Laura Dern Slams ‘Nepo Baby’ Tag, Defends Her Hollywood Upbringing

Laura Dern has never been one to shy away from a frank conversation, and her latest remarks on the so-called ‘nepo baby’ phenomenon are no exception. The Oscar-winning actor, whose parents Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd are both well-known in the industry, has spoken out against the label that’s become a buzzword for children of famous parents in entertainment.

Having first appeared on screen at the age of seven in Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore—a film that also starred her mother—Dern was already a familiar face in Hollywood before she’d even reached her twenties. Yet, she’s quick to point out that the climate was rather different back then.

Questioning the ‘Nepo Baby’ Narrative

In a recent interview, the Blue Velvet star reflected on how she would likely be branded a ‘nepo baby’ if she were starting out today. She didn’t mince words:

“It’s insane. I’m curious if anyone’s ever called your local butcher whose kids take over the business a ‘nepo baby’. Or a milliner.”

She went on to call the term “absurd,” adding that, as a young actor, she was determined to carve out her own identity.

“When I started I definitely wanted to be my own person and separate myself and have casting directors not mention my parents, because you want to stand on your own.”

For Dern, the idea of legacy in the arts was once seen as a natural progression, not a mark of shame.

“Back then there wasn’t ‘nepo’ anything; it was part of a legacy story – I was raised in this industry.”

She’s not convinced that the current obsession with the term is particularly helpful, either.

Social Media’s Role and Shifting Perceptions

Dern didn’t hesitate to point a finger at social media for fanning the flames of the ‘nepo baby’ debate.

“But this generation? My kids’ age? It’s like it’s an embarrassing scarlet letter they’re wearing. I guess social media has done that…”

The implication is clear: what was once a source of pride or at least a simple fact of life has become, for some, a source of discomfort or even embarrassment.

Her comments highlight a generational shift in how family connections in the arts are perceived. Where once it might have been seen as a continuation of tradition, it’s now often viewed with suspicion or cynicism, especially online.

On Screen and Off: Dern’s Latest Work

Dern’s career continues apace, with her latest project, Is This Thing On?, set to arrive in UK cinemas at the end of January 2026. The film, directed by Bradley Cooper, sees Will Arnett playing her estranged husband, who turns to stand-up comedy as a way of coping with their break-up. The story, loosely inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, has already struck a chord with audiences.

Reflecting on the response to the film, Dern shared,

“I’ve had so many people come up to me since the screening, saying, ‘I can’t wait to take my husband, we thought we were getting a divorce but I’m so in love with him.”

It’s a reminder that, whatever the debate about family ties in the industry, her work continues to resonate with viewers on a personal level.