'Ray Donovan' actress Skyler Shaye: Jon Voight is like my second dad
Skyler playing 'lovable, good hooker'
Skyler Shaye was born and raised around Hollywood royalty
NEW YORK – Skyler Shaye was born and raised around Hollywood royalty. The “Ray Donovan” actress talked with FOX411 about her famous family (her godfather’s Jon Voight) and her acting career.
FOX411: So what’s your role in the new season of “Ray Donovan?”
Skyler Shaye: I play a hooker. It’s like playing dress up. I play a lovable, good hooker.
FOX411: Your mom was a child actress and is a singer, and your grandfather is Burl Ives. Did your mom encourage you or discourage your acting career?
Shaye: My mom definitely encouraged me. She’s more behind-the-scenes. She’s a country singer so she has her own life going on but she definitely was supportive and let me do what I needed to do. She’s my best friend so she’s a part of the ride.
FOX411: A fun fact about you is that Jon Voight is your godfather. What’s the story there?
Shaye: Jon directed my mom in a play when she was 17 and he became very close to my grandparents, and he’s been a part of the family before I was ever born. When I was born my mom asked him to be the godfather of me and he’s basically my second dad. He’s been there every step of the way.
FOX411: You have been described as Jon’s surrogate daughter since he’s been estranged from Angelina Jolie.
Shaye: Angie’s definitely his daughter and they’re very close, they’re close now which a great thing. I know he was with the grandchildren the other day, Angie’s kids.
FOX411: Do you think nepotism is real in Hollywood? Does it help to have family in the business?
Shaye: I do, I do. I think it does help to have family members who are season in a sense because it helps you stay humbled because you already know the do’s and don’ts because you have your family members who have been through it that can teach you. I would say to the young ones coming into it just be a good person.