As the old adage goes, "it's not what you know. It's who you know." And nowhere is that more apparent than in the tight knit community of Hollywood.

Here are 9 cameo appearances where nepotism paid off.

Chris Hemsworth's wife in “Thor: The Dark World”

When Natalie Portman couldn't make the kiss scene for the second Thor movie, Chris Hemsworth said he chose to bring in his wife Elsa, instead of choosing, "from a lineup of women."

Photography: Disney

Angelina Jolie's daughter in “Maleficent”

In the live-action remake, the youngest Aurora was played by Angelina Jolie's daughter. She was the only young girl that wasn't scared of Maleficent's makeup.

Photography: Disney

James Gunn's parents in “Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2”

Director James Gunn's parents appear in the second Guardians movie as "Weird Old Man," and "Weird Old Man's Mistress." In a Tweet about this cameo, James Gunn says, "My family loves getting killed in my movies."

Photography: Disney

Mark Hamill's Children

In "The Last Jedi," three of the rebel soldiers were played by Mark Hamill's children. It's too bad the story takes place after the fall of the Jedi Order because The Force is probably strong in them.

Photography: Disney

Nathan Hamill in “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace”

All three of Mark Hamill's children appeared in "The Last Jedi," but it was his son Nathan's second appearance. His character in “The Phantom Menace” shares a last name with his character in “The Last Jedi,” suggesting one is a descendent of the other.

Photography: Twitter/@NathanHamill

Gal Godot's daughter in “Wonder Woman 1984”

In “Wonder Woman 1984,” Gal Gadot's husband and child can be seen riding the carousel. The daughter, Maya, scores a lot of cuteness points for the movie, though.

Photography: Warner Bros.

George Lucas's son in “Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of The Sith”

In Episode III, the youngling that saved Bail Organa was played by George Lucas' son, Jett. Who could possibly be stronger with the force than George Lucas's son?

Photography: Disney

Michael Bay's dog in “Pearl Harbor”

Michael Bay's dog Mason had a cameo appearance in the 2001 war film. We're glad the dog's character wasn't blown up or captured by Nazis.

Photography: Touchstone Pictures

John Favreau's son in “Iron Man 2”

In Iron Man 2, John Favreau's son plays a nameless young boy in an Iron Man mask during a scene towards the end of the movie. Years later Tom Holland and Kevin Feige confirmed a long-standing fan theory that the young boy was in fact, Peter Parker.

Photography: Paramount Pictures