For years, Timothée Chalamet’s uncle remained largely unknown to fans. That changed after a viral post on X revealed that the 30-year-old actor is related to filmmaker Rodman Flender.

The post sparked debate, claiming Chalamet benefited from industry connections. “Hollywood gives him special treatment,” the tweet read. “Chalamet is a nepo baby, but many people don’t realize it. He has an uncle in the business who helped open doors for him.”

Flender, now 63, has worked in the entertainment industry since the early 1990s. His directing résumé includes popular television shows such as Gilmore Girls, The Office, Ugly Betty, and Party of Five. He also directed episodes of Finding Carter and Scream: The TV Series.

According to IMDb, Flender’s most recent directing credit was the 2019 series On Becoming a God in Central Florida, starring Kirsten Dunst. He is also known as a longtime friend of Conan O’Brien and directed O’Brien’s 2011 documentary, Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop.

Chalamet’s mother, Nicole Flender — Rodman Flender’s sister — previously worked as a Broadway actress and dancer.

Following the revelation, fans flocked to Reddit to weigh in. One user argued that Chalamet’s success was largely due to his family’s industry ties, writing that he came from money and connections rather than struggling like most aspiring actors.

Another commenter pointed out that Chalamet’s mother’s Broadway career suggested deep professional access, noting that performers typically must belong to the Actors’ Equity Association to appear on Broadway.

Others focused on family resemblance, with one fan remarking on how much Chalamet and his sister resemble their mother, Nicole.

If you want this rewritten in a shorter, more sensational, or neutral fact-check style, I can adjust it.