Domhnall Gleeson Opens Up About Nepo Baby Label and Hollywood Privilege

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In recent times, the discourse surrounding “nepotism babies” has gained significant traction. Some question if it’s truly equitable that offspring of well-known celebrities can effortlessly climb the ladder to fame. Isn’t this a situation where less privileged actors are overlooked or struggle to gain recognition?

It has become standard in interviews for actors with well-known parents, often referred to as “nepo” actors, to discuss their familial background and opinions about it. Typically, they receive more favorable treatment than those without such connections. Domhnall Gleeson, son of BAFTA and Emmy award-winning actor Brendan Gleeson, is an example of this phenomenon.

During a discussion about the upcoming film, Fountain of Youth, Gleeson was inquired about the “nepo baby” label. He responded thoughtfully on the matter. “It’s a significant topic,” he stated. “Many individuals have parents in the business. It’s crucial that there is space for others as well. I’ve been incredibly fortunate regarding my father’s career and the chance to act, even when I wasn’t earning enough to support myself.

He continued, “I believe it’s reasonable for discussions about that topic to take place. It’s crucial that you can admit it to yourself. If not, you might be deceiving yourself. I also stress the importance of making the industry more accessible to those who currently lack the financial resources.

Gleeson’s recognition of his privilege earned him accolades on social media, yet actors who bristle at the ‘nepotism baby’ tag often encounter ridicule. Dakota Johnson faced numerous harsh comments online after she referred to the nepotism debate as “overly bothersome and mundane” and “tacky”. Similarly, when he refuted claims that his role in The White Lotus was due to his surname, and asserted that people were overlooking his “decade-long acting training, weekly school plays, extensive character development work, and countless rejected auditions“, he too experienced a wave of criticism.

Gleeson Is Excited For Fountain Of Youth

During the interview, Gleeson expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming film, where he stars as billionaire Owen Carver alongside John Krasinski and Natalie Portman’s treasure hunting duo. He was particularly drawn to the project because it was directed by Guy Ritchie and featured John and Natalie, whom he found delightful individuals. The set atmosphere was fantastic, making the filming experience enjoyable. As one would expect with a project like this, it was a fun production.

As a cinephile, I must admit it was refreshing to use my native Irish accent for this role instead of adopting an American one. The freedom it brought was quite liberating, especially considering the extensive revisions I had to make in the script. It was a relief not to have to concern myself with perfecting an accent.

Fountain of Youth will be released on May 23, 2025, on Apple TV+.

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2025-05-19 01:40