Last surviving Monkee rejects ‘nepo baby’ label

Micky Dolenz, the Monkees’ sole surviving original member, rejected the “nepo baby” label in a recent interview, saying that entering show business after his actor-singer parents was simply following in a parent’s footsteps. The 81-year-old, who began acting as a child on Circus Boy and has worked in entertainment for seven decades, said the term overlooks what he sees as a common family tradition; he also emphasized that performing is his livelihood, not a glamorous privilege. Dolenz continues to record and perform as the band marks the 60th anniversary of its television debut and formation.