Living in the Shadow (of someone else's dream): An ONTD original
While Google and Oxford define neopotism as 'the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends' when it comes to hollywood and celebrity the term is more aptly applied to opportunities and proximities given to the relatives of those who have initially forged their own paths. Much like their are many different types of celebrities types of nepotism are also varied and I don't want to frame using connections as an inherently bad thing.
For the purposes of this post we will be looking at sister pairs that have worked in multi-hyphenate style media with the criteria that fame of one predated and facilitated the other rather than say simply being pairs of sisters who became famous in tandem (like Tegan & Sara, Haim or other sister musical/acting duos) and discussing if they can stand on their own as a separate celebrity, ordered in both the cases of least to most arguable & most relatable as a contrast to Jamie Lynn (IMO). Also to note - this is not a definitive list so please feel free to add more in the comments!!
Honorable Mention:
AJ Michalka
Famous Sister: Aly Michalka
Similarly Sister Moves: work in television and movies, Duo band with her sister.
Distinguishable Solo works: Roles in Steven Universe, The Goldbergs,The Lovely Bones & Support the Girls.
Description: A singer and actress Amanda Joy Michalka - or AJ as she's known - diverges from her sister's career footsteps with more varied TV and voice acting work
Wholly separate as a celebrity entity from her sister?: No. While she does have notable works outside of the sphere of Aly & AJ when thinking of her it's most likely in tandem with Aly.
6. Noah Cyrus
Famous Sister: Miley Cyrus
Similarly Sister Moves: Work in television, films and music
Distinguishable Solo works: lead voice actor in Ponyo
Description: The younger sister to singer, actor & tongue wiggling enthusiast Miley Cyrus, Noah seems to be focusing more on performing than tackling multiple
Wholly separate as a celebrity entity from her sister?: No. Given the global stardom Miley achieved by her age it would be extremely hard to carve out a solo spotlight when entering the same arenas. That said, while her celebrity doesn't reach the heights of her older sister she scooted by AJ by virtue of said fame being distinguished from Miley as her own.
5. Haylie Duff
Famous Sister: Actress, singer & walking post legend Hilary Duff
Similarly Sister Moves: Work in television & TV movies
Distinguishable Solo works: Stints on Broadway, hosting 2 cooking channel shows, being a dead ringer for Kevin Jonas' wife, songwriting credits (for Hilary)
Description: a notable difference in being an older sister that received nepotism via a younger sister it seems as though Haylie has quietly carved out a lucrative career via volume of lower profile projects.
Wholly separate as a celebrity entity from her sister?: You know what? yes. While she may not be on our/most people's radars in a notable way she clearly has a volume of work that's her own to back her and has found a niche that works for her.
4. Ashlee Simpson
Famous Sister: Singer, actress & apparel brand mogul Jessica Simpson
Similarly Sister Moves: Work in documentary style reality television, music & movie work
Distinguishable Solo works: Stints on Broadway, the West End and Hollywood Bowl as Roxie Hart, studio albums, series regular roles on 7th Heaven & Melrose Place 2010
Description: Initially pushed as the 'anti' Jessica Simpson, Ashlee had her own run throughout the 2000s & early 2010s and will pop up every once in a while with new little projects, like her ep with husband Evan Ross
Wholly separate as a celebrity entity from her sister?: Yes. The very nature of being the alternative to her older sister forced their images into distinguished places from the start.
3. Tamar Braxton
Famous Sister: Toni Braxton
Similarly Sister Moves: Sister group 'The Braxtons' in the 90s, Work in Stage, Music & Reality television
Distinguishable Solo works: Multiple hit albums, her own tour in 2014, co-creating 'The Real', her own reality shows, Backup/Backround vocalist for Lady Gaga
Description: More so than anyone else on the list Tamar benefitted the most from the time of ascension. While Toni is a vocal queen that can never be diminished her heyday was arguably 10 - 15 years before 'Braxton Family Values' pushed Tamar & her over the top antics to the forefront. With her newfound attention she's parlayed that initial push into an actual career.
Wholly separate as a celebrity entity from her sister?: Yes. Tamar has the perfect balance of sisterly name recognition while maintaining an identity and artistry that feels distinct from Toni and her sisters.
2. Dannii Minogue
Famous Sister: Kylie Minogue
Similarly Sister Moves: Ascent to stardom via television roles, positions as judging mentors for reality competition, multiple record making musical achievements
Distinguishable Solo works: Theater Work for Macbeth & the vagina monologues, 13 consecutive #1 dance singles, extensive work as a reality show judge/personality
Description: Admittedly I am unfamiliar with the true magnitude of impact Dannii's celebrity has had - and have included her upon suggestion - but even as someone learning the details now it's clear that Dannii's star power can't be denied.
Wholly separate as a celebrity entity from her sister?: Yes. What's interesting is how similar yet different her and Kylie's career choices have been and while there are definitely points that they share Dannii does clearly stand out as her own person.
1. Solange Knowles
Famous Sister: Beyoncé
Similarly Sister Moves: work in movies, music and television guest apperances
Distinguishable Solo works: Lead singer of 'the proud family (what)' theme, Bring it on 3, A seat at the Table, notable turns at the MET gala and being known for alternative R&B
Description: The very inspiration for this post! While her celebrity might not have the crossover reach that a Dannii she most clearly evokes the characteristics that make each of her priors distinct while sharing the unique experience of becoming a teen mother while trying initially establishing her own career and having to redirect.
Wholly separate as a celebrity entity from her sister?: Yes. While Solange initially started as less distinguished musically from Beyoncé over the years her artistry blossomed in a different direction and is now wholly different but just as personal as her older sister's musical expression.
Source: me and all my typing, oof!
Which are your favorite nepotism celebrities ONTD??