Zooey Deschanel, known for her roles in popular films and the sitcom New Girl, recently addressed the notion of nepotism in Hollywood during an appearance on Lewis Howes’ podcast “The School of Greatness.”

The actress, whose father is celebrated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and mother is also an actress, rejected the idea that her family connections played a significant role in her career success. Deschanel emphasized that having a director of photography as a father did not guarantee her acting opportunities, stating, “No one’s getting jobs because their dad’s a DP.”

While Deschanel denied direct nepotism, she acknowledged the support and guidance she received from her family. She credited her parents for their assistance in her career, with her mother serving as an early acting coach and her father engaging in discussions about film and providing direction. Deschanel also revealed that her first agent was obtained with the creative help of her family.

Furthermore, Zooey’s sister Emily, known for her role in the procedural drama Bones, also contributes to the family’s involvement in the entertainment industry.

Despite the ongoing discussion surrounding nepotism, New Girl continues to resonate with audiences, maintaining its popularity through streaming platforms like Netflix.