We've all been taught to "honor thy father and mother," but there's no rule telling us we can't become more famous than them. That's why stars like Miley Cyrus and Angelina Jolie have gone on to completely surpass their parents in terms of fame, fortune, sex appeal, and general relevance. Sometimes all it takes is one lucky break or a high-profile marriage for a Hollywood actor to outshine his mom or dad, but it's always fun to see famous sons and daughters steal the spotlight from their parental units. Especially when the daughter in question is only eight years old. (Hi Suri!)
This list of celebrities who are more famous than their parents has everyone from actors to musicians to reality stars, and it includes no less than four Hollywood dynasties. But in some cases, the famous stars who outshine their parents aren't exactly more talented than them (see Tori Spelling, who never seemed to inherit her dad Aaron's phenomenal talent for screenwriting). On a related note, it's ironic that some celebrities who are trying their best to make their children more famous than them (e.g. Will Smith) are not really succeeding in that arena. Maybe someday!
Which of these successful celebrity children are bigger stars and more famous than their parents? Vote up the famous people who are more well-known and more successful than their parents below!
Famous People Who Are More Successful Than Their Parents,
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie's dad, Jon Voight (left), was a bona fide star in the '70s and even won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in Coming Home. His daughter, however, is arguably one of the most famous people alive.
Ben Stiller
Against all odds, Ben Stiller has managed to forge a better Hollywood career than his father, the very talented Jerry Stiller. Jerry is mostly known for his role as George Costanza's father on Seinfeld, but Ben is a real live movie star with comedy hits like Zoolander and the wildly popular Night at the Museum franchise.
Charlie Sheen
Martin Sheen may be the most respected member of the Sheen clan, but his son Charlie is certainly the most famous. His infamous, delusional "tiger blood" rant in 2010 forever established him as "winning" in terms of name recognition.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore's dad, John Barrymore, had a bright future ahead of him in the film industry, but unfortunately ruined it all with his laziness and substance abuse problems. Drew, on the other hand, is a certified megastar and Hollywood darling.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Self-proclaimed lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow has found much more success in Hollywood than her mother, actress Blythe Danner did. Danner starred in a series of well-received films back in her prime, but only Gwyneth can say she's won an Oscar.
Jane Fonda
In addition to being Hollywood royalty, Henry Fonda was the oldest man to ever win the Best Actor Oscar (for On Golden Pond, in 1982 at the age of 76). But his daughter Jane eventually went on to secure two Best Actress wins and to become a symbol for anti-Vietnam War sentiment in the '70s, surpassing him in terms of greatness.
Jennifer Aniston
John Aniston has been on Days of Our Lives since before anyone can remember, but Jennifer Aniston was on a little show called Friends. Maybe you've heard of it?
Kate Hudson
Hudson might not be where she is today if it weren't for her Oscar-winning mom, Goldie Hawn, who starred in a series of hit films throughout the '70s and '80s. But we'll give Kate the edge in terms of fame, thanks to her roles in Almost Famous and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and her enviable dating history.
Miley Cyrus
Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus is mostly known for the sappy karaoke tune "Achy Breaky Heart." His daughter, Miley, however, has done sliiiiiiiightly better for herself.
Robin Thicke
Alan Thicke was a star on the long-running sitcom Growing Pains, but his son Robin is even more well-known, thanks to his song "Blurred Lines" and his now-infamous performance at the 2013 VMAs, in which Miley Cyrus jiggled his junk on live TV.