Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
Zooey Deschanel denied being a “nepo baby,” stating that her family connections in the film industry didn’t aid her acting career. Her remark prompted significant backlash on social media, with people highlighting her parents’ notable achievements within the show-biz industry.
The New Girl star recently appeared on The School of Greatness podcast, where she attempted to debunk her speculated privileges in Hollywood.
Highlights
- Zooey Deschanel denied being a 'nepo baby', sparking backlash on social media.
- Zooey credits her parents' creative influence, but claims no career advantages.
- Her father, Caleb, a 6-time Oscar nominee, influenced her artistic growth.
She told podcast host Lewis Howes: “It’s funny because people be like, ‘Oh, nepotism,’ I’m like, ‘No.'”
“My dad’s a DP [director of photography, another term for cinematographer].
“No one’s getting jobs because their dad’s a DP. It’s definitely not.”
RELATED:
Zooey Deschanel recently denied being a nepo baby despite admitting her father was a cinematographer and her mother was an actress
Image credits: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
Zooey’s father, Caleb Deschanel, is an American cinematographer and director of film and television who has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography six times.
He is a member of the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress, representing the American Society of Cinematographers.
Caleb has been credited for his photography work in Titanic and The Godfather, as well as being a cinematographer for The Lion King and The Passion of the Christ, in addition to a handful of other accolades.
Zooey did admit that she had benefitted from her family in a creative sense, saying: “My mum is an actor, and my dad is a cinematographer and a director.
“I can’t possibly emphasize enough how much creative help I had from my family unit.
“My dad is a great creative mind and such a talented person.
“My mum is a great actor and is so nurturing.
“My mum would coach me when I didn’t have an acting coach, she would help me, read lines with me. She’d be so supportive.”
Image credits: Lewis Howes/The School of Greatness
Mary Jo Deschanel, Zoey’s mother, is an American actress who notably appeared in the 1983 film The Right Stuff and the television series Twin Peaks between 1990 and 1991.
The 44-year-old alleged non-nepo baby continued: “I would have so many great discussions about film and filmmaking with my dad.
“They both would help me.
“My dad would also read lines with me and give directions.
“Then having a sister who’s an actor.
“It just makes you automatically have a community, and how much our communities help us – whether it’s our families or our found communities.”
Zoey’s father, Caleb Deschanel, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography six times
Image credits: Jesse Grant/Getty Images
Emily Deschanel, Zoey’s older sister, is a famous actress who played Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan in the popular crime series Bones from 2005 to 2017.
Zoey’s comments about her family connections in Hollywood sparked some backlash, as a YouTube user wrote: “Her dad was a 6 time Oscar nominated cinematographer.. she most definitely had advantages.. she definitely worked hard to get where she’s at and is a great actor.
“But don’t be fooled.”
Another person commented: “Imagine saying you had no advantages then explaining all your advantages.”
A separate individual chimed in: “…but she is a nepo baby?”
You can watch Zoey’s controversial statement below:
Image credits: Lewis Howes/The School of Greatness
Nepo baby is short for nepotism baby, which is a term referring to celebrities whose parents have succeeded in the same careers.
The implication is that because their parents already have connections in the industry, the nepo baby has the privilege to use those connections to build a career in that industry.
According to a 2002 article published by The New York Times, Zooey was brought up in Los Angeles, USA, spending her early years on the sets of her father’s films, like The Right Stuff and Being There.
She attended Crossroads, a private Los Angeles prep school, where the high school pals included Hollywood progeny like Jake Gyllenhaal, The Times reported at the time.
Bored Panda has contacted Zoey’s representatives for comment.
Zoey’s claims continued to ignite negative reactions
Poll Question
Thanks! Check out the results:
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
What do you think ?
dan lynaugh 8 months ago
The ability to know people in any industry is a Huge advantage when trying to break into any industry. Also, growing up rich never hurts. All celebrities just need to acknowledge that famous parents may have helped them get a foot in the door, but you need something to continue to remain employed in any industry.
WonderWoman 8 months ago
Who cares? Well anyone hoping to break into the industry. Zooey is suggesting that anyone with talent can make it in the industry. They don't need parents who know people who know people, who can send you to the better agents, who can run lines with you, etc. Zooey is being disingenuous in her comments. Hollywood is a very tight and small community and if you don't know people, your chances are microscopic of making it.
dan lynaugh 8 months ago
The ability to know people in any industry is a Huge advantage when trying to break into any industry. Also, growing up rich never hurts. All celebrities just need to acknowledge that famous parents may have helped them get a foot in the door, but you need something to continue to remain employed in any industry.
WonderWoman 8 months ago
Who cares? Well anyone hoping to break into the industry. Zooey is suggesting that anyone with talent can make it in the industry. They don't need parents who know people who know people, who can send you to the better agents, who can run lines with you, etc. Zooey is being disingenuous in her comments. Hollywood is a very tight and small community and if you don't know people, your chances are microscopic of making it.
You May Like 30 Hollywood Secrets That Celebs And Execs Would Like To Be Swept Under The Rug 50 Best Family Movies That Both Kids And Parents Will Love 101 Family TV Shows That Are Really Worth Watching
Mantas Kačerauskas
Aivaras Kaziukonis
Saimonas Lukošius
Related on Bored Panda
-2
6