‘The White Lotus’ star rejects the ‘Nepo Baby’ tag: “I’m not half as talented”
The White Lotus star Sam Nivola has pushed back against the ‘Nepo Baby’ label, insisting his achievements are the result of his own efforts, and not his famous family.
Nivola is the son of Alessandro Nivola, known for The Many Saints of Newark and The Brutalist, and Emily Mortimer, whose credits include Shutter Island and Paddington in Peru.
The term ‘Nepo Baby’ is often used, sometimes derisively, to describe actors who are seen to have gained a foothold in Hollywood thanks to celebrity parents.
His White Lotus co-star Patrick Schwarzenegger has previously voiced irritation at similar assumptions, with many attributing his career to his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Speaking to Variety, Nivola laughed off the accusation, saying: “Other than my genes, I don’t think I can attribute much of my success to my parents. I feel proud that I’ve done it for myself — and sometimes in spite of them.”
Recalling his start in the industry, he added: “I didn’t get my dad’s agent to call up so-and-so. I did it by myself. I didn’t want to give anyone the excuse to say anything I’ve achieved has been because of anyone other than me. And I’m proud of that.”
Interestingly, Nivola revealed that when out with his parents, he’s often the one approached for selfies. Still, he was quick to downplay it: “That just goes to show the trappings of fame. I’m not half as talented as my father or my mother.”
The third season of The White Lotus, in which Nivola portrayed Lochlan Ratliff, the teenage son of a wealthy financier, became a ratings success and scooped up 23 Emmy nominations. However, many fans were left fuming when Schwarzenegger’s performance as Saxon Ratliff, Lochlan’s sibling, went unrecognised.
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