Catherine Zeta-Jones Calls 'Nepo Baby' Label 'Horrific,' Defends Children

Catherine Zeta-Jones has spoken out against the term "nepo baby," describing it as a "horrific phrase" in light of her children's aspirations in the entertainment industry.

Zeta-Jones, 56, and her husband, actor and producer Michael Douglas, 81, are parents to Dylan, 26, and Carys, 23. Both of their children are pursuing careers in acting.

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Zeta-Jones defended her children's choices, stating, "the kids didn't ask to be born into this." She noted the challenges her children face in establishing their own paths due to the "nepo baby" label, adding, "It’s hard for them to forge a way forward on their own. This horrific phrase 'nepo baby' is horrible because these kids didn’t ask to be born into this; they’re finding their own way in life. But they love it, and they’re good."

The term "nepo baby," short for nepotism baby, typically refers to individuals whose parents are famous and successful, especially in entertainment, and who subsequently enter the same field, often facing accusations of benefiting from familial connections.

Zeta-Jones emphasized that she and Douglas would encourage alternative careers if their children lacked the necessary talent. "Michael and I would be the first to go, 'You know what? Maybe law school looks really good,'" she said.

Dylan Douglas, an actor and political radio host, has appeared in films such as "I Will Come to You" and has upcoming roles in "Killing Hitler" and "Exit to the Guillotine." Carys Zeta Douglas, who graduated from Brown University in 2024 with degrees in film and international relations, has had roles in short films and recently played the lead in a production of Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull."

Carys has previously spoken about her passion for acting and the performing arts. She told Town & Country in 2018, "My parents do a really good job of reality-checking me and being like, 'Look around you. The life you have is extraordinary.'"

In 2021, Zeta-Jones acknowledged her children's passion for the craft, admitting, "Michael and I would be the first parents to say, 'You know, maybe you should think of another career,' but we've seen how passionate they are about the craft."

She added that her children understand the complexities of celebrity, "They know what celebritydom is. They know the good, the bad, warts and all that. But their passion is about acting as a craft and they've done every theatre camp... and held their own very, very well."

Michael Douglas has largely stepped back from acting since 2022, reserving his appearances for projects he deems "special." Zeta-Jones, however, has maintained a consistent career, recently gaining acclaim for her role as Morticia in the Netflix series "Wednesday." Her upcoming project includes the Prime Video series "Kill Jackie," where she will use her natural Welsh accent.