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Lionel Richie and Nicole Richie

Pop Culture

Celebrity dads and their talented children

Talent really does run in the family for these celebrity actors, as aspiring sons and daughters reach out for some of daddy's spotlight.

/ 38 PHOTOS
Peter Fonda, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda on Location for \"Our Town\" - December 14, 1969

Peter and Henry Fonda

"Henry Fonda's son. That's how everybody identified me until 'Easy Rider' came along," noted Peter Fonda, left, of his late Oscar-winning pop. The two shared a screen credit only once, in 1979's "Wanda Nevada," which Peter directed and starred in. Dad's role? As an "old prospector." Solid gold!

 

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AARP's Movies For Grownups Film Festival Screening Of \"The Way\" - Arrivals

Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez, Martin Sheen, Charlie Sheen

Acting is a family business for, from left, Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez, Martin Sheen, Charlie Sheen. This father-sons group loves sharing screen time together. Martin has appeared as Charlie's pop in television shows, including "Spin City" and "Wall Street," and the elder Sheen has played Emilio's dad in films such as "In the Custody of Strangers." Emilio is often the one giving orders these days, directing his dear old dad in films such as 2010's "The Way."

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - JANUARY 18:  Freddie Prinze sighted on January 18, 1977 at Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage) *** Local Caption *** Freddie Prinze

EW YORK - JANUARY 14:  Actor Freddie Prinze Jr. attends the season premiere for the eighth season of the television series \"24\" at Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts on January 14, 2010 in New York, New York.  (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Freddie Prinze Jr

Freddie and Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr., right, never really knew his dad, who died when Prinze was just 10 months old. But by following in his father's footsteps, he's kept the "Chico and the Man" star in mind every step of the way. "Every decision I've made in this business has been motivated by my father," Prinze said in 2005.

 

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circa 1974:  Bob Marley (1945 - 1981) , the singer, guitarist and composer of reggae music in concert.  (Photo by Gary Merrin/Keystone/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 14:  Singer Ziggy Marley performs at the Healthy Child Healthy World Annual Gala on October 14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ziggy Marley

Bob and Ziggy Marley

And the beat goes on, at least in the case of Bob, left, and Ziggy Marley. Father Bob was a legendary reggae artist, and Ziggy was one of 11 children he sired. But Ziggy (and sibs Sharon, Cedella and Stephen) managed to get a chance to officially play with Dad before his death — on 1979's "Children Playing in the Streets," which marked their recording debut.

 

FILE - In this Aug. 30, 1972 file photo, John Lennon performs at New York's Madison Square Garden. Fans gathered at New York's Beacon Theater Firday, Nov. 12, 2010 for a tribute to Lennon, who would have turned 70 in October. Friday's tribute was the 30th in a series for the singer/songwriter who was gunned down outside his New York apartment on Dec. 8, 1980.  (AP Photo/File)
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 18:  Sean Lennon (L) and Julian Lennon attend the OneDreamRush Party at the Chacha Club during the 62nd Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2009 in Cannes, France.  (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)

John, Sean and Julian Lennon

Legendary Beatle John Lennon, left, had two sons who followed him into the music business: Julian, right, and his younger brother Sean. Julian's 1984 debut album gave him immediate success and was nominated for a Grammy, but following records were not as well received. Sean became a member of the group Cibo Matto in the 1996, and released his first solo album in 1998.

 

Lloyd Bridges [& Family];Beau Bridges;Jeff Bridges

Jeff, Lloyd and Beau Bridges

Where Lloyd Bridges, center, went, sons Jeff, left, and Beau would follow, pretty much since their infancy. At least, when it came to the screen, that is. Both sons appeared with their late father on his classic 1950s series "Sea Hunt" and in his variety series, "The Lloyd Bridges Show." Both have gone on to have successful careers in acting.

 

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NEW YORK - MAY 1:  Actor John Astin attends the Mystery Writers of America 57th Annual Edgar Awards at the Grand Hyatt Hotel May 1, 2003 in New York City.   (Photo by Matthew Peyton/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Actor Sean Astin attends the screening of \"The Warrior's Way\" at the CGV Cinemas on November 19, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sean Astin

John and Sean Astin

Actor John, left, best known for his role as Gomez Addams on "The Addams Family," may not be Sean's biological father, but Sean has always considered him his "real" dad. John adopted Sean after marrying his mom, Patty Duke in 1972. Sean made his movie debut in 1985's "The Goonies" and went on to star in films such as "Rudy" and "Lord of the Rings." He's now part of the ensemble cast of the critically acclaimed Netflix series "Stranger Things."

 

13th Annual Night of 100 Stars Oscar Viewing Black Tie Gala - Arrivals

Gary and Jake Busey

Like father, like son ... at least in parts: Jake, right, has not only caught the acting bug from pop Gary, he's also a rock 'n roller like his dad. But acting came first for the younger Busey, who debuted with Gary in "Straight Time" in 1978 when he was just 7. The two have gone on to appear in several other rough-and-tumble flicks since. Meanwhile, the younger Busey also toured with several of his dad's bands and now has one of his own, "Sons of the Lawless."

 

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Premiere Of RLJ Entertainment's \"Dog Eat Dog\" - Arrivals

Nicolas and Weston Cage

Weston Cage, right, may not literally be following in the steps of dad Nicolas, but both have a flair for the dramatic: Weston is best known as the singer in the black metal band Eyes of Noctum — a role that prepared him perfectly to play a Ukranian mechanic in Nicolas' 2005 film "Lord of War." He also played the younger version of Nicolas' character Paul in 2014's "Rage."

 

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George Clooney Speaks With The Media Following His Arrest During A Protest Against Sudan's Food Blockade

George and Nick Clooney

George Clooney, left, nearly followed in his journalist father's footsteps, but opted not to compete with dad Nick and became an actor instead. The two have one tiny credit together: both speak on the commemorative video "The Golden Anniversary" about Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's relationship. The two are largely connected today outside the family by their shared commitment to charitable causes.

 

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Michael and Kirk Douglas

Though Michael, left, was a well-established actor in 1975, his legendary father -- who starred in "Spartacus" — gave his son's career a real kickstart when he handed over the rights to make a film of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Michael got the movie made and earned a producing Oscar for his work. The two have appeared alongside one another in a handful of films, including 2003's "It Runs in the Family," which also featured Michael's son Cameron and mom Diana.

 

GREG GORMAN / AP
Legendary US singer, songwriter, poet, artist and actor, Bob Dylan performs from his repertoire of over 400 songs and 50 albums during the 22nd annual Bluesfest music festival near Byron Bay on April 25, 2011. Australia's largest celebration of blues and roots music runs from April 21 until April 26 and includes Elvis Costello, Grace Jones, The Cat Empire, ZZ Top, and Leon Russell in the line-up.  AFP PHOTO / Torsten BLACKWOOD (Photo credit should read TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA - MAY 20:  Musician Jakob Dylan performs at Heal the Bay's 25th annual \"Night Under the Stars\" on May 20, 2010 in Santa Monica, California.  (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jakob Dylan

Bob and Jakob Dylan

Unlike many famous celebrity father-son teams, Jakob, right, and Bob Dylan have not spent any time letting their careers overlap, even though they've both forged rock inroads for themselves: Bob as the architect of the folk-rock 1960s and Jakob largely as leader of The Wallflowers.

 

The Cinema Society Hosts A Screening Of \"The Great Buck Howard\" - Inside

Tom and Colin Hanks

It's not hard to figure out who Colin Hanks', right, father is — he and Oscar-winning dad Tom are almost spitting images of each another. Colin has also chosen to forge his own path in film and television. He appeared together with his dad, as father and son in the comedy-drama "The Great Buck Howard," in which Colin had a leading role. Colin also had a minor role in the 1996 film "That Thing You Do!," written/directed by and starring Tom.

 

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WE tv's \"Growing Up Hip Hop\" Premiere Party

Romeo and Master P

When your mother (Sonya C), uncles (C-Murder, Silkk the Shocker) and father (Master P, right) are all rappers, let's just say it's in the blood. Such is the story of Romeo (aka Percy Romeo Miller Jr.). Father and son have shared some screen time together (notably in 2007's "Uncle P"), while Romeo dedicated the tune "Ice Cream Man Jr." to his father in 2010. Both have also appeared on "Dancing With the Stars," Master P in season two, and Romeo in season 12. At VH1 ‘Hip Hop Honors’ in 2010, Romeo graced the stage for a tribute performance to his dad. 

 

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Relativity Media Presents \"Mirror Mirror\" Los Angeles Premiere - After Party

Phil and Lily Collins

Phil Collins, a Grammy-winning musician, is best known as the drummer and lead singer of the rock band Genesis and also as a solo artist; his most successful singles including "In the Air Tonight" and "Against All Odds." Unlike her dad, Lily Collins has gained her fame in movies, appearing in "Mirror, Mirror," "The English Teacher" and most recently in "To the Bone." She also dabbles in writing. Her debut novel, "Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me," was released to critical praise. 

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Jay-Z Celebrates The Grand Opening Of The 40/40 Club

Alan and Robin Thicke

Yes, like his late father, Alan, musician Robin Thicke is also a songwriter, but it's hard to imagine two more different muses: Alan took credit for theme songs such as "The Facts of Life" and "Diff'rent Strokes" (plus he starred "Growing Pains" and "I'm in the Band") while Robin's tastes tend toward R&B and artists such as Lil Wayne and Will Smith, both of whom he's worked with. Alan Thicke passed away suddenly in December 2016 and Robin honored him on Instagram: “He was the best man I ever knew. The best friend I ever had. Let’s all rejoice and celebrate the joy he brought to every room he was in. We love you Alan Thicke. Thank you for your love. Love, your grateful son.”

 

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AARP Magazine's \"10th Annual Movies For Grownups\" Awards Gala - Red Carpet

Carl and Rob Reiner

Give father-son funnymen Carl, left, and Rob Reiner a reason to make you laugh, and they will. Sure, Rob is a director of sometimes funny, sometimes treacly films, while his dad is more about outrageous slapstick, but they continue to work together just fine. One of Rob's first screen appearances was in Carl's "Enter Laughing" in 1967.

 

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26th Annual EMA Awards - Arrivals

Will and Jaden Smith

Few kids come out of the womb as camera-ready as Jaden Smith — and why not? His dad is box-office king Will Smith, and mom is actress Jada Pinkett Smith. Jaden won audiences over with his performance in "The Pursuit of Happyness" — his film debut — in 2006, opposite Will, who played his father. Jaden starred in 2010's "The Karate Kid," produced by dad, which sent him into superstardom. The two reunited onscreen for 2013's sci-fi film "After Earth," in which they again played father and son.

 

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Premiere of  Forsaken film at TIFF.

Kiefer and Donald Sutherland

They're both strong actors, so it's a surprise that Donald, left, and Kiefer Sutherland haven't appeared in more films together. They have shared screen time in both 1983's "Max Dugan Returns" and 1996's "A Time to Kill," but nothing significant since. Donald's most notable films include "MASH," "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and, more recently, "The Hunger Games" film series, while Kiefer's includes the series "24" and films "Stand By Me" and "Lost Boys."

 

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20th Century Fox Premieres Night At The Museum - Red Carpet

Jerry and Ben Stiller

Somehow, not only did Ben Stiller, right, inherit his father Jerry's funny bone, it turns out it's pretty similar to the same wacky, surreal one his dad made famous. The two sync so well they've got a ton of shared film credits, from 1991's "Highway to Hell" to 2001's "Zoolander." Jerry even got a thanks in 1994's "Reality Bites," one of Ben's early hits.

 

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Actors James Caan and his son Scott Caan

James and Scott Caan

James, left, kicked off his acting career with TV series including "The Untouchables" and "Alfred Hitchcock Hour" before later moving to films. He earned an Oscar nod for his role as Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather." The younger Caan kicked off his career in music as a roadie for Cypress Hill and House of Pain. It wasn't until the late '90s that he appeared in indie and low-budget films. Since then, he has had roles in the "Ocean's Eleven" trilogy and HBO series "Entourage." He now stars as Danno in the "Hawaii 5-0" remake on CBS.

 

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\"Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation\" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals

Alec and Ireland Baldwin

Both Ireland Baldwin's parents — Alec Baldwin and his ex-wife Kim Basinger — are Hollywood stars, but she's carved her own path as a fashion model ... who occasionally acts. While dad wowed audiences in "Beetlejuice," and "The Hunt For Red October" (and later starred in the NBC hit comedy "30 Rock"), Ireland signed her first modeling contract as a teen. She made her own screen debut in 2013 playing a younger version of her mother's character in "Grudge Match."

Jim Spellman / WireImage
2013 American Music Awards - Arrivals

Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley

Billy Ray and his daughter Miley Cyrus share a love of music, acting and tattoos. (In fact, Miley paid tribute to the old man with a tattoo that says "Dad" on her foot.) Billy Ray scored a crossover country mega-hit with 1992's "Achy Breaky Heart," and later flexed his acting muscles on his own CMT series "Doc." Miley joined her dad a few times on that series before the pair starred together in the Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana." Like dad, free-spirited Miley eventually conquered the pop world and is now a mentor on "The Voice."

Jason Merritt / Getty Images
Barbra Streisand 75th Birthday

Josh and James Brolin

Emmy winner James Brolin became a television star way back in 1969 thanks to his co-starring role on "Marcus Welby, M.D." He returned to TV on the '80s primetime soap "Hotel" and continues to be a near-constant presence. He's also appeared in memorable roles in films including "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" and "Catch Me If You Can." Son Josh Brolin got an early start on his acting career when he was cast in the kids' flick "The Goonies," and later earned raves for his dramatic turns in "No Country for Old Men," "Milk" and "Jonah Hex," among other films. The duo have appeared in just two movies together: 1989's "Finish Line" and 1997's "My Brother's War."

Kevin Mazur / WireImage
Premiere Of Disney's \"Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales\" - Arrivals

Johnny and Lily-Rose Depp

Johnny is one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors, with a career that's taken him from teen star on "21 Jump Street" to action hero in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. (Of course, Depp's appeared in no shortage of offbeat cult films along the way!) Lily-Rose shares her dad's penchant for acting. The actress and model (whose mom is French pop singer Vanessa Paradis) is just 18 but has already appeared alongside her dad in the American horror flick "Tusk," and its sequel "Yoga Hosers." She also portrayed Isadora Duncan in "The Dreamers," and more recently, starred opposite Natalie Portman in the foreign drama "Planetarium."

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'Sully' film screening, Los Angeles, USA - 08 Sep 2016

Francesca, Clint and Scott Eastwood

Before becoming a two-time Oscar-winning director, Clint was one of Hollywood's most famous tough guys, portraying rogue cop Harry Callahan in five "Dirty Harry" movies. His lookalike son, Scott Eastwood, is also an actor, one who remembers being in awe of his famous dad. "As a younger kid, there was kind of an aura of greatness. Like's he's my hero," Scott has said. The two have appeared onscreen twice so far: in 2008's "Gran Torino" and again in 2012's "Trouble With the Curve." Clint's daughter Francesca Eastwood starred in the E! reality series "Mrs. Eastwood & Company" with her step-mom Dina and her half-sister Morgan. In 2017, she and her mom, actress Frances Fisher, played the young and old versions of the same character on an episode of "Fargo."

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The 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Pre-GRAMMY Gala And Salute To Industry Icons Honoring  Lucian Grainge - Show

Rashida and Quincy Jones

As an award-winning musician, composer, and producer, Quincy Jones has been at the forefront of the music industry for decades. Daughter Rashida (whose mom is actress Peggy Lipton) is a talented musician in her own right, even singing backing vocals for Maroon 5. But where Rashida really shines is onscreen. The Harvard-educated funny lady became a household name playing nurse Ann on NBC's "Parks and Recreation." She now stars on TBS's hilarious cop comedy "Angie Tribeca." 

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EE British Academy Film Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals

Bryce and Ron Howard

Ron Howard and Hollywood go hand-in-hand. After all, the Oscar-winning director got his start as a child star on "The Andy Griffith Show" back in 1960. He later won new fans when he played wholesome '50s teen Richie Cunningham on "Happy Days." Bryce is following in her father's acting footsteps, and early on she appeared in three of his films as an extra. Her career skyrocketed after she starred in the 2004 thriller "The Village" and, later, "Spider-Man 3." More recently, Bryce charmed audiences in "The Help" and "Jurassic World."

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2016 Canadian Screen Awards - Portraits

Daniel and Eugene Levy

Eugene Levy became a comedy giant thanks to his starring roles in the "American Pie" movies and his hilarious turns in offbeat gems including "Waiting For Guffman" and "Best In Show." The "SCTV" alum's son, Daniel got his start as an MTV personality in his native Canada and later appeared as a judge on "Canada's Next Top Model." More recently, he and his dad joined forces to create and star in the kooky Canadian sitcom "Schitt's Creek." 

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SAINT LAURENT At The Palladium - Arrivals

Zoe and Lenny Kravitz

Zoe Kravitz inherited the same bohemian spirit and style her famous parents, Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, have been rocking since the 1980s, so perhaps it's no surprise she inherited their love of acting and music, too. While mom rose to fame as a teen star on "The Cosby Show," Zoe's rocker dad started acting as a second career, showing off his dramatic chops in 2009's "Precious" and the first two "The Hunger Games" flicks. Zoe started racking up film and TV credits at 19, including roles in "X-Men: First Class" and "Mad Max: Fury Road." The actress, now a regular on HBO's "Big Little Lies," also fronts the funky electro-pop band Lolawolf.

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The London 2014 Stella McCartney Green Carpet Collection

Paul and Stella McCartney

With a Beatle dad, you may have thought Stella McCartney might have become a musician herself, but instead she focused her ample creativity on the fashion world, creating her own critically acclaimed namesake designer label. Stella, whose late mom, Linda McCartney, was a famous rock photographer and a member of dad's band Wings, exhibits her own love of music with her costume collaborations with some of pop's biggest names, including her pal Madonna. No one's prouder of Stella than Paul himself, who told NBC News being the designer's dad was "pretty cool."

 

David M. Benett / Getty Images for Eco-Age/Green C
2014 MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit Concert - Arrivals

Kelly and Ozzy Osbourne

In her younger, more rebellious years, especially, it wasn't hard to see the similarities between Kelly Osbourne and her rocker dad Ozzy. The two starred together with the rest of the family on the now-iconic reality series "The Osbourne" from 2002-2005. Kelly, whose mom is "The Talk" host Sharon Osbourne, recorded two solo albums before bringing her sharp wit to E!'s "Fashion Police" in 2011. She's now a judge on both "Australia's Got Talent" and "Project Runway Junior."

Jerod Harris / WireImage
\"Marvel's The Avengers\" - Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals

Alexander and Stellan Skarsgard

Alexander Skarsgard inherited his dramatic flair from his father, actor Stellan Skarsgard, who's given memorable performances in "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "Thor" and "The Avengers," among other films. The younger Skarsgard created a name for himself with knockout performances in the TV shows "Generation Kill," "True Blood" and, most recently, HBO's "Big Little Lies." The father-son duo acted together for the first time in 2011's "Melancholia." Said Alexander, "It was awesome. He's one of my best friends. I love hanging out with him."

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ACM Presents: Lionel Richie And Friends - In Concert - Show

Lionel and Nicole Richie

Lionel Ritchie became a chart-topping musician as singer and songwriter for the legendary Motown group The Commodores and carried that success into his own remarkable solo career. The Grammy winner's daughter, Nicole Richie, flexes her creative muscles through acting, writing and fashion design. The once-wild teen rose to fame on the MTV reality show "The Simple Life" opposite then-BFF Paris Hilton, and now has the lead role on the NBC sitcom "Good News." In the meantime, she's managed to create her own fashion and home decor line and publish two novels.

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\"Steven Tyler...Out on a Limb\" Show to Benefit Janie's Fund in Collaboration with Youth Villages - Red Carpet

Chelsea, Mia, Liv and Steven Tyler

Rocker Steven has fronted the Grammy-winning band Aerosmith for decades and he's got the hits to show for it. His gorgeous daughters, Chelsea, Mia and Liv also love to entertain. Liv jumpstarted her acting career at 17 when she appeared (opposite Alicia Silverstone) in the video for Aerosmith's 1994 hit "Crazy." Mia did a stint as a VJ for MTV's "House of Style," but has really made her mark as a model. She and her dad appeared together on a 2014 episode of the reality cooking competition "Hell's Kitchen." Meanwhile, Tyler's youngest daughter, Chelsea, is a musician like her dad. Chelsea is one-half of the electronica pop duo Kaneholler.

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Los Angeles Premiere Of Walt Disney Animation Studios' \"Big Hero 6\" - After Party

Damon Jr. and Damon Wayans

Comedy is the Wayans family business and no one knows that better than "In Living Color" star Damon Wayans and his son, actor and writer Damon Jr. After being cast in dad's 1994 movie "Blankman" and appearing on his hit sitcom "My Wife and Kids," Damon Jr. was soon starring (alongside uncles Keenen, Shawn and Marlon) in the Wayans family 2009 comedy "Dance Flick." The younger Wayans later played one of the lead characters on the ABC sitcom "Happy Endings."

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Screening Of Universal Pictures' \"Get Out\" - Arrivals

Brian and Allison Williams

Actress Allison Williams loves her news-anchor dad Brian, but she's the first to admit it took a long time to get out from under his shadow. "It took years and a lot of diligence on my part. But I've formed my own thing, and now I get people who are surprised to find out he's my dad." Allison rose to fame as one of the stars of the cutting-edge HBO drama "Girls," and, later, NBC's "Peter Pan Live!" More recently, she earned raves for her role in the edgy horror flick "Get Out." 

Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic
Rumer Willis Makes Her Debut As Roxie Hart In Broadway's \"Chicago\"

Rumer and Bruce Willis

The oldest daughter of dad Bruce and his ex-wife Demi Moore, Rumer Willis is carrying on the family tradition of entertaining. The singer and actress made her screen debut alongside her mother in 1995's "Now and Then," and later appeared in two movies with her dad, 2000's "The Whole Nine Yards" and 2005's "Hostage." Her screen and stage credits continue to mount — and even include a Season 20 championship win on "Dancing With the Stars."

Bruce Glikas / FilmMagic
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