20 Jewish Actors Who Changed Their Names for Hollywood

For many years, performers in the entertainment industry have used stage names to attract larger audiences or avoid prejudice. This was particularly common during Hollywood’s Golden Age, when studio bosses often advised actors to choose names that sounded more American to increase their popularity. Jewish actors, facing widespread antisemitism, sometimes felt they needed to conceal their background or simply wanted a name that looked better in movie credits. Though some stars today still change their names for personal reasons, this practice remains an important piece of film history.

Kirk Douglas

Born Issur Danielovitch to Jewish immigrants from Russia, Kirk Douglas transformed his name to appear more American before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He became a famous actor known for his powerful roles in movies like ‘Spartacus’ and ‘Paths of Glory’. Douglas bravely used his position to help end the Hollywood blacklist by employing Dalton Trumbo to write the screenplay for ‘Spartacus’. Throughout his long career, he received three Academy Award nominations and was ultimately honored with a Lifetime Achievement Oscar.

Natalie Portman

I’ve always been captivated by Natalie Portman, and learning about her journey is even more inspiring. Born Neta-Lee Hershlag in Jerusalem, she moved to the US when she was young. I understand she cleverly took her grandmother’s last name, Portman, after her first film, ‘Léon: The Professional,’ to keep her personal life private – a smart move! It’s amazing she managed to balance a thriving acting career with her studies at Harvard. And of course, her Oscar-winning performance in ‘Black Swan’ was absolutely stunning. It’s wonderful to see her continue to be such a powerful presence in Hollywood, all while staying connected to her Israeli heritage.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder, born Winona Laura Horowitz, comes from a Jewish family with ancestors from Russia and Romania. She adopted the name Ryder after hearing a Mitch Ryder song while talking to her agent. Ryder became well-known in the late 1980s and 1990s with popular films like ‘Heathers’ and ‘Beetlejuice’. She won a Golden Globe for her work in ‘The Age of Innocence’, proving she could excel in historical dramas. More recently, Ryder enjoyed a career comeback starring in the popular series ‘Stranger Things’.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill, originally named Jonah Hill Feldstein, comes from a creative family in Los Angeles. He changed his name to simply Jonah Hill when he started acting. He first gained recognition for his comedic skills in films like ‘Superbad’ and ‘21 Jump Street’, but later successfully moved into more dramatic roles, earning Academy Award nominations for ‘Moneyball’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. More recently, Hill has also worked as a director and screenwriter, including the film ‘Mid90s’.

Woody Allen

Born Allan Stewart Konigsberg in the Bronx, Woody Allen started writing jokes as a child. He officially changed his name to Woody Allen in the early 1950s when he began selling his material to newspapers. He went on to become a famous filmmaker, directing acclaimed movies such as ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘Manhattan’. Allen has received more Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay than any other person. His films often feature anxious, complex characters and delve into philosophical questions, frequently set in New York City.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks, originally named Melvin Kaminsky, had a Jewish upbringing in Brooklyn. He decided to change his name to Mel Brooks because he thought Kaminsky was hard to display on theater signs and to avoid being mistaken for jazz musician Max Kaminsky. Brooks became famous for his hilarious comedies like ‘The Producers’ and ‘Blazing Saddles’, mastering the art of slapstick and satire. He’s incredibly accomplished, being one of the rare few to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. His comedic style has had a lasting impact on television, film, and theater.

Gene Wilder

Born Jerome Silberman in Milwaukee to a Russian Jewish family, Gene Wilder later changed his name at 26, inspired by characters from literature and the playwright Thornton Wilder. He became famous for his comedic collaborations with Mel Brooks, starring in beloved films like ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘The Producers’. Wilder was particularly well-known for his portrayal of Willy Wonka, bringing both wild energy and kindness to the role. Beyond acting, he also wrote and directed films, including ‘The Woman in Red’.

Lauren Bacall

Born Betty Joan Perske in New York City to Jewish parents, Lauren Bacall became known professionally by the name she created from her mother’s family name, Bacal, with the addition of ‘Lauren’ by director Howard Hawks. She began her film career alongside Humphrey Bogart in ‘To Have and Have Not’ and quickly became famous for her unique, smoky voice. Bacall appeared in many classic film noir movies, including ‘The Big Sleep,’ and later achieved success on Broadway, winning a Tony Award. Over a career lasting seven decades, she became a celebrated icon of both fashion and film.

Tony Curtis

I’ve always been a huge fan of Tony Curtis! Did you know he wasn’t born with that name? He was actually Bernard Schwartz, a first-generation American whose parents came from Hungary. When he signed with Universal Pictures, they thought ‘Tony Curtis’ would be a better fit for a leading man, and boy were they right! He quickly became a major heartthrob in the ’50s, and who could forget ‘Some Like It Hot’ with Marilyn Monroe? But he wasn’t just a pretty face – he was a seriously talented actor, earning an Oscar nomination for ‘The Defiant Ones.’ With over 100 movies under his belt, he really left his mark on American culture, and I think his work continues to inspire people today.

Bea Arthur

Born Bernice Frankel, Bea Arthur was raised in a Jewish household in New York and Maryland. She created her stage name by using a slightly different version of her first name and her first husband’s last name. Arthur became a television star thanks to her roles as the outspoken Maude Findlay in ‘Maude’ and Dorothy Zbornak in ‘The Golden Girls’. Known for her distinctive deep voice and strong presence, she excelled in both musicals and sitcoms, earning Tony and Emmy awards for her excellent comedic skills.

Rodney Dangerfield

Born Jacob Cohen, Rodney Dangerfield started his career as a singing waiter. He performed for years under different names, including Jack Roy, before finally finding success in his forties as Rodney Dangerfield. He became well-known for his jokes about himself and his famous line about not getting any respect. Dangerfield starred in hit comedies like ‘Caddyshack’ and ‘Back to School’ when he was at his most popular. He also helped many other comedians get their start by giving them opportunities at his New York comedy club.

George Burns

Born Nathan Birnbaum in New York City, George Burns took his stage name from a common nickname for coal workers and a pair of brothers he knew. He became famous for his long-running and beloved radio and television show with his wife, Gracie Allen. At age 80, Burns won an Academy Award for his performance in ‘The Sunshine Boys,’ and he continued to work and entertain audiences well into his nineties, ultimately living to the remarkable age of 100.

Edward G. Robinson

Born Emmanuel Goldenberg in Bucharest, Edward G. Robinson moved to the United States with his family. While studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he adopted the stage name Edward G. Robinson to create a more memorable image. He became famous for playing gangsters, especially after his role in ‘Little Caesar’. Though known for portraying tough characters on screen, Robinson was actually a refined art collector and a man with a deep appreciation for culture. He was honored with a special Academy Award after his death, recognizing his significant impact on the film industry.

Judy Holliday

Judy Holliday, born Judith Tuvim in New York City to Russian Jewish parents, changed her last name to Holliday – the English translation of the Hebrew word for holidays – when she became an actress. She first played the character of Billie Dawn in the Broadway production of ‘Born Yesterday,’ and later won an Academy Award for her performance in the movie version. Holliday was famous for portraying seemingly naive blonde characters who were surprisingly clever and witty. Sadly, her career was cut short by illness, but she is still remembered for her brilliant comedic talent.

Jack Benny

I’ve always been a huge Jack Benny fan! Most people don’t realize he was born Benjamin Kubelsky in Waukegan, Illinois, near Chicago. He actually tried a couple of stage names, like Ben K. Benny, before landing on Jack Benny – he just wanted to avoid any legal trouble with another musician! But it all worked out, because ‘The Jack Benny Program’ was a massive hit on radio and TV for years and years. What I loved about his comedy was how he played this really cheap, stingy character, and pretended to be a terrible violinist – it was hilarious, especially knowing he was actually a really good musician! Seriously, he’s one of the most important and influential comedians of the 20th century, and I think everyone should check out his work.

Danny Kaye

Born David Kaminsky in Brooklyn to Ukrainian Jewish parents, Danny Kaye crafted his stage name from his middle name and a simplified version of his last name to suit the vaudeville scene. A remarkably versatile entertainer, Kaye was famous for his energetic physical comedy and fast-paced, witty songs, showcased in films like ‘The Court Jester’ and the beloved holiday classic ‘White Christmas’ with Bing Crosby. Equally impressive was his dedication to humanitarian work; he served as UNICEF’s first ambassador-at-large, making his contributions to the world as meaningful as his career in entertainment.

Jerry Lewis

Born Joseph Levitch, Jerry Lewis came from a family of vaudeville performers. He chose the stage name Jerry Lewis to distinguish himself from boxer Joe Louis and comedian Joe E. Lewis. He first became famous as part of the comedy team Martin and Lewis, and later had a thriving career as a solo film actor, writer, and director. Many consider his film ‘The Nutty Professor’ to be his best work. He was also a dedicated philanthropist, raising billions of dollars for muscular dystrophy research through his yearly Labor Day telethons.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr, originally named Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler, was born in Vienna to a Jewish family. She took the stage name Hedy Lamarr after Louis B. Mayer, a studio executive, suggested it, inspired by the actress Barbara La Marr. Lamarr became famous as a stunning film star, appearing in popular movies like ‘Samson and Delilah’. However, she was also a gifted inventor. She helped create a technology that allowed signals to jump between frequencies, which became a key foundation for today’s wireless technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Jason Alexander

Jay Scott Greenspan, better known as Jason Alexander, was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, to a Jewish family. He chose the name Jason Alexander as a more memorable stage name, taking inspiration from his father’s first name. He’s most famous for playing George Costanza on the hit TV show ‘Seinfeld.’ Alexander’s talent has been recognized with a Tony Award for his work in ‘Jerome Robbins’ Broadway,’ and he’s enjoyed a long and successful career in both theater and television. He’s particularly well-known for his ability to play funny, anxious characters, making him a beloved figure in American comedy.

Michael Landon

Michael Landon, originally named Eugene Maurice Orowitz, was born in Queens to parents of Jewish and Catholic faiths. He adopted the stage name Michael Landon after finding it in a phone book, wanting a name that sounded powerful and memorable. He first became famous playing Little Joe Cartwright on the popular western series ‘Bonanza’. Later, he created and starred in the heartwarming family drama ‘Little House on the Prairie’, and was heavily involved in writing and directing many episodes of both shows.

Tell us which of these actors is your favorite by leaving a comment below.

2025-11-20 07:47