“I got that episode of Friends because I was about to lose my health insurance,” stated Maggie Baird.
Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell are undeniably some of the biggest names in the music industry today, but their mother, Maggie Baird, is not on board with the recent narrative labeling her children as “nepo babies.”
In an interview with Glamour published on October 3, Baird pushed back against the notion that her children’s success is solely due to their parents’ connections in the entertainment industry.
Setting the Record Straight on Their Journey
The term “nepo baby” resurfaced after a clip of Maggie’s appearance on Friends circulated online, sparking discussions about her and her husband Patrick O’Connell’s ties to the entertainment world.
However, Maggie Baird clarified that while both she and Patrick have worked as actors and musicians, they were far from Hollywood elites.
She explained that they were “working-class actors” who “eked out a meagre living,” emphasizing that her role on Friends came at a time when she was close to losing her health insurance. This paints a very different picture from the assumption that Billie and Finneas had access to significant industry privilege.
The Difference Between Struggling Artists and Superstars
Baird highlighted the contrast between the life she and her husband led as struggling actors and the global success Billie and Finneas have achieved. “People don’t really understand there’s a whole industry of people who are creative and they’re working and they’re struggling,” she said.
“But that’s a very different life than on this side of the door where you’re suddenly playing in this different arena.”
Staying Grounded Despite Fame
Despite their immense success—Billie and Finneas have won multiple Grammys, with Billie dominating charts with hits like “Bad Guy”—Baird noted that their family remains tight-knit and grounded.
She credits the family’s close bond for helping them manage the pressures of fame. “The family part is the part that keeps it sane,” she remarked, reminding everyone that despite the scrutiny, “they’re all human.”
Finneas, in addition to producing and co-writing much of Billie’s music, has found success as a solo artist. His new album For Cryin’ Out Loud! was released on October 4, ahead of his tour in Australia in January 2025.
A Path to Success Built on Talent
While Billie and Finneas may have grown up in a creative household, their path to stardom was built on their undeniable talent, hard work, and the support of their family—far from the image of industry insiders coasting on privilege.