Ryan Phillippe Says 'Nepotism Talk' About His Kids 'Annoys' Him: 'That's What They've Grown Up Around'

The actor shares his two kids — Ava and Deacon — with ex Reese Witherspoon

Ryan Phillippe's daughter Ava and son Deacon are following in their parent's footsteps — and the actor couldn't be happier.

In a new interview with Extra, the actor, 49, was asked about his daughter Ava, 24, and son Deacon, 20, who he shares with ex Reese Witherspoon, joining the entertainment industry.

Speaking about how his daughter is pursuing acting, Phillippe said, "She's sort of getting her feet wet, you know? She's taking time to figure out exactly what it is she wants to do."

"That's what always annoys me about this whole nepotism talk with the industry," he continued. "So many people grow up and end up doing what their parents do, to some degree or another."

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Related: Ryan Phillippe Shares Rare Selfie with 12-Year-Old Daughter Kai: 'Best Thanksgiving'

"To me, I always get offended for the children of actors and entertainers when people bring that up because of course, that's what they've grown up around," Phillippe said.

"These kids have grown up watching on set with Reese or with me. It seems natural, I think," the dad of two added of his brood.

Phillippe also shared how proud he is of his son Deacon, who is pursuing a music career.

"He makes me proud every single day of his life just in regards to the young man he's become, to how he operates in the world," he said. "He's just such a source of light and love, and he's very solid and spiritual. He's got an incredible work ethic."

In addition to Deacon and Ava, Phillippe is dad to daughter Kai, 12, with ex Alexis Knapp.

In April, Phillippe and Witherspoon celebrated the release of Deacon's debut album A New Earth with a special party. In a post on Instagram, Phillippe shared several photos from the event, including a sweet father-son photo that showed the two grinning together.

In the snap, the proud dad wore a plain white tee with a red, black and white sweater, while Deacon opted for a black circle-neck shirt with a white checkered jacket.

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