Richard Dreyfuss' son shares texts with his mom: 'Pretty sure Dad having an Oscar helped me get into Emerson'

As some Hollywood offspring face criticism for their parents' shady misgivings, others are taking the opportunity to speak candidly about how their last names impacted their college opportunities.

Ben Dreyfuss, whose father is acclaimed actor Richard Dreyfuss, tweeted, "I got into college the old fashioned way: By letting my father's celebrity speak for itself."

In a subsequent text conversation, his mother, screenwriter Jeramie Rain, tried to convince Ben that his achievements were his alone -- but did concede, after a bit of back-and-forth, that Richard, who starred in "American Graffiti" and "Jaws," probably did sway some decisions.

"I do not believe for a second that your father got you into Emerson," she wrote. "You worked hard."

In response, Ben pointed out that he "didn't even graduate high school," adding, "I was throw[n] out of one high school, left another with a drug problem ... Pretty sure Dad having an Oscar helped me get into Emerson, a college that famously values performing arts celebrities."

He then pointed out that his college essay was about "my parents' divorce that intentionally mentioned by childhood in Hollywood."

"Ok. That might have helped," his mom texted back. "Bet schools won't be so happy to take celebrities' kids anymore. Unless they make big donations. Dad never made any donations. Ha ha."

Now the editorial director of growth strategy at political newsmagazine Mother Jones, Ben has been cited as the driving force behind the outlet's increasing online influence.

Other children of celebrities who've weighed in on the controversy include Rob Lowe's son, John, who called the scandal "really, really gross."

PHOTOS: Richard Dreyfuss through the years