The Downside to Having a Famous Hollywood Relative

The Sunday Calendar cover piece on “Hollywood’s Family Ways” (Jan. 31), describing how everyone in Hollywood seems to be related to everyone else and how this affects the movies we see, was interesting, but it only briefly touched on another side of this clannish practice--how family ties can actually keep many talented young artists out of the business because of its nepotistic bent.

Having a famous relative can be a disadvantage. You can be so intimidated by the thought that others might consider your opportunities orchestrated by nepotism that you fail to fully explore your abilities.

In my own case, I was so cowed by my brother’s celebrity that I refrained from entering a field in which I suspected I might succeed. Thus, I fall soundly into the category of “young talent” unseated by nepotism or, in my instance, fear of it.

I discussed this conundrum with my brother, whining that “lightning can’t strike twice.” My brother’s reaction was characteristic. He responded, “F--- lightning.”

His assistance as I finally did plunge into screenwriting came in the form of constructive criticism and encouragement--areas in which I have always been a happy recipient.

When I submitted my first screenplay in 1989, I did so under my married name to avoid being seen as “David Mamet’s sister,” and to ensure that, if lightning had the good grace to strike, it would do so in a vacuum.

When I revealed my full name after the movie was accepted, one executive almost fell out of her Mercedes. Another told me later she never would have hired me if she had known who my brother was. When I asked why, she said, “Well, you know . . . .”

Unfortunately I did. The overwhelming concern was that “She’s David Mamet’s sister; she can’t possibly write” (see: “Lightning can’t strike twice”). This, of course, can be extended to the “Gene Pool Theory,” as in, “How far or deep can it go?”

Very far. Very deep. I have one brother who is an exceptional musician, another who is a fine actor and a brilliant sister. Our parents apparently had the right stuff. Are we to be penalized because we inherited some of it?

The challenge, particularly for a writer, is personal. I daily have to alter the presumption that any success I achieve is due to my family name. My only defense is my ability to write and depend upon my own skills and perseverance. My success thus far has occurred despite my family name, not because of it.

I’m lucky. I have a pretty neat gene pool and an enormously gifted older brother. There are pluses to having David Mamet as a brother. I get great birthday gifts. I see some spectacular movies and plays and then leave the theater saying, “That’s my brother,” with great pride.

I am also blessed with having as my best friend my mother and father’s son.