Being a child of a famous celebrity has its pros and cons. It might not be easy to always be in the spotlight, but there are plenty of opportunities to get into show business. If a child aspires to also become an actor, their parents can assist them with their dreams. Isn’t that convenient?
Occasionally, famous actors have appeared in movies or television shows with their real-life children. They might play parent-child duos, or they have a completely different onscreen relationship. It’s fun to watch them perform together either way!
Eugene And Dan Levy – Schitt’s Creek
Eugene Levy rose to fame in the 1980s and ‘90s, appearing on Second City Television. He made a memorable performance as Mr. Levenstein in the 1999 comedy, American Pie. Levy hasn’t been a major star, which has probably benefited his children.
In 2015, Levy teamed up with his real-life son, Dan Levy, to create, produce, write, and star in the popular Canadian sitcom, Schitt’s Creek. When they weren’t working together behind-the-scenes, the Levys starred as the show’s hilarious father-son pair, Johnny (Eugene) and David (Dan) Rose. The show has been regarded as one of the best (yet underrated) sitcoms of the modern era.
Billy Ray And Miley Cyrus – Hannah Montana
In 2006, Miley Cyrus became a household name by starring on the Disney Channel original series, Hannah Montana. The show focused on Miley Stewart’s double life as a normal teenager while also being the superstar known as Hannah Montana. Cyrus became her own superstar, and she has remained successful ever since.
The Disney Channel show was unique because it also starred Cyrus’ real-life father, country music singer, Billy Ray Cyrus. Best known for his hit single “Achy Breaky Heart,” he played Miley Stewart’s father, Robby. He was always available to offer advice. It was obvious that Miley and her father didn’t have to rehearse some of the show’s most sentimental scenes.
Lucille Ball, Lucie Arnaz And Desi Arnaz Jr. – Here’s Lucy
In 1968, Lucille Ball returned to television on Here’s Lucy. This time, she brought her real-life children, Lucie and Desi Arnaz Jr., to play Lucy Carter’s onscreen children, Kim and Craig.
The show was created to demonstrate the generational gap between a widowed working mother (Lucy) and her independent teenage children. Both Lucie and Desi Arnaz Jr. rose to fame while co-starring on the show. Viewers were impressed with the talents they clearly inherited from their comedienne mother and musical father, Desi Arnaz.
Donald And Kiefer Sutherland – Forsaken And Other Movies
Donald and Kiefer Sutherland are perhaps one of the most famous father-son pairs in Hollywood. Donald’s career has spanned over 50 years, best known for the 1970 movie M*A*S*H, the 1973 horror flick Don’t Look Now, and many others. Meanwhile, Kiefer starred in the successful 2000’s drama series, 24.
The Sutherlands played a father-son pair in the 2015 western action-drama, Forsaken. In addition, Kiefer made a cameo appearance in his father’s 1983 movie, Max Dugan Returns, and the two co-starred in the 1996 crime drama, A Time to Kill.
Kirk, Michael And Cameron Douglas – It Runs In The Family
Kirk and Michael Douglas are another famous father-son pair in Hollywood. Kirk was one of the last surviving members of Hollywood’s Golden Age until his 2020 death. His son, Michael, has had his own successful career.
Throughout their careers, Kirk and Michael never appeared in each other’s movies, except for Michael’s uncredited role as a Jeep driver in Kirk’s 1966 war movie, Cast a Giant Shadow. Then, in 2003, the two decided to team up for the first time in the comedy, It Runs in the Family. The movie focuses on the relationship between a grandfather (Kirk), father (Michael), and grandson (played by Michael’s real-life son, Cameron). The movie also features Michael’s mother, Diana Dill, and it was a fun showcase of the Douglas family at its finest.
Ryan And Tatum O’Neal – Paper Moon
In 1973, Ryan and Tatum O’Neal co-starred in the comedy-drama, Paper Moon. Moses Pray (Ryan) is a con-artist who unexpectedly encounters nine-year-old Addie Loggins (Tatum), who he’s supposed to help transfer to relatives. After he tries to con her for money, his plans backfire, and instead, he has to work with her to swindle more people.
The movie was a box office success, and Tatum earned an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role—the youngest person to ever receive this award. Following the movie, Ryan became jealous of his daughter’s new success, and they now have a strained relationship.
Lloyd, Beau And Jeff Bridges – The Lloyd Bridges Show And Other Movies
Prestigious actor Jeff Bridges credited his famous father, Lloyd Bridges, for teaching him everything he knows about acting. As children, Jeff and his brother, Beau, appeared on the anthology program, The Lloyd Bridges Show. They also made appearances on Lloyd’s famous show, Sea Hunt.
As adults, Jeff co-starred with Lloyd in the 1988 comedy-drama, Tucker: The Man and His Dreams, as well as the 1994 action, Blown Away. Beau co-starred with his father in the short-lived ‘90’s western series, Harts of the West, as well as the 1986 television movie, The Thanksgiving Promise, which also starred Beau’s son, Jordan Bridges.
Demi Moore And Rumer Willis – Striptease
In 1996, Demi Moore made the controversial decision to select her real-life daughter, Rumer Willis, to play her daughter in the drama, Striptease. Critics didn’t approve of the decision for an eight-year-old child to appear in the same movie as her mother, who played a stripper to pay the bills. They found it inappropriate, but Moore defended her choice.
Before the movie, Willis also played the childhood version of her mother’s character in the 1995 drama, Now and Then. Later on, she teamed up with her equally famous father, Bruce Willis, in the 2005 thriller, Hostage.
Will And Jaden Smith – The Pursuit Of Happyness
Will Smith has had a well-rounded career, from starring in comedies, actions, and dramas, including the 2006 movie, The Pursuit of Happyness. Smith played a struggling single father, and his real-life son, Jaden Smith, was the perfect choice for his onscreen son, Christopher.
Jaden stole viewers’ hearts as Will’s adorable son, and the movie started Jaden’s own career. Later on, the two co-starred in the 2013 science-fiction movie, After Earth.
Henry And Jane Fonda – On Golden Pond
Jane Fonda always wanted to perform opposite her famous father, Henry Fonda. This dream came true in 1981 when they co-starred in the emotional, heartfelt drama, On Golden Pond. The Fondas’ relationship was reflected by the strained relationship between the movie’s father, Norman Thayer (Henry), and daughter, Chelsea (Jane).
The movie helped repair the relationship between the two Fondas. This was crucial because Henry passed away one year later. The movie was heavily praised by critics. The Fondas became the first father-daughter duo to earn Oscar nominations, and Henry won his first and only Academy Award for Best Actor.