Catherine Zeta-Jones holding hands with her lookalike daughter. They are holding hands
Celebrity

Catherine Zeta-Jones Slams 'Nepo Baby' Label as 'Horrific'

The Oscar winner speaks out as her children Dylan and Carys Douglas step into the showbiz spotlight.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 2 min read

Catherine Zeta-Jones is not standing for the Hollywood privilege discourse. The acclaimed actress has made her thoughts crystal clear on the internet’s favorite showbiz insult: "nepo baby." Speaking out about the buzzword, the *Chicago* star called the phrase a "horrific term" while addressing her children’s decision to follow in her footsteps into the entertainment business. Both of her adult children, Dylan Douglas and Carys Douglas, have chosen to step into the world of performing arts, placing them squarely in the center of the ongoing debate surrounding celebrity lineage.

Why did Catherine Zeta-Jones reject the nepo baby label?

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The online conversation around celebrity offspring pursuing showbiz careers has dominated pop-culture headlines over the last few years. Critics frequently slap the "nepo baby" tag on rising stars born to famous parents, implying that family connections are the sole reason for their opportunities in Hollywood. However, reports indicate that Zeta-Jones considers the popular label deeply unfair. To the veteran actress, reducing a young person's artistic ambitions to their famous background overlooks the real effort, interest, and dedication required to work in the industry. She strongly rejects the idea that having famous parents invalidates a child's genuine passion for performing.

Catherine Zeta-Jones Hunts Assasins in Amazon Thriller 'Kill Jackie'
Catherine Zeta-Jones Hunts Assasins in Amazon Thriller 'Kill Jackie'

What are Catherine Zeta-Jones' children doing now?

Both of Zeta-Jones' children, Dylan and Carys, are pursuing their own careers in the entertainment world. Having grown up with an iconic performer as a mother, both siblings were exposed to the craft early on, making their decision to launch their own showbiz journeys a natural evolution. While commentators on social media continue to debate the advantages of growing up in a high-profile family, Zeta-Jones remains steadfast in supporting her children's professional choices. For her, labeling passionate young actors and creators as "nepo babies" is a dismissive way to frame anyone attempting to build a path in the spotlight. As the wider discourse over Hollywood legacy families carries on across social media, Zeta-Jones is keeping her focus on her family's work—refusing to let a viral term define her children's artistic aspirations.

The photos · 5

Catherine Zeta-Jones holding hands with her lookalike daughter.
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Catherine Zeta-Jones and her kids
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas pose for a selfie with their children Carys and Dylan in front of an ancient stone wall.

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What did Catherine Zeta-Jones say about nepo babies?
Catherine Zeta-Jones slammed the phrase 'nepo baby,' describing it as a horrific term used to describe celebrity children entering showbiz.
Who are Catherine Zeta-Jones' children?
Catherine Zeta-Jones has two children, Dylan Douglas and Carys Douglas, both of whom are pursuing careers in entertainment.