Entertainment

Zooey Deschanel Hits Back At ‘Nepo Baby’ Claims

   DailyWire.com
Zooey Deschanel Hits Back At ‘Nepo Baby’ Claims

Zooey Deschanel hit back at “nepo baby” claims — and was dragged online for it because she has an Oscar-nominated cinematographer for a father and both her mother and sister are actresses.

During the 44-year-old actress’ appearance on “The School of Greatness” podcast, she denied that getting work in the TV and movie industry had anything to do with her parents, other than creatively. In the past she’s been called a “nepo baby,” which is a term for someone who gets work in Hollywood because of nepotism, the Independent noted. 

“My mom is an actor and my dad is a cinematographer and a director,” Deschanel said. “I can’t possibly emphasize enough how much creative help I had from my family unit. My dad is a great creative mind and such a talented person.”

“It’s funny because people be like, ‘Oh, nepotism,’ I’m like no. My dad’s a DP [director of photography, another term for cinematographer],” she added. “No one’s getting jobs because their dad’s a DP. It’s definitely not.”

“My mom is a great actor and is so nurturing,” the actress continued. “My mom would coach me when I didn’t have an acting coach, she would help me, read lines with me. She’d be so supportive. I would have so many great discussions about film and filmmaking with my dad. They both would help me.”

The “New Girl” star said that her dad would also give her great direction and read lines with her. She said having a family involved in the business gave her an automatic “community” that would help her. 

Deschanel’s father has been nominated for six Academy Awards for his cinematography work in legendary films like “The Patriot,” “The Passion of the Christ,” “The Right Stuff,” and “The Natural.”

The “Elf” star’s mother is “Twin Peaks” star Mary Jo Deschanel (formerly Weir) and her sister is Emily Deschanel — who has appeared in movies like “Spider-Man 2” and “It Could Happen To You.”

Shortly after the interview surfaced, people took to X and mocked the actress with memes and comments suggesting she definitely did have a leg up because of her parents.

“In Zooey Deschanel’s case (having an Oscar-nominated cinematographer and an actor for parents, plus an older sister who’s also a very successful actor) you just gotta accept the Nepo Baby label and keep it moving,” one person wrote. “Any arguing or indignation is gonna backfire.”

Another added, “I would like to congratulate Zooey Deschanel on her role as the new punching bag on this topic for the foreseeable future.”

While a third wrote sarcastically, “Okay you f***ers. Leave her alone. I am serious. I am not having you bully this nepo baby. I draw the line at Zooey Deschanel!”

Create a free account to join the conversation!

Already have an account?

Log in

Got a tip worth investigating?

Your information could be the missing piece to an important story. Submit your tip today and make a difference.

Submit Tip
Download Daily Wire Plus

Don't miss anything

Download our App

Stay up-to-date on the latest
news, podcasts, and more.

Download on the app storeGet it on Google Play
The Daily Wire   >  Read   >  Zooey Deschanel Hits Back At ‘Nepo Baby’ Claims
Daily Wire Plus
Facts and headlines on the go.
Download the Daily Wire app.
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Download App QR CodeScan the QR Code to Download
FacebookXInstagramYouTubeRSS
Daily Wire PlusFacts and headlines on the go.
Download the Daily Wire app.
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© Copyright 2025, The Daily Wire LLC  | Terms | Privacy
Podcast compliance badge