Zooey Deschanel refutes nepotism claims: Success not due to famous father

Zooey Deschanel, renowned for her role in New Girl, refutes accusations of nepotism, asserting that her illustrious Hollywood parents, including six-time Oscar nominee father Caleb Deschanel, did not pave an easy path for her in the film and TV industry. 

The actress has faced recent criticism, being labeled a 'nepo baby,' a term denoting individuals who benefit from familial connections, granting them exclusive access to coveted opportunities. 

Deschanel, celebrated for his cinematographic work on iconic films such as The Lion King, The Patriot, and The Passion of the Christ, along with credits in cinematic classics like The Godfather and Titanic, is Zoeey's father. 

In a recent interview with Lewis Howes on The School of Greatness podcast, Zooey denied assertions that her family connections paved an easy path to success in acting. 

She emphasized that her father's occupation as a director of photography (DP) did not grant her preferential treatment in the industry, stating, "No one’s getting jobs because their dad’s a DP. 

It’s definitely not." While denying any undue advantage, she did acknowledge receiving 'creative' assistance along her journey.