Updated Oct 31, 2024
The entertainment industry is full of talented actors, and some of them have the added advantage of having famous parents who have already made their mark in Hollywood.
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However, these second and third-generation stars are not simply coasting on their family names. They have worked hard to hone their craft and prove that they have what it takes to succeed in their own right. And we’re here to celebrate that. Celebrate the actors who have followed in their famous parents’ footsteps, but have earned their own success through their talent and dedication to their craft. From critically acclaimed performances to blockbuster hits, these actors have proven that they are more than just their famous last names.
Elijah and Juno Wright
Elijah Wright is starting to make his own footprint in Hollywood, the son of Jeffrey Wright and Carmen Ejogo, the star in the making has been cast in the upcoming season of Godfather of Harlem and Spike Lee’s High and Low alongside his famous father. Juno is building her career in the script and continuity department with credits on the upcoming film Atrabilious and the 2022 film, Forty Winks.
Taylor Russell
Russell, is the daughter of actor Dean McKenzie, but has made her own waves in Hollywood with projects like Bones and All, Waves, Escape Room franchise and more.
Corinne Foxx
Corinne has been paving her own acting path as well as one alongside her father, Jamie Foxx through movies and TV shows.
O’Shea Jackson Jr.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. followed in his father Ice Cube’s acting footsteps, making his debut by portraying his dad in ‘Straight Outta Compton.’ Since then, he has built an impressive resume with films and shows such as Godzilla, Swagger, Ingrid Goes West, and more.
Nathan Anderson
Anthony Anderson’s son Nathan’s credits include the Netflix sitcom Richie Rich, guest starring on Black-ish and most recently starring in the Bounce TV series ‘Act Your Age.’
Rashida Jones
With the multi-faceted music legend Quincy Jones as her father and actress Peggy Lipton as her mother, it’s no surprise that Rashida Jones has a creative streak. From acting in projects like ‘Parks and Recreation’ to executive producing shows like ‘Claws,’ Rashida shines both in front of and behind the screens.
Holly Robinson Peete
Robinson Peete’s father, Matthew Robinson, was an actor, writer, and TV producer. He held the distinction of being the first actor to portray the character of Gordon Robinson on Sesame Street and provided the voice for Roosevelt Franklin. His credits also include writing for films like Save the Children and Amazing Grace, as well as contributing to shows such as Sanford and Son, The Cosby Show, and Eight is Enough.
The Washington Siblings
All four of Denzel and Pauletta Washington’s children are involved in the entertainment industry. Their eldest son, John David, has acting credits that include roles in films like Tenet, Malcolm & Marie, and BlackKklansman, among others. Their eldest daughter, Katia, is a producer, with credits for projects such as Pieces of a Woman, Fences, Malcolm & Marie, and Breaking.
Speaking of Breaking, their youngest daughter, Olivia, is an actress who recently starred in Breaking and The Butler, I’m a Virgo among other productions. Lastly, their twin son, Malcolm, is also a producer, with credits that include North Hollywood. He will also be making his directorial feature debut with ‘The Piano Lesson’ which will star his brother John David and will be produced by Katia.
Brooklyn Sudano
Sudano is best known for her role as Vanessa Scott on My Wife and Kids, Taken, and Cruel Summer. What you may not have known is she is the daughter of superstar “Disco Queen” Grammy Award-winning singer Donna Summer and songwriter Bruce Sudano.
Aaron Jennings
Jennings’ household is very talented and have been in hollywood for decades as his parents Juanita and Brent are acting staples. As for their offspring, he recently starred in the wine comedy Grand Crew.
Donielle and Dia Nash
Niecy Nash’s daughters, who look like a spitting image of her, have transitioned into acting. Her oldest daughter Donielle has starred in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ and Dia starred in Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story alongside her mother. Both daughters have also starred in ‘Never Have I Ever’ and ‘The Rookie: Feds’ alongside their famous mom as well.
H. Hunter Hall
H. Hunter has two very talented parents, actor and directors Kasi Lemmons and Vondie Curtis-Hall and like them his resume is filling up with pretty good projects Harriet, I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Skye Townsend
Skye Townsend is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and director who followed in the footsteps of her famous father, Robert Townsend. Robert Townsend is a well-known filmmaker, actor, and comedian who has worked on several successful projects such as “Hollywood Shuffle” and “The Parent ‘Hood.” Skye has starred in her father’s films, including “Holiday Heart,” “Phantom Punch,” and “Playin’ for Love.”
Angela Gibbs
Angela Gibbs like her mother Marla Gibbs is an accomplished actress. She has appeared in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “ER,” and “Hacks, etc.” You can currently see her in two new shows, Not Dead Yet and Finding Happy.
Mason Gooding
Cuba Gooding’s son Mason has been building his own legacy in Hollywood alongside his famous father and uncle, Omar. His credits include Booksmart, Scream 5 and more.
Bianca Lawson
Talent runs through Lawson’s family and extended family. her father and mother Richard Lawson and Denise Gordy are actors. Her great uncle is Motown founder Barry Gordy and her step-mother is Tina Lawson aka Solange and Beyonce’s mother.
Lenny Kravitz
Kravitz is a rock star and actor who has starred in Precious, The Hunger Games, The Butler, and more. What you may not know is his parents are famous. His mother is none other than the late actress Roxie Roker and NBC television news producer Sy Kravitz. His mother is best known her role on The Jeffersons. He is also the second cousin of television weather presenter Al Roker.
Sanaa Lathan
On top of being an accomplished actress, she is also the daughter of actress Eleanor McCoy and film director Stan Lathan. Stan Lathan directed the pilots for many sitcoms, including Martin, Moesha, The Parkers, All of Us and directed every episode of The Steve Harvey Show, which he also directed. Interestingly enough, Stan is one Oscars away from being an EGOT recipient.
Nico, Ripley
Thandiwe Newton and Ol Parker’s daughters are all following in their famous parents footsteps. Nico who made her debut in Dumbo can currently be seen in HBO Max’s Last of Us. Ripley is a writer who penned four episodes of the upcoming series ‘The Fuck It Bucket’ and
Jasmine Cephas Jones
Actress Jones starred in Blindspotting, Monsters and Men, and the broadway musical Hamilton. She is also the daughter of Ron Cephas Jones. He’s starred in many movies and TV shows over the years. Most recently he’s starred in Dolemite is my Name and can be currently seen in This is Us.
Damon Wayans Jr
The Wayans family is extremely talented — like the aunts, uncles, parents, etc — whole lineage is full of talent so it comes as no surprise that Damon Wayans Jr would continue the talented tradition alongside his brother, Michael Wayans — who starred in Blankman — and cousins who also act.
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Sasha Gabriella Fox
Fox is the daughter of former NBA and actor Rick Fox and actress and singer Vanessa Williams. Sasha, who is an actress herself has starred in Superdate and Justice for All with Judge Cristina Perez. As well as, One Fine Christmas, a holiday film she starred in alongside her father, Rick.
Aurora Perrineau
Aurora has followed in the footsteps of her famous father, Harold Perrineau. Aurora made her acting debut in 2011 with a small role in the film “A House Is Not a Home.” She has since appeared in several TV shows and movies, including “Chasing Life,” “Jem and the Holograms,” and “Passengers.” One of Aurora’s most notable roles was in the critically acclaimed TV series “When They See Us,” which was directed by Ava DuVernay.
Alfred Enoch
The How to Get Away with Murder star is the son of William Russell. He is known as the very first Doctor Who companion, Ian Chesterton.
Evan and Tracee Ellis Ross
As the daughter and son of music legend and actress Diana Ross, the Ross children have entertainment in her blood. From “Girlfriends” to “Black-ish,” Ellis Ross has established herself as a prominent actress on both television and film. Similarly, Ross has appeared in a range of movies and TV shows, including “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” and “90210.”
Grace Gibson
The actress who has starred in Black Nativity and as Faith Evans in both Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. and All Eyez on Me is the daughter of the fabulous Lynn Whitfield. Whitfield can currently be seen in Greenleaf on OWN.
Vivian Nixon, Norman Nixon Jr., DeVaughn Nixon
The Nixon family is full of talented actors. Vivian, Norman, and DeVaughn all have successful careers in entertainment. Vivian and Norman have recurring roles on Grey’s Anatomy with Norman Jr also starring in Haus of Vicious and more. Allen’s bonus son DeVaughn’s credits include Snowfall, The Bodyguard, and currently starring as his father in Winning Time.
Cree Summers
Summers is a well-known voice actor, and as the saying goes, she gets it from her daddy. Summer’s father, Don Francks, was also a voice actor, and among his credits are several characters in Inspector Gadget, along with his daughter, Cree Summer, who voiced Penny during the first season of the show.
Mandela and Mario Van Peebles
Mandela Van Peebles followed in the footsteps of his father Mario Van Peebles and grandfather Melvin Van Peebles. His father Mario also followed in the footsteps of his legendary father, Melvin Van Peebles, paving the way for Mandela to continue the family’s filmmaking legacy and make his mark in the industry.
Condola Rashad
Mainly a Broadway actress, Rashad is the daughter of legendary actress Phylicia Rashad and NBA legend Ahmad Rashad. While her shoes were big to fill and she’s risen to the challenge with her own successful acting career, including roles in ‘Billions’ and ‘The Good Wife.'”
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Frank Dillane
Frank Stephenson Dillane is best known for his role as Nick Clark on Fear the Walking Dead and playing Tom Riddle in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He’s also the son of Game of Thrones star Stephen Dillane Aka Stannis Baratheon and Naomi Wirthner.
Jaden Smith
With superstar parents Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, it only made sense that one of their kids would get the acting bug. Jaden has starred in ‘Pursuit of Happyness,’ ‘The Karate Kid’ and ‘After Earth.’
Maya Rudolph
Maya Rudolph is an American actress, comedian, and singer who is known for her work on “Saturday Night Live” and for her roles in films such as “Bridesmaids” and “Idiocracy.” She is the daughter of the late singer-songwriter Minnie Riperton, who is best known for her hit song “Lovin’ You.”
Shari Belafonte
Shari Belafonte is an American actress, model, and singer who has followed in the footsteps of her famous father, Harry Belafonte.
Zoe Kravitz
As the daughter of rockstar Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet, Zoe Kravitz has inherited both musical and acting talent. She showcased her acting chops in ‘Big Little Lies,’ ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ and more.