20 Actresses With Well Known Parents In Entertainment
Hollywood has always been a family affair, with talent often running through generations like a hit movie franchise.
Some of the biggest names on screen today grew up watching their parents walk red carpets and win awards.
These actresses didn’t just inherit famous last names – they carved out their own paths and proved their skills in front of the camera.
1. Dakota Johnson
Born into Hollywood royalty, Dakota had acting in her DNA from day one.
Her mom Melanie Griffith starred in Working Girl, while dad Don Johnson ruled the 80s with Miami Vice.
Dakota broke out as Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades trilogy and later impressed critics in movies like The Lost Daughter.
She brings a cool, understated vibe to every role she tackles.
2. Lily-Rose Depp
With a pirate king for a dad and a French music icon for a mom, Lily-Rose was destined for stardom.
Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis gave her a bilingual upbringing and serious artistic genes.
She’s modeled for Chanel and acted in films like The King alongside Timothée Chalamet.
Her ethereal beauty and acting chops make her one to watch in indie cinema.
3. Maya Hawke
Imagine having Kill Bill’s Uma Thurman and Training Day’s Ethan Hawke as your parents – talk about pressure!
Maya first caught our attention as Robin in Stranger Things, bringing humor and heart to Hawkins.
She also appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and released her own music albums.
4. Zoë Kravitz
Rock legend Lenny Kravitz and Cosby Show actress Lisa Bonet created one seriously cool daughter.
Zoë starred in Mad Max: Fury Road, Big Little Lies, and made her directorial debut with Blink Twice.
She also voiced Catwoman in The Batman, bringing a fresh edge to the iconic character.
5. Kate Hudson
Growing up with Goldie Hawn as your mom means learning comedy from an absolute master.
Kate won a Golden Globe for Almost Famous and became the queen of romantic comedies in the 2000s.
She’s also launched her own activewear brand and co-hosts a popular podcast.
6. Drew Barrymore
The Barrymore name has been Hollywood gold since the silent film era, and Drew keeps the legacy alive.
Her father John Drew Barrymore was an actor, though Drew faced tough childhood challenges in the spotlight.
She melted hearts in E.T., then reinvented herself with hits like Never Been Kissed and Charlie’s Angels.
Now she hosts her own daytime talk show, spreading positivity daily!
7. Carrie Fisher
Princess Leia herself came from Hollywood royalty – mom Debbie Reynolds sang in the rain, dad Eddie Fisher crooned love songs.
Carrie became a cultural icon with Star Wars and later a celebrated author and script doctor.
Her sharp wit and honest discussions about mental health made her a hero offscreen too.
She proved that the Force truly does run in families, inspiring generations of fans.
8. Angelina Jolie
Oscar-winner Jon Voight passed on serious acting talent to his daughter, though their relationship has been complicated.
Angelina won an Academy Award for Girl, Interrupted and became a global superstar with action films like Tomb Raider.
She’s also a dedicated humanitarian, directing powerful films and advocating for refugees worldwide.
Her fierce determination and compassion make her one of Hollywood’s most respected figures.
9. Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress Blythe Danner and producer Bruce Paltrow raised a daughter who would win an Oscar before turning 30.
Gwyneth took home the gold for Shakespeare in Love and suited up as Pepper Potts in the Marvel universe.
She later founded Goop, a wellness empire that’s become wildly successful and occasionally controversial.
10. Isabella Rossellini
Having Italian neorealist director Roberto Rossellini and screen legend Ingrid Bergman as parents is pretty much unbeatable.
Isabella became a supermodel and Lancôme face before transitioning into acting with Blue Velvet and Death Becomes Her.
She’s also created quirky educational web series about animal behavior that are surprisingly hilarious.
11. Rashida Jones
Music producer extraordinaire Quincy Jones and Mod Squad actress Peggy Lipton created one talented daughter.
Rashida made us laugh as Ann Perkins on Parks and Recreation and Karen Filippelli on The Office.
She’s also written and produced documentaries, including one about her famous father’s incredible career.
12. Mariska Hargitay
Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay had a daughter who would become television royalty.
Mariska has played Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU for over two decades, winning an Emmy.
She’s also founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to help survivors of abuse and assault.
13. Jamie Lee Curtis
Psycho’s Janet Leigh and Some Like It Hot’s Tony Curtis gave the world a scream queen turned Oscar winner.
Jamie Lee terrified audiences in Halloween, then showed her comedy chops in A Fish Called Wanda and True Lies.
14. Jennifer Aniston
Days of Our Lives star John Aniston gave his daughter early exposure to the soap opera world.
Jennifer became a global phenomenon as Rachel Green on Friends, earning an Emmy and America’s heart.
She’s since starred in countless romantic comedies and dramatic roles like The Morning Show on Apple TV+.
15. Sofia Coppola
Being the daughter of Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola means growing up on legendary film sets.
Sofia started as an actress but found her calling behind the camera, directing Lost in Translation and Marie Antoinette.
She won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and became only the third woman nominated for Best Director.
Her dreamy visual style and intimate storytelling have influenced a generation of filmmakers everywhere.
16. Tracee Ellis Ross
Supreme Diana Ross gave birth to a daughter who would become a comedic powerhouse in her own right.
Tracee starred in Girlfriends for eight seasons, then won a Golden Globe for Black-ish as Dr. Rainbow Johnson.
She’s also a fashion icon, entrepreneur, and vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and self-love.
17. Liza Minnelli
Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli created a daughter destined for Broadway and beyond.
Liza won an Oscar for Cabaret, plus multiple Tonys and Emmys, achieving the rare EGOT status.
Her powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence made her a legend in musical theater and film.
Though she faced personal struggles, her talent and resilience have cemented her icon status forever.
18. Margaret Qualley
Four Weddings and a Funeral star Andie MacDowell raised a daughter who’s quickly becoming Hollywood’s next big thing.
Margaret danced professionally before acting in The Leftovers, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Maid on Netflix.
She earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her heartbreaking performance as a struggling single mother.
Her graceful movement and emotional depth bring something special to every character she embodies onscreen.
19. Maude Apatow
Comedy director Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann literally cast their daughter in their own movies since childhood.
Maude appeared in multiple films before landing her breakthrough role in Euphoria as Lexi Howard.
She brings a grounded, authentic presence to the intense HBO drama that balances the show’s wilder moments.
20. Eva Amurri
Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon and director Franco Amurri gave the world a daughter with serious acting genes.
Eva appeared in movies like Saved! and The Life Before Her Eyes, often working alongside her famous mother.
She’s also become a lifestyle blogger, sharing parenting tips and personal stories with refreshing honesty online.
