Actors Who Changed Names Mid-Career—and Got Better Roles

Occasionally, a minor alteration can lead to significant outcomes. For numerous actors, modifying their professional moniker opened up fresh avenues, resolved ambiguity in casting rooms, or symbolized a new phase that matched their desired career trajectory. This transformation not only resulted in a distinct change on the big screen but also in the types of roles they subsequently secured.

Twenty artists changed their names during their careers and subsequently took on more prominent roles. This article showcases their previous credits, the point at which they altered their names, and the projects that demonstrated the impact of these changes.

This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language and a more conversational tone to make it easier for readers to understand.

Dwayne Johnson

Initially, during his acting career, he continued to use his wrestling persona “The Rock” for film roles. Later, in the 2000s, he decided to drop the wrestling name and started being credited consistently as Dwayne Johnson in movies.

Immediately following that shift, he began regularly appearing in action movies like ‘Fast Five’ and later featured in films such as ‘San Andreas’ and the remake of ‘Jumanji’. Additionally, family-friendly films and comedies like ‘Moana’ and ‘Central Intelligence’ were added to his repertoire once his new credit was established.

Dave Bautista

Initially, his early film and TV roles often credited him near his wrestling persona as Batista, or used David or Dave Batista. However, as he delved deeper into acting, he opted for a uniform screen name – Dave Bautista.

After making that move, he gained prominence as Drax in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and further enriched his resume with high-profile projects like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and ‘Dune’. Additionally, he has assumed character-centric leading roles in films such as ‘Knock at the Cabin’.

Laurence Fishburne

For several years, he was known professionally as Larry Fishburne in numerous films and television shows, even earning recognition for his early breakout roles. However, around the early 90s, he started going by Laurence Fishburne in his professional credits instead.

After obtaining a new credit, he stepped into leading roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, earning him international acclaim, which was further solidified through his performance in ‘The Matrix’. He continued his television career with significant projects linked to ‘Black-ish’.

Mahershala Ali

In simpler terms, initially, his credits often included his complete first name Mahershalalhashbaz Ali. However, by the early 2010s, for professional purposes, he began using the shortened version of his name, Mahershala Ali, a name that has since become standard across movies and TV shows.

Following this transformation, he graced the screen in ‘House of Cards’, garnering acclaim and recognition with his roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. He was also the lead actor for a season of ‘True Detective’ and expanded his repertoire by joining some prominent franchises such as ‘Blade’.

Elliot Page

For quite some time, he worked under a different name in both movies and TV shows. Towards the end of 2020, he officially declared his new identity as Elliot Page, and from then on, this name has been used in his credits for ongoing and upcoming projects.

On ‘The Umbrella Academy’, credits have been revised to mirror the name change, with Elliot Page still taking the lead role. Further projects and voice acting opportunities were secured under his new credit, following this update.

Thandiwe Newton

For a significant part of her professional journey, she was recognized under the name Thandie Newton. However, in the year 2021, she decided to revert to her birth name, Thandiwe, and has been using this spelling in her branding and credit listings moving forward.

In the newer movies and TV shows, the revised credit is now displayed, whereas her earlier performances like ‘Westworld’ are still commonly linked with her. Additionally, the refinement helped the media and promotional materials to adopt the proper spelling in their presentations.

LaKeith Stanfield

Initially, in some of his early screen projects, his name was credited as Keith Stanfield. However, as his career progressed, he decided to use LaKeith Stanfield as his professional name, a choice that’s been consistent across movies, TV shows, and music.

In those credits, he delivered memorable performances in ‘Atlanta’, ‘Get Out’, and ‘Sorry to Bother You’. Subsequently, he received accolades for his work in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’, and ventured into the realm of genre films with ‘The Book of Clarence’.

Don Lee

In Korea, he’s commonly recognized as Ma Dong-seok, a name he utilized for local productions. However, for international presentations, he opted for the name Don Lee, which he believes simplifies English language promotion and casting.

After that transition, he joined major Hollywood productions like ‘Eternals’. Additionally, he kept spearheading successful Korean films, notably the sequels linked to ‘Train to Busan’, with Don Lee frequently featured in global projects.

Jurnee Smollett

Throughout her marriage, Jurnee Smollett-Bell worked for several years. During this time, she was recognized by her full name in both TV and movie credits. However, following the end of her marriage, she resumed being known professionally as just Jurnee Smollett.

After her leading role in ‘Lovecraft Country’ and her appearance in ‘Birds of Prey’ within the DC universe, Jurnee Smollett has received ongoing work related to that part. Additionally, she is often credited for new film projects and limited series under her name, Jurnee Smollett.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher

For a long time, she was commonly known by the name JoAnna Garcia in both sitcoms and dramas. However, following her marriage to Nick Swisher in 2010, she decided to use JoAnna Garcia Swisher as her professional moniker instead.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’ve been delighted to see my presence grow in the entertainment industry. After gracing several network shows with my performances, I found myself at the helm of the captivating streaming phenomenon ‘Sweet Magnolias’. Now, you’ll find that promotional materials, titles, and artwork consistently reflect my double surname – a testament to this exciting chapter in my career!

J. Smith-Cameron

Initially, during the start of her career, she occasionally went by the professional name J. Smith. Later on, she added Cameron to her professional identity, a decision that not only personalized her name but also resolved any issues with credits from the guild.

As a result of adopting an updated moniker, J. Smith-Cameron gained significant recognition for her role in ‘Succession.’ Simultaneously, she maintained her extended theater career under this new name. The film roles accompanying this series likewise followed the same naming style.

Scott Eastwood

Initially, he opted to work under the name Scott Reeves, preferring not to leverage familial fame for his career’s early stages, instead gaining valuable experience. Partway through his rise, he decided to use the name Scott Eastwood in casting calls and productions.

Following the transformation, he made his appearance in the film ‘Fury’, and was part of the cast in both ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘The Fate of the Furious’. Additionally, he headed various smaller-scale thrillers and dramas, with Clint Eastwood’s name featured prominently on the movie posters and title cards.

David Tennant

Initially known as David McDonald at birth, he later changed his name to David Tennant to adhere to union regulations and prevent any naming inconsistencies. This change took place during his initial days in television, even though he already had theater acting experience under his belt.

In his career, David Tennant is recognized for portraying the Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’ and Alec Hardy in ‘Broadchurch’. Later, he delved into fantasy and comedy with ‘Good Omens’. Additionally, he has continued to excel in voice work and theater performances under his own name.

Aidan Gillen

In some early roles, he went by his birth name, Murphy, but later, to distinguish himself in acting circles, he decided to change it to Aidan Gillen, a name he has consistently used since the 1990s.

As the end credits rolled, I found myself reflecting on some remarkable series that graced my screen – ‘Queer as Folk’, ‘The Wire’, and ‘Game of Thrones’. Among these, I’ve had the privilege to be a part of. Additionally, I’ve made appearances in blockbuster franchise films like ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Yet, my work has continued to carry the Gillen credit on the international stage.

Rooney Mara

In my cinematic journey, I’ve come to be recognized by my given name, Patricia, but more commonly as Rooney Mara, especially in bigger productions. Over time, I’ve adopted this moniker consistently – whether it’s during interviews, on posters, or even in the opening sequences of films.

In those credits, she landed significant roles in films such as ‘The Social Network’ and ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. Subsequently, she delivered critically-acclaimed performances in movies like ‘Carol’ and ‘Nightmare Alley’.

Kal Penn

Initially, he used credits under his birth name Kalpen Modi. In the 2000s, he decided to change his professional name to Kal Penn, recognizing how a more straightforward name could positively affect casting opportunities and callbacks.

After the shift, he began working on ‘Harold and Kumar’ and subsequently became part of ‘House’. He also held positions in public service before re-entering acting, credited as Kal Penn in both comedies and dramas.

Portia de Rossi

In her adult years, Amanda Lee Rogers decided to take on the name Portia de Rossi, which she stuck with during the initial stages of her career. Later, as she moved into more prominent roles on television, she officially adopted this new name.

Portia de Rossi joined the main cast of ‘Ally McBeal’ and later ‘Arrested Development’. She also made an appearance on ‘Scandal’, maintaining her professional identity with the surname de Rossi throughout.

Yasiin Bey

For several years, he was recognized as Mos Def in the realms of music and acting. However, at the start of the 2010s, he decided to use the name Yasiin Bey for all future projects, a change that has been reflected in his film and television credits since then.

Under his name Yasiin Bey, he continued to secure roles, notably in ‘Dexter’ and various independent productions. Previous movies like ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘Be Kind Rewind’, still carry his earlier stage name.

Joaquin Phoenix

Initially, as a child actor, he went by the stage name Leaf Phoenix. However, when he reached his teenage years, he reverted back to his birth name, Joaquin, which he continued using for his acting roles throughout adulthood.

Following Joaquin Phoenix, he transitioned into leading roles in significant movies such as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Walk the Line’. Later on, he starred in ‘Joker’, and since then, he has been switching between studio productions and indie films.

Zoe Saldaña

Occasionally, early records of the English language failed to include the accent marks in Zoe Saldana’s surname and recorded it as Zoe Saldana instead. However, over time, both in promotional materials and on-screen credits, her name evolved to Zoe Saldaña, which reflects the correct spelling.

She established a solid credit for herself, allowing her to spearhead significant movie franchises like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and the continuing ‘Avatar’ saga. Additionally, she oversaw projects such as ‘From Scratch’, a television series, where the spelling remains consistent throughout all material.

Discuss your preferred choices in the comments section and share with everyone the name alteration you believe had the most significant impact.

2025-09-10 03:47