Actresses Who Refused to Change Their Real Names for Hollywood

For many years, Hollywood encouraged actors to change their names to make them more marketable or easier for American audiences to remember. This often meant actors hid their ethnic backgrounds or family histories to fit a certain image. But recently, more and more actresses are refusing to do this, choosing to use their given names even if they are difficult to pronounce or unfamiliar. These women are prioritizing their identities and cultural heritage, and they’re finding success on the world stage. By keeping their original names, they’re pushing the entertainment industry and its audiences to embrace a more diverse and genuine portrayal of talent.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan experienced pressure to change her name to something easier for English speakers when her acting career took off. After gaining recognition in ‘Atonement’ and earning Oscar nominations for roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women’, she consistently corrected people on how to pronounce her Irish name and used her platform to educate others. By refusing to adopt a more Anglicized name, she helped create opportunities for other Irish performers and has remained a highly respected actress while proudly using the name she was given at birth.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba is famous for playing Suzanne Warren on ‘Orange Is the New Black.’ When she was young, she asked her mother if she could go by Zoe because she thought her Nigerian name was hard for people to say. Her mother playfully responded that if people could pronounce complicated names like Tchaikovsky and Dostoevsky, they could certainly learn to say Uzoamaka. Uzo took this advice to heart and continued to use her birth name throughout her acting career, even when casting directors suggested changing it. She has since won several Emmy Awards as Uzo Aduba.

Thandiwe Newton

For years, Thandiwe Newton was mistakenly credited as “Thandie” after a spelling error on her first film, ‘Flirting’ (1991). This misspelling continued even as she starred in popular movies and TV shows like ‘Mission: Impossible II’ and ‘Westworld’. In 2021, she decided to use the correct Zulu spelling of her name – Thandiwe – in all her future work. She explained this was important to her for honoring her identity and heritage, and the entertainment industry has since respected her request, ensuring she receives proper credit.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot became a global star thanks to her role in ‘Wonder Woman’ and remarkably, she did so without changing her name. Before becoming famous in Hollywood, she served in the Israeli army and participated in beauty pageants, all under her birth name. Some people initially wondered if her name would be difficult for American audiences to remember, but she decided to keep it when she joined the ‘Fast & Furious’ films. Since then, her name has become well-known around the world, and she proudly continues to use it as a connection to her Israeli heritage.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o’s first film role in ’12 Years a Slave’ was a breakthrough performance, earning her an Academy Award. She famously refused to change her unique name—which has Kenyan and Mexican roots—to better suit Hollywood expectations. Nyong’o has often explained how important her name is to her family and her sense of belonging to two cultures. Her success in popular films like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Star Wars’ demonstrated that having an unusual name doesn’t prevent someone from achieving mainstream success. She continues to be a leading voice for staying true to oneself in the entertainment industry.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas was already a huge star in India when she began her Hollywood career with the TV show ‘Quantico’. She made a point of keeping her full name, even when advised to shorten it for American audiences, and continued to use it in films like ‘Baywatch’. After marrying Nick Jonas, she chose to add his last name to hers instead of changing it completely. She’s often spoken about how important her name is to her identity as an international performer. Throughout her career, which has spanned multiple countries and entertainment industries, she’s consistently used her original name.

Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis made Oscar history as the youngest Best Actress nominee ever, thanks to her performance in ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’. At only nine years old, she became well-known for gently but confidently correcting people who mispronounced her unique name. She explained that it combined her parents’ names and included a Swahili word meaning “fairy.” This insistence on proper pronunciation became a memorable part of the awards season, and she continued to use her full name in later roles, such as the remake of ‘Annie’.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek Pinault began her acting career in popular Mexican soap operas before transitioning to Hollywood in the early 1990s. Unlike many Latino actors at the time, who were pressured to adopt more Anglicized names, she chose to keep her original name. She gained widespread recognition and an Oscar nomination for her leading role in the film ‘Frida’. While she later added her husband’s last name, Pinault, she always maintained the name that first brought her fame. Today, she is a celebrated and well-known figure in the world of international film.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz first gained fame in Spain with films like ‘Jamón Jamón’ before becoming a Hollywood star. She deliberately kept her Spanish name and accent as she moved into English-language movies. This helped her stand out, and she eventually made history as the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar, for her performance in ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’. She continues to be a successful actor in both American and Spanish films.

Shohreh Aghdashloo

I’ve always been captivated by Shohreh Aghdashloo. Before coming to the States, she was already a working actress in Iran, but when she arrived in Hollywood, she was told her name – beautiful as it is – would hold her back. Can you believe that? She refused to change it, and thank goodness she didn’t! It’s now instantly recognizable, just like her incredible voice. She earned an Oscar nomination for ‘House of Sand and Fog,’ and has since become a beloved figure in everything from ‘Star Trek Beyond’ to ‘The Expanse.’ What I admire most is how proudly she embraces her Persian heritage – it’s a huge part of who she is, and shines through in every performance.

Rinko Kikuchi

Rinko Kikuchi is a Japanese actress who became well-known internationally for her performance in the film ‘Babel’. She made history as the first Japanese actress to receive an Academy Award nomination in half a century. Even though she’s appeared in big Hollywood films like ‘Pacific Rim’, she’s chosen to keep her Japanese name. Kikuchi continues to work actively in both Japan and the United States, and her success represents a unique blend of international appeal and cultural pride.

Hiam Abbass

Hiam Abbass is a Palestinian actress and director who has appeared in many international and American films and TV shows. She’s become well-known to Western viewers for her work on ‘Succession’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’. Throughout her long career, she’s consistently used her given name, even when it might have been easier to change it for French or American audiences. This choice, like her acting, emphasizes authenticity, and she’s highly regarded in the world of independent and high-quality filmmaking.

Gong Li

As a film lover, I’ve always been fascinated by Gong Li. She really became a star through her early work with director Zhang Yimou, especially in films like ‘Raise the Red Lantern.’ What I admire is that when she started appearing in Hollywood movies, like ‘Memoirs of a Geisha,’ she kept her Chinese name – she didn’t feel the need to westernize it. She’s truly one of the most important actresses in Chinese cinema history, and I think her work has also helped a lot of Western audiences understand Chinese names and culture. It’s great to see she’s still making films internationally, and always as Gong Li!

Yalitza Aparicio

Yalitza Aparicio quickly became well-known after starring in Alfonso Cuarón’s film ‘Roma’. As an Indigenous woman from Mexico with Mixtec and Triqui roots, her identity played a significant role in the film’s success. Despite facing challenges and pressure with her newfound fame, she stayed true to herself and her name. She made history as the first Indigenous American woman nominated for the Best Actress Oscar and continues to champion Indigenous rights and better representation.

Eiza González

Eiza González started her career on Mexican TV, performing in musical programs. She then moved to Los Angeles to focus on acting in films. She’s become known for her roles in big action movies like ‘Baby Driver’ and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. Importantly, she’s chosen to keep her original name, even though many Mexican actresses are encouraged to use more widely recognized names. González has openly discussed how crucial it is to stay true to her identity while working in a challenging industry. She’s continuing to build a successful career, landing leading roles in major American films.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is among India’s top-earning actresses and successfully transitioned to Hollywood with the film ‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage’. Already well-known internationally as a face for several luxury brands, she entered the American film industry without changing her name, confident in her existing recognition. She’s also leveraged her global platform to raise awareness about important topics like mental health and social issues. Today, Deepika’s name is strongly associated with her position as a major star in both Indian and worldwide cinema.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gained international fame after winning Miss World in 1994. She became well-known worldwide and continued to use her birth name when she started appearing in Western films like ‘The Pink Panther 2’ and ‘Bride & Prejudice’. After marrying Abhishek Bachchan, she added his family name to hers. Often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful women, she’s also considered a trailblazer for Indian actors in Hollywood. By choosing to keep her original name, she solidified her status as a cultural icon, respected in both Eastern and Western cultures.

Fan Bingbing

Fan Bingbing is a hugely popular actress in China who also appeared in the Hollywood film ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. She’s famous for her sense of style and is considered a major influencer in Asian entertainment. Notably, she’s always used her Chinese name, Fan Bingbing, even when working on English-language projects. Throughout her career, she’s been successful as both an actress and a producer, and continues to be a well-known figure in the international media.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi became well-known around the world after starring in the film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. She continued to gain prominence with roles in movies like ‘Rush Hour 2’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. Unlike many other actors at the time, she chose to keep her Chinese name, Zhang Ziyi. She’s been recognized with many awards and nominations from prestigious Western groups such as the BAFTA and Golden Globes, and her work has helped bring Chinese films to a wider international audience.

Michelle Yeoh

Early in her career in Hong Kong, Michelle Yeoh was briefly suggested to use the name “Michelle Khan” by producers who believed it would be more appealing to audiences. However, she soon went back to using her given name, Yeoh, as she rose to prominence as an action star. She first gained significant recognition in the West with ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ and reached the peak of her career with ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. In 2023, she made history as the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, cementing her name as a legendary part of cinema history.

Gabourey Sidibe

As a film lover, I was so impressed with Gabourey Sidibe’s debut in ‘Precious’ – and rightly earned an Oscar nomination! What I admire even more is how she handled entering Hollywood with a beautiful, but perhaps less familiar, Senegalese name. She refused to Americanize it or adopt a nickname, and I think that’s fantastic. It’s become a real signature for her, and she’s gone on to do amazing work in shows like ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Empire’. It’s just a lovely part of who she is as an artist.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson’s first name, meaning “hope,” and middle name, Penda, meaning “love” in Swahili, are deeply personal to her. She made a point of using her complete, distinctive first name throughout her career. Henson gained recognition for her performances in films like ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and the popular TV show ‘Empire.’ She’s also become a strong voice for mental health awareness and greater diversity within Hollywood. As a result, she’s become a well-known and respected figure in American entertainment.

Viola Davis

As a critic, I’ve watched Viola Davis’s career blossom, and it’s been truly inspiring. She’s one of the rare artists to achieve EGOT status – an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony! Starting on the stage, she bravely entered the film world, insisting on using her given name, Viola, which is a powerful statement in itself. She’s been incredibly open about the challenges Black women face in Hollywood and how vital it is for us to claim our space. Roles in films like ‘The Help’ and ‘Fences’ weren’t just performances; they were declarations of her immense talent. And thankfully, she continues to use her voice and platform to fight for more diversity and authenticity – including the importance of artists being known by their true names – within the industry.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer spent years playing supporting roles before achieving widespread recognition and winning an Oscar for her performance in ‘The Help’. Throughout her career, she’s always used her given name, Octavia Spencer. Since then, she’s become a highly requested actress in Hollywood, starring in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Notably, she was the first Black actress to be nominated for two Oscars in a row. Today, casting directors see her name as a guarantee of a strong performance.

Zendaya

Zendaya started her career as a young performer on Disney Channel, initially known only by her first name. Although she left off her full last name, Maree Stoermer Coleman, she chose to keep her unique birth name instead of using a more common English version. She’s shared that her name comes from a Shona word meaning “to give thanks.” Through roles in shows like ‘Euphoria’ and films like ‘Dune,’ she’s become a highly influential actress, and her professional identity is entirely based on her given name.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh first gained recognition for her performances in films like ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Little Women’. Early in her career, some people thought her name, Florence Pugh, sounded too dated or wouldn’t appeal to a wide audience. However, she decided to stick with her birth name as she moved from smaller independent films to big-budget Marvel movies. Now, she’s widely considered one of the most talented actresses of her generation, and her name is strongly associated with her powerful and versatile acting.

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan is a British actress best known for her breakout role in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Since then, she’s starred in popular films and shows like ‘Eternals’ and ‘Humans’. Chan has openly discussed the need for better representation of Asian people in the entertainment industry, both in the UK and the US. Notably, she chose to keep her Chinese name, defying a long-held practice of Asian actors changing their names to appeal to Western audiences. She remains a strong advocate for diversity in Hollywood.

Golshifteh Farahani

Golshifteh Farahani was hugely popular in Iran, but starring in the film ‘Body of Lies’ caused problems with the Iranian government. She then moved to France and continued acting in international and Hollywood films. Despite having a long and uniquely Persian name, she’s kept it throughout her career. She’s acted in well-known movies like ‘Paterson’ and ‘Extraction’ with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Her name is a symbol of her life as an artist in exile and her success on the world stage.

Sidse Babett Knudsen

Sidse Babett Knudsen is a Danish actress who gained international recognition for her role in the TV series ‘Borgen’. Even as she started appearing in Hollywood films like ‘Inferno’ and ‘Westworld’, she kept her full Danish name, and the industry readily accepted it. She continues to work on projects in both Europe and America, demonstrating how truly global the entertainment world has become.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a well-known actress and playwright, famous for playing Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ and Okoye in the ‘Black Panther’ movies and other Marvel films. Born in the U.S. to parents from Zimbabwe, she’s always gone by her given name professionally. Gurira has leveraged her success to share African stories through her work, and her name is now associated with strength and cultural pride in the entertainment world.

Share your favorite stories about these actresses and their iconic roles in the comments.

2026-02-23 22:25