter?
Did you realise that Maude Apatow, who plays Lexie in Euphoria, is the daughter of actress Leslie Mann and director Judd Apatow? Or you did you note that Lily Collins, the star of Emily in Paris, is the daughter of musician Phil Collins.
The list goes on and on and on, and even the actor Steve R. McQueen who plays Jeremy, the hot brother from Vampire Diaries, is the grandson of acclaimed actor Steve McQueen.
They have their parents’ genetics, but more importantly, they have their parents’ connections and last names that will get them noticed. They also probably have credit cards instead of the pathetic debit card I wander around with.
Meanwhile, all my last name has ever gotten me is entry into the local bowling club in my small town because I’m Doreen’s granddaughter.
You know how everyone says all you need is to get your foot in the door? Well, that is really easy to do when your mum or dad is holding it open for you.
Naturally, nepotism isn’t just rife in Hollywood it’s also common practice Down Under.
For instance, presenter Karl Stefanovic’s daughter Willow Stefanovic has recently signed with Precision MGMT to launch her modelling career.
She signed with the agency before she graduated high school. The only thing I signed for in high school was when I was committing forgery of my dad’s signature so I could go to school excursions.
Entertainment reporting legend Richard Wilkins’ son Christian Wilkins has also created a whole career for himself, basically for just being himself.
Like a Kardashian, Wilkins is often more known for his clothes than who he is. His red-carpet looks often go viral, but his also a host, performer and model. Basically he wears many hats and I’m not just talking about his wardrobe.
Even the loveable Robert Irwin is a nepotism baby. His sadly deceased father Steve Irwin left him an animal legacy that Robert has embraced with open arms and has now dedicated his life to promoting Australia Zoo.
Plus, Robert is rumoured to be dating Heath Ledger’s niece. When will it stop? It won’t! Famous people love to hang out with famous people.
I don’t think there is any denying that nepotism is as common as herpes. These nepotism babies are everywhere. Nicole Kidman’s niece Lucia Hawley bagged a gig at Nine as an associate producer. Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons’s daughter Billi FitzSimons landed a job as editor at The Daily Aus before her 25th birthday.
Roxy Jacenko’s daughter Pixie hasn’t even started high school yet and already owns a multimillion-dollar business. Meanwhile, I’m still depressed that my beanie baby collection never went up in value.
Pixie also has made enough money that she can retire at 15 years old. Yes, it pays to be privileged.
The nephew of TV couple Peter Overton, and Jessica Rowe Sam Rechner has bagged a role in Steven Spielberg’s new film.
It will never end!
It isn’t just young nep babies. Did you know David Campbell, the man that carries Carols by Candlelight every year and hosts Today Extra is Jimmy Barnes’ son?
Or that Ten's entertainment reporter Angela Bishop is also the daughter of politician Bronwyn Bishop.
Perhaps you missed the memo that Julian McMahon, most famous for being the star of Ryan Murphy’s Nip/Tuck, is the son of former Prime Minister Sir William McMahon. He was also married to Kylie Minogue’s sister Danni in the ‘90s.
Even troubled Andrew O’Keefe is a nepotism baby. He made a name for himself as the host of Seven’s Deal or No Deal. However, his Dad is a justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Meanwhile, his uncle Johnny is an iconic musician.
Are you seeing a pattern yet?
For the most part being a nepo baby is a pretty easy gig. You get cool jobs and it is pretty easy to become famous, you don’t even have to bother with a sex-tape or bikini body workout plan.
Occasionally, you get mocked online for not being very talented but money and status is probably comforting. Famously Victoria Beckham and David Beckham’s son Brooklyn Beckam got trolled online for his photography book and Roxy Jacenko’s daughter got roasted for having a lavish Christmas list. But, I have a feeling both are doing just fine.
Actually, I know Pixie is. Her famous mum just posted a photo of her wearing a face-mask on a plane.
if any of you dare try to suggest that brooklyn beckham is a nepo baby i will lose it. he got where he is through talent and talent alone pic.twitter.com/eERCh5Hbj5
— daisy bard (@DaisyBard) December 20, 2022
So why are nepotism babies everywhere? Because it is easy for them to be. When you’re born into immense status and wealth every door will open for you. You’ll find it easier to make friends, get jobs, build a profile.
So, if you are a nepotism baby and someone points it out and you find yourself getting a little defensive, take a deep breath and remember being a nepotism baby actually comes with heaps of perks embrace it, baby!
The rest of us will just watch on with envy and poorer bank accounts glaring at our very ordinary but totally loving parents.
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