Catherine Zeta-Jones has spoken out in defense of her children, Dylan and Carys, as they venture into the acting profession, a path often scrutinized with the term 'nepo baby.' The actress, married to Michael Douglas since 2000, shared that she and Douglas made efforts to ensure their children's interest in acting was genuine.
'We told them all the [Hollywood] horror stories to see if their passion for the art and the craft was genuine,' Zeta-Jones told AARP Magazine. She recounted how Dylan, 26, and Carys, 23, consistently pursued acting through college productions and theater camps, demonstrating a deep commitment to the craft.
Zeta-Jones described the challenging nature of making a living in the entertainment industry, noting that only a small percentage succeed. However, she expressed pride in her children's dedication and their efforts to forge their own paths. 'They’re working hard, they’re auditioning and they’re making their way by themselves, their own path. And I’m very proud of them both,' she stated.
Both Dylan and Carys are graduates of Brown University. Dylan studied political science, while Carys earned degrees in film and international relations. Zeta-Jones herself was pregnant with Dylan during her wedding and with Carys when she received her Oscar for 'Chicago.'
Earlier this year, Zeta-Jones voiced her strong disapproval of the 'nepo baby' label, calling it 'horrific.' She argued that children born into famous families do not choose their circumstances and should not be unfairly characterized. She added that if her children were not genuinely passionate or talented, she and Douglas would be the first to encourage them to pursue other fields, such as law school.
Michael Douglas also comes from a showbiz legacy as the son of Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas and actress Diana Dill. His son Dylan recently experienced public scrutiny after a viral TV debate on CNN with Republican commentator Scott Jennings. During the discussion about a government shutdown, Dylan, who defended the Democratic party, appeared flustered. Reports indicated that Douglas and Zeta-Jones felt the CNN segment was unfair and exploitative of their son.
Jennings, however, later commented on a podcast that Dylan was polite off-air and seemed honored to participate. He also extended an offer for a personal apology to Zeta-Jones over dinner if she desired.