In recent years, the entertainment industry has been obsessed with the term “nepo-baby,” and it seems like everyone is talking about it. However, when you really think about it, the idea of family members helping each other out in their careers is not as scandalous as it may seem. This concept applies not only to Hollywood but also to every other field. Maya Hawke, daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, recently spoke to The Times of London and defended her own experiences of benefiting from her parents’ fame. She acknowledges that she can’t change the life she was born into and embraces the opportunities that come with it.
“When asked about whether she deserves the work she’s been given, Hawke acknowledged that the word ‘deserves’ is complex. She recognized that there are many individuals who deserve the opportunities she has, but she feels comfortable pursuing them regardless. Hawke explained, ‘I know that not pursuing it wouldn’t benefit anyone. When I first started, I considered two paths: changing my name, getting a nose job, and going for open casting roles.’
However, Hawke chose not to take that route and instead accepted her current circumstances. She understood that people may judge her, but she believes, ‘It’s okay to be made fun of when you’re in rarefied air. It’s a fortunate position to be in.’ She also emphasized the importance of her honest and positive relationships with her parents, stating that those connections outweigh any criticism she may receive.”
People have a lot to say, especially when it comes to Maya Hawke’s early role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Her mother, Uma Thurman, is well-known for her collaborations with Tarantino on films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill,” and Maya didn’t shy away from benefiting from that connection.
“I’ve received a lot of mockery for this particular moment on the red carpet when I mentioned that I auditioned. I never meant to imply that I didn’t get the part because of nepotism — I believe I definitely did,” Hawke explained. She later added, “I had numerous conversations about it with my mom, and she always wholeheartedly supported me.”