In many ways I would imagine being the son or daughter of a famous (and possibly award-winning) parent is a tough act to follow. Your whole career has the potential to be introduced with the statement "son of legend [fill in the blank!] .....", to whose accomplishments you never match up to. But then maybe it's easier? You grow up meeting famous people, hanging out on movie sets, and when it comes time to casting you already have an "in" because the producer knows your parents and used to take you horse-riding as a kid. I'm not saying that any of the following names have favours and connections to thank for where they are today. It just stands to reason that Hollywood might have a soft spot for the children of its own community! Which of them might be welcomed to the Oscars in the near future?
1. Josh Brolin – he was the lead in the Oscar-winning “No Country For Old Men” as well as featuring in two other 2007 Academy Award nominees, “In The Valley of Elah” and “American Gangster”. He is soon to play George W. Bush in Oliver Stone’s “W.”
2. Emma Roberts – the niece of Oscar-winner Julia Roberts and daughter of Oscar nominee Eric Roberts has already got several teen movie starring roles to her name so it’s only a matter of time before she graduates to grown-up material.
3. Bryce Dallas Howard – director Ron Howard’s daughter has already garnered attention for her parts in “The Village” and “Manderlay”. The film of Tennessee Williams’ “The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond” is next!
4. Drew Barrymore – she seems to have always been in the movies, ever since playing Gertie in “E.T.”. I like her in “Donnie Darko”, “Riding In Cars With Boys”, “Music and Lyrics”, and “Lucky You”. One of the legendary Barrymore acting clan.
5. Colin Hanks – son of double Oscar winner, Tom Hanks, it may be that Colin isn’t able to step out of his father’s shadow. However he surely has plenty of Hollywood types rooting for him so I’m sure his breakout role will come.
6. Danny Huston – a very accomplished actor, but less well-known than half-sister Anjelica Huston or father John. He’s one of those faces you recognise but are not sure where from! Try him in “Birth” as Nicole Kidman’s husband, or not being completely honest with Ralph Fiennes in “The Constant Gardener”.
7. Liv Tyler – daughter of Aerosmith rocker, Steven Tyler, Liv has made a curious career from the excellent “Stealing Beauty”, through “Onegin” to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Reign Over Me” and “The Incredible Hulk”. Is she art house or blockbuster?
8. Jared Harris – son of the incredible Richard Harris, Jared plays some real oddballs as in “Happiness” and “Igby Goes Down”. He’s very good in “Sylvia”, and I will always have a soft spot for Paul Auster’s “Smoke”. Not likely to get a starring role, but look out for his Supporting turns.
9. Jennifer Ehle – a very good actress, the daughter of Oscar nominee Rosemary Harris. They played the same character at different ages in Istvan Szabo’s brilliant “Sunshine”. Other good roles include “Possession” and her debut in TV drama “The Camomile Lawn”. I always think she should be cast as Meryl Streep’s daughter (although Mamie Gummer, Streep’s real daughter, might disagree!).
10. Scott Caan – son of James Caan, noticeable for being short and often having big hair! He’s always fighting with Casey Affleck in the “Ocean’s” trilogy, and he’s very funny in “Friends With Money”.
Honourable Mention:
Schuyler Fisk – daughter of Sissy Spacek
Mamie Gummer – daughter of Meryl Streep
Jordan Ladd – daughter of Cheryl Ladd
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