‘Nepo Babies’ To Watch: Celebrity Offspring Stepping Into the Spotlight

In the world of fame and fortune, a last name can open doors that talent alone might struggle to push through. This is the reality behind the term “nepo baby”—a label used to describe children of celebrities who are beginning to build careers in entertainment, fashion, and beyond. While the term has sparked debate over privilege and opportunity, there is no denying that many of these young stars are now stepping into the spotlight with serious ambition and a growing fan base of their own.

In 2025, the conversation around nepotism in Hollywood is more complex than ever. Some celebrity offspring are actively embracing their lineage, while others work hard to prove they deserve recognition on their own merit. Social media has given fans unprecedented access to their rise, making their careers a topic of both admiration and scrutiny.

Here are the rising nepo babies making waves in 2025—and why they’re worth watching.

1. Maya Hawke

Parents: Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke

Maya Hawke is no longer just the daughter of two celebrated actors—she is a legitimate talent in her own right. After gaining attention in Stranger Things, she’s taken on more complex roles in indie films and continues to release music that leans into poetic lyrics and folk-rock vibes. In 2025, she is starring in a major streaming drama and touring with her latest album. Maya balances Hollywood lineage with artistic credibility, making her one of the most versatile young stars today.

2. North West

Parents: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

At just eleven years old, North West is already a household name. In 2025, she has become a full-fledged social media personality, fashion icon, and budding singer. Her appearances at Paris Fashion Week and her viral performances at her father’s concerts have turned her into a Gen Alpha influencer. While she draws on the fame of her parents, North is carving out a space that is entirely her own, and audiences are taking notice.

3. Jaden Smith

Parents: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

Jaden Smith has always been in the spotlight, but in recent years, he has taken a more mature approach to his career. After shifting focus from big-screen blockbusters to fashion and music, Jaden is now seen as a tastemaker. His environmental activism and gender-fluid fashion line have earned him respect far beyond his acting roots. In 2025, he is launching a creative collective that blends art, fashion, and music—an ambitious move that reflects his unique vision.

4. Lily-Rose Depp

Parents: Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis

Lily-Rose Depp’s model-turned-actress path has brought her both praise and criticism. After breakout performances in European cinema and high-fashion campaigns, she is now leading major Hollywood projects. Her role in the recent psychological thriller Ivory Lane received critical acclaim, and her poise on red carpets and in interviews suggests she’s ready to take her place among the industry’s elite. While her surname draws attention, it’s her performance that keeps people watching.

5. Deacon Phillippe

Parents: Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe

Deacon Phillippe entered the public eye through his music, releasing melodic pop songs that echo early 2000s teen hits. In 2025, he made his acting debut in a hit streaming series and quickly became one of the year’s breakout stars. With a calm presence and camera-friendly charm, Deacon is balancing two creative paths with surprising ease. Though his famous parents are part of the conversation, he is building a brand that feels refreshingly his own.

6. Kaia Gerber

Parents: Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber

Kaia Gerber’s modeling career began with a bang, but she has since transitioned into acting. In 2025, she stars in a coming-of-age drama that’s already gaining attention on the festival circuit. She continues to front fashion campaigns for top brands, but her decision to take on more challenging acting roles shows she is not content with being just a model. Kaia is slowly becoming a multi-hyphenate talent who is here for the long haul.

7. Damian Hurley

Parents: Elizabeth Hurley and Steve Bing

Damian Hurley has been building a quiet but growing presence in fashion and film. In 2025, he is set to make his directorial debut while continuing to model for luxury brands. With a sharp sense of style and an eye for visual storytelling, Damian is proving to be more than a tabloid curiosity. His aesthetic leans toward edgy European glamour, and his creative projects are gaining traction in indie circles.

8. Iris Law

Parents: Jude Law and Sadie Frost

Iris Law has already appeared in major fashion campaigns, but this year she is stepping into new territory with her first lead role in a dystopian sci-fi series. Her ethereal style and cool demeanor have made her a Gen Z fashion icon, but her acting debut is what has people paying closer attention. Iris is embracing the opportunity to show the world that she is more than just a face.

9. Brooklyn Beckham

Parents: David and Victoria Beckham

Brooklyn Beckham has tried his hand at photography, modeling, and even cooking. While his career path has drawn mixed reactions, he remains a fixture in fashion and lifestyle media. In 2025, he’s launching a docuseries that explores creative entrepreneurship, a topic that aligns with his own evolving interests. While his journey has had bumps, Brooklyn’s resilience and curiosity keep him in the public eye.

10. Blue Ivy Carter

Parents: Beyoncé and Jay-Z

Blue Ivy made headlines years ago for winning a Grammy at a young age. Now in her teens, she is slowly emerging from behind her parents’ shadows. In 2025, she is featured on a collaborative visual album and made a surprise appearance at the opening night of her mother’s tour. With undeniable poise and early hints of creative direction, Blue Ivy’s future in the industry feels inevitable, though she is taking her time getting there.

Redefining What It Means to Be a Nepo Baby

The label “nepo baby” can be loaded, often used to criticize privilege or question merit. But for many of these rising stars, it’s a starting point—not a full story. While they may have had a head start, what they do with that opportunity is what truly matters.

In some cases, these young talents are reshaping industries and setting trends. In others, they are learning under intense public scrutiny. What is clear, however, is that name recognition alone is not enough to guarantee long-term success. Whether they are acting, modeling, creating music, or launching new businesses, today’s nepo babies are entering an entertainment world that demands more than fame by association.

Final Thoughts

Celebrity offspring stepping into the spotlight will always attract attention. Some will succeed. Others will fade. But in 2025, many of them are proving that they are more than their last names. They are artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries in the making.

As the cultural conversation around nepotism continues to evolve, one thing remains true: talent, hard work, and timing still matter. And if these rising stars continue on their current paths, we may be witnessing the birth of a new era—one where the next generation of celebrities is not just born into fame, but ready to redefine it.