9 Missouri nepo babies, including a Grammy-awarded artist and Emmy-nominated actress

If you've logged onto social media during the last week, you've probably seen the whirlwind of discussion around "nepo babies." Internet users simply cannot get enough.

The dialogue stemmed from the release of New York Magazine's recent issue, declaring 2022 as the "Year of the Nepo Baby." The magazine's front cover displays a handful of celebrity faces edited onto the bodies of babies laying in hospital cribs.

Jumping onto the bandwagon, the News-Leader has compiled a list of Missouri nepo babies, who were either born in the state, or their parents were.

What is a 'nepo baby'?

"Nepo baby" is a short term for "nepotism baby," a child of a famous individual who gained fame themselves partially due to nepotism. Popularly known nepo babies include Colin Hanks, son of Tom Hanks; Dan Levy, son of Eugene Levy; and Miley Cyrus, daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus. But nepo babies aren't limited to Hollywood stars. In its Dec. 19 issue, New York Magazine took a dive into nepo babies within the modeling, sports and journalism industries.

Discourse on the nepo baby topic has been swirling on social media since the New York Magazine cover's release, with some nepo babies arguing that their lives are not as easy as others might believe.

Ellie Kemper, daughter of bank executive David Kemper

Ellie Kemper, 42, is an actress and comedian, best known for her roles as Erin Hannon in "The Office" and Kimmy Schmidt in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt." She also served as a supporting actress in "Bridesmaids" and "21 Jump Street." In 2016 and 2017, Kemper was nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," according to her IMDb.

Kemper was born in Kansas City. Her father is David Kemper, executive chairman of Commerce Bank, and her grandmother, Mildred Lane Kemper, holds the namesake of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis.

Dakota Johnson, daughter of actor Don Johnson

Actress Dakota Johnson, 33, is known for her roles as Anastasia Steele in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" film franchise and Amelia Ritter in "The Social Network." In 2016, she was nominated for BAFTA Awards Rising Star Award and in 2006 she served as Miss Golden Globe, the person who assists in presenting trophies during the Golden Globe Awards, according to her IMDb.

Johnson made her acting debut at age 10 with a minor role in "Crazy in Alabama" alongside her mother Melanie Griffith. Johnson was born in Austin, Texas, but her father, Don Johnson was born and raised in Flat Creek, Missouri, a township in Barry County. Don starred as Detective Sonny Crockett in the television series, "Miami Vice" from 1984-1989.

Rhonda Vincent, daughter of musicians Johnny and Carolyn Vincent

Bluegrass musician Rhonda Vincent is the leading member of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, one of the most awarded bluegrass bands in history. Over the years, Vincent has been nominated for seven Grammys and in 2018, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage received a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album.

Vincent was born in Kirksville and her career began as a child in her family's band The Sally Mountain Show. Along with her parents Johnny and Carolyn Vincent, Rhonda traveled and played alongside her brothers Darrin and Brian.

Today, Vincent's daughters Tensel Sandker and Sally Berry are also musicians.

Molly Goodman, daughter of actor John Goodman

Molly Goodman, 32, is the daughter of actor John Goodman, who grew up in Affton, Missouri and attended Missouri State University (then, Southwest Missouri State University). Molly was raised around St. Louis.

She has served as a production assistant on television series "New Girl, "The Last Tycoon" and "Aquarius," according to her IMDb.

Harper Spade, daughter of actor David Spade

Fourteen-year-old Harper Spade is an actress and model. She was born in Washington, Missouri to actor and comedian David Spade and actress and model Jillian Grace.

David Spade is known for his role as Joe Dirt in "Joe Dirt," Richie in "The Benchwarmers" and Richard in "Tommy Boy." He has been nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1999 and Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program in 1990, 1991 and 1993, according to his IMDb.

Kate Spade, daughter of businessman Frank Brosnahan

To many, fashion designer Kate Spade is considered a "fashion icon." She was the founder and co-owner of Kate Spade New York from its establishment in 1993 to her death in 2018. Today, the brand is owned by Tapestry, the parent company for Kate Spade, Coach and Stuart Weitzman.

Spade was born in Kansas City to June and Frank Brosnahan, who owned a family construction company that built many roads and bridges within the city. The New York Times described Spade as a "nice girl who grew up with Buicks and Schwinns near the country club," in a 1999 article.

Spade died by suicide in June 2018 at the age of 55. Her father died only a few weeks later at the age of 89.

Ming and Aoki Lee Simmons, daughters of model Kimora Lee Simmons

Ming, 22, and Aoki, 20, Lee Simmons are fashion models, following in the footsteps of their mother Kimora Lee Simmons, who is a model, actress and fashion designer.

In November, Forever 21 launched its a winter wonderland-themed collaboration with Baby Phat, Kimora's fashion label. Serving as the clothing collection's face, Kimora brought Ming and Aoki onto the campaign.

"I want them to know that I'm growing something for them — me and them." Kimora told People in November. "I want them to understand the legacy of the business that was created for them."

Kimora was born and raised in St. Louis. As an actress, she is most known for her roles in "Waist Deep," "Rebound," "For Love or Money" and "Beauty Shop." She has also served as a producer on television series "Kimora: House of Fab" and "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane."

Kai Clark, son of Byrds founding member Gene Clark

Kai Clark, son of Byrds' founding member Gene Clark, is continuing his father's legacy. Kai plays a blend of blues, country and rock music. Gene, who passed away in May 1991, was a singer, songwriter and founding member of the folk rock band Byrds. He was born in Tipton, Missouri.

What about nepo parents?

Although more rare, there are instances of parents gaining spotlight because of their children. Missouri's case is Leota Gunn, who played a minor role in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," which her son James Gunn co-wrote and directed. James' siblings, Sean, Patrick and Beth also work in the film industry as an actor, producer and production manager, respectively. The Gunns were born and raised in St. Louis.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 9 nepo babies from Missouri, including actresses, models and designers