8 Celebs More Successful Than Their Famous Parents (And 7 Disappointments)

Life

9. Ben Stiller – Jerry Stiller (More Successful)

Ben Stiller is one of the best-known comedians, actors, and directors in Hollywood. He’s been making audiences laugh for years. However, he inherited his comedic talent from his famous parents. He is the son of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, his parents were a hugely-popular comedy duo known as Stiller and Meara. Jerry Stiller is best known for his iconic performance as Frank Costanza in the critically-acclaimed sitcom Seinfeld and for his role as Arthur Spooner in The King of Queens. Ben surpassed his father and became a major film and TV star. Ben first gained recognition with his Emmy award-winning sketch comedy series, The Ben Stiller Show. He has starred in a plethora of beloved films, including Reality Bites, There’s Something About Mary, Meet The Parents trilogy, Zoolander, DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story, and many more. Both father and son are still very active in their respective careers. In fact, Jerry has appeared in several of Ben’s films.

8. Marston Hefner – Hugh Hefner (Disappointment)

The late Hugh Hefner is one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood. He left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. He was the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief for Playboy magazine. Hugh was the ultimate playboy that was known for dating gorgeous playmates half his age and throwing lavish parties at the Playboy mansion. His son, Marston Hefner, made headlines a few years ago. In 2010, Marston began dating pin-up model Claire Sinclair. The following year, she was named the 2011 Playmate of the Year. In 2012, Marston and Claire had an argument that turned physical. Reportedly, Marston kicked and punched Claire in the stomach. A few days after the attack, Claire was photographed moving out some of her belongings from the apartment and a large bruise was visible on her arm. Marston was charged with corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and was sentenced to a 52-week domestic violence program.

7. Miley Cyrus – Billy Ray Cyrus (More Successful)

Technically, Miley Cyrus falls into both categories as she surpassed her famous father but has also been a bit of a disappointment. To be fair, her parents have been bit of a disappointment too. In the early ‘90s, Billy Ray Cyrus became an international sensation with his chart-topping album Some Gave All. It featured the incredibly-successful single “Achy Breaky Heart.” Later, he starred in the series Doc from 2001 to 2004. Miley Cyrus had her first break with her starring role in the beloved series Hannah Montana, which also starred Billy Ray. Later, she developed a risqué and provocative image and released the album Bangerz. She created a great deal of controversy with her wild partying lifestyle and rebellious attitude. On the other hand, her parents have been accused of cheating on each other for years. Despite Billy’s incredible fame, his talented daughter has already passed him by.

6. Christian Brando – Marlon Brando (Disappointment)

The late Marlon Brando is widely regarded as the greatest actor of all time. He won Academy Awards for his universally-praised performances in On the Waterfront and The Godfather. He also starred in the critically-acclaimed films A Streetcar Named Desire, Last Tango in Paris, and Apocalypse Now. His son, Christian Brando, had a difficult childhood and had a brief acting career but truly made a name for himself later. On May 16, 1990, Christian shot and killed Dag Drollet who was the boyfriend of his half-sister, Cheyenne. Cheyenne told Christian that Dag had been abusive but that may have been untrue. The shooting took place at Marlon Brando’s residence in California. After the trial, Christian was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Cheyenne committed suicide in 1995, and Christian died in 2008. During the trial, Marlon testified and said, “I think that perhaps I failed as a father.”

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