15 Actors who are overshadowed by family members

Fame isn’t always easy, especially when it runs in the family. Some actors work hard and yet it takes them a long time to make an identity of their own. It’s not that they lack talent. Their relatives are just bigger stars. Hollywood has always had famous families, but not everyone gets the same spotlight. Eric Roberts is a good example. He’s been in dozens of films and TV shows. Yet, most people still think of him as Julia Roberts’s brother. Luke Hemsworth has done solid work. His younger brothers, Chris and Liam, however, are far more popular. Jamie Lynn Spears has been acting since she was a teenager. People still see her as Britney’s little sister. These actors prove that talent doesn’t always guarantee recognition. Someone else in the family often gets it first.

1) Eric Roberts – Overshadowed by his sister, Julia Roberts

Eric Roberts has acted in films and TV for over four decades. He earned an Oscar nomination for Runaway Train in 1985. Despite his talent, most people know him as Julia Roberts’s brother. Eric took roles in smaller films and TV guest spots. He worked steadily but never matched Julia's level of fame, who became a global star after Pretty Woman. His career often focused on quality rather than high-profile roles. Julia’s massive success in Hollywood left Eric in the background. Even with his long résumé, he’s rarely mentioned without his sister’s name attached.

2) Frank Stallone – Overshadowed by his brother, Sylvester Stallone

Frank Stallone’s career has always been compared to his brother Sylvester Stallone. Sylvester became an action movie legend with Rocky and Rambo. Frank found success as a singer and even earned a Grammy nomination for Far from Over. His acting career, however, never took off. He appeared in smaller films and TV roles, but nothing stood out. Most people recognize him because of his last name. Sylvester’s fame as an action hero overshadowed Frank’s efforts in both music and acting. No matter what Frank did, he stayed in his brother’s shadow.

3) Jamie Lynn Spears – Overshadowed by her sister, Britney Spears

Jamie Lynn Spears started acting at a young age. She starred in Zoey 101 and soon built a fan base. Her career took a backseat when she announced her pregnancy at 16. She stepped away from Hollywood while Britney Spears ruled pop music. Britney’s worldwide fame made Jamie Lynn’s work feel small in comparison. Lynn later returned to acting and even tried country music. Her personal life, too, often overshadowed her professional work. Most people still remember her as Britney’s little sister rather than her roles as an actor.

4) Hayley Duff – Overshadowed by her sister, Hilary Duff

Hayley Duff built a career with supporting roles in TV and films. She also worked in theater and voice acting. Her younger sister Hilary became a star with Lizzie McGuire and later launched a music career. Hilary’s fame took off quickly, leaving Hayley behind. Hayley stayed busy but rarely landed major roles. She later shifted to writing and producing, staying mostly off-camera. Despite her work, Hayley is still best known as Hilary Duff’s older sister. Her efforts often get overlooked because of her sister’s success.

5) Stephen Baldwin – Overshadowed by his brother, Alec Baldwin

Stephen Baldwin has acted in dozens of movies and TV shows. He gained attention for The Usual Suspects but didn’t maintain the momentum. His brother Alec became a leading man in films like The Hunt for Red October and later found TV success with 30 Rock. Stephen took smaller roles and appeared on reality TV. His outspoken views and controversies drew more attention than his acting. While Alec earned praise for his talent and range, Stephen struggled to keep up. His career faded, leaving him far less recognized than his brother.

6) Casey Affleck – Overshadowed by his brother, Ben Affleck

Casey Affleck has built a respectable career with critically acclaimed performances. He even won an Oscar for Manchester by the Sea. Still, he’s often recognized as Ben Affleck’s younger brother. Ben became a household name with blockbuster hits like Good Will Hunting and Batman v Superman. Casey’s work tends to be quieter and less commercial. While he has earned praise for his acting, Ben’s fame overshadows him. Casey’s controversies have also made headlines, but they haven’t boosted his profile the way Ben’s public life has. Despite his talent, Casey struggles to escape comparisons to his more famous brother.

7) Kevin Dillon – Overshadowed by his brother, Matt Dillon

Kevin Dillon is best known for playing Johnny Drama on Entourage. The role earned him Emmy nominations, but he’s still often compared to his brother Matt. Matt became a star in the 1980s with films like The Outsiders and Drugstore Cowboy. Kevin’s career, while steady, never reached the same level. His roles leaned toward supporting characters rather than leading parts. Matt’s early success cemented his place in Hollywood, leaving Kevin to follow behind. Even with Entourage giving him recognition, Kevin’s career hasn’t matched the longevity or impact of his brother’s. He remains the less famous Dillon.

8) Elizabeth Olsen – Overshadowed by her sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen spent years in the shadow of her twin sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley. The twins became child stars through Full House and built a massive fan base with their movies, TV shows, and fashion lines. Meanwhile, Elizabeth took a slower path, starting with smaller roles before breaking out in Martha Marcy May Marlene. Even after joining the Avengers franchise as Scarlet Witch, comparisons to her sisters followed her. Mary-Kate and Ashley’s early fame kept Elizabeth out of the spotlight for most of her childhood. It wasn’t until adulthood that she finally stepped out from under their influence and built her own career.

9) Bryce Dallas Howard – Overshadowed by her father, Ron Howard

Bryce Dallas Howard grew up in a Hollywood family. Her father, Ron Howard, started as a child star and became an Oscar-winning director. Bryce began her career with roles in The Village and Spider-Man 3. She worked hard to prove herself, but her father’s success often overshadowed her. Even after starring in Jurassic World, many still link her name to Ron Howard. Bryce has also directed films, showing her range in the industry. Despite her talent, comparisons to her father have followed her throughout her career. His legacy often puts her in his shadow.

10) Luke Hemsworth – Overshadowed by his brothers, Chris and Liam Hemsworth

Luke Hemsworth has acted steadily in TV and film. He’s best known for his role in Westworld. Still, his younger brothers Chris and Liam get most of the attention. Chris became a global star as Thor in the Marvel franchise. Liam gained fame with The Hunger Games. Luke started acting before both of them, but their careers took off faster. While Luke has worked consistently, his roles have been smaller and less visible. Chris and Liam’s blockbuster success put him in the background. Even with talent and experience, Luke remains the least recognized Hemsworth in Hollywood.

11) Rumer Willis – Overshadowed by her parents, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore

Rumer Willis grew up in the spotlight because of her famous parents, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. She started acting as a teenager and later won Dancing with the Stars in 2015. Despite her efforts, most people still associate her with her parents rather than her own career. She has taken roles in TV shows like Empire and films like House Bunny, but they haven’t made her a breakout star. Bruce and Demi’s careers have left big shoes to fill. Rumer continues to act and sing, but her success is often viewed through the lens of her parents’ fame.

12) Joan Cusack – Overshadowed by her brother, John Cusack

Joan Cusack has been acting for decades. She’s had steady work in TV and films. Her roles in Shameless and In & Out earned her praise. Despite her talent, her career is often overshadowed by her brother John. John became a star in the 1980s with hits like Say Anything and High Fidelity. Joan earned Oscar nominations, but her work never received the same level of fame. She’s respected in Hollywood as a character actress. Still, John’s fame is more mainstream. Even with her achievements, Joanne’s name is rarely mentioned without a reference to her brother.

13) Eric Lively – Overshadowed by his sister, Blake Lively

Eric Lively started acting before his sister Blake became a star. He landed roles in The Butterfly Effect and American Pie, but his career never gained much traction. Meanwhile, Blake’s rise with Gossip Girl and major films like The Age of Adaline made her a household name. Eric continued working, but his work remained limited to smaller roles and he stayed under the radar. Blake’s success in Hollywood and her high-profile marriage to Ryan Reynolds kept her in the spotlight. Eric’s career, in comparison, faded from view. Despite his early start, he’s still better known as Blake Lively’s older brother than for his own work.

14) Jason Ritter – Overshadowed by his father, John Ritter

Jason Ritter has built a steady career in television and film, with standout roles in Parenthood and The Event. Despite his talent, he’s often recognized as the son of John Ritter, the beloved star of Three’s Company. John’s comedic legacy and larger-than-life presence in Hollywood have made it hard for Jason to step out of his shadow. While Jason has earned Emmy nominations and critical praise, his father’s long-standing fame still overshadows much of his work. Even with his accomplishments, Jason Ritter is often seen as John Ritter’s son first.

15) Abby Elliott – Overshadowed by her father, Chris Elliott

Abby Elliott followed her father, Chris Elliott, into comedy. She became the youngest female cast member on Saturday Night Live at the time. Despite her talent, she struggled to stand out. Chris made a name for himself with quirky roles in Get a Life and Schitt’s Creek. Abby’s time on SNL ended after four seasons, and her later roles didn’t make much noise. While Chris built a long career in comedy, Abby’s work stayed smaller. Even with appearances in shows like Odd Mom Out, her father’s reputation has always loomed larger. Many still recognize her as Chris Elliott’s daughter rather than her work.