Celebrities Who Changed Their Names to Hide Their Family Background

It’s common for actors in Hollywood to use stage names instead of their birth names. They might do this to create a fresh image, avoid accusations of receiving unfair advantages due to family connections, or simplify a complicated family background. Some want to protect their families’ privacy, while others hope to overcome biases linked to their original last names. Choosing a new name allows them to build a professional identity that’s uniquely their own.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Coppola, known professionally as Nicolas Cage, changed his name early in his acting career to avoid being seen as someone who only got opportunities because of his family. Being the nephew of famous director Francis Ford Coppola, he wanted to be recognized for his own talent. He chose the name ‘Cage,’ inspired by the Marvel comic book hero Luke Cage, to create a separate identity. This allowed him to establish himself as an actor, starting with his role in ‘Valley Girl,’ and build a career based on his own work, not his family’s reputation.

Martin Sheen

Born Ramon Antonio Gerardo Estevez, the actor changed his name professionally to avoid potential prejudice in Hollywood. He chose ‘Sheen’ as a tribute to Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, but continued to use his first name, Martin, for work. Interestingly, he never legally changed his birth name and made sure his children carried the Estevez family name. While he later admitted to some reservations about the decision, the name change helped him secure prominent roles, including his part in ‘Apocalypse Now’ during a different time in Hollywood.

Ben Kingsley

The celebrated actor, originally named Krishna Bhanji, decided to change his name to broaden his acting opportunities. He worried that a South Asian name might limit his chances in British theater and film. His father suggested ‘Ben’ after his grandfather and ‘Kingsley’ to give it a more classic feel. This ultimately helped him land the iconic role in ‘Gandhi’, for which he won an Academy Award.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman, originally named Neta Lee Hershlag, was born in Jerusalem and later moved to the United States with her family. She chose to use her grandmother’s last name, Portman, professionally to help protect her family’s privacy. After gaining recognition for her role in ‘Leon’ at age twelve, her parents worried about unwanted attention, and the stage name allowed her to keep her personal and professional lives separate.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie was born Angelina Jolie Voight, but she later changed her last name to Jolie to create distance from her father, actor Jon Voight. Their relationship was well-known to be difficult, and she wanted to be recognized as her own person, separate from his fame. By using her middle name as her last name, she minimized the public’s awareness of their family connection. She then built a successful career, starring in films like ‘Girl Interrupted’ and ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,’ while the name change remained legally in effect.

Joaquin Phoenix

The Phoenix family wasn’t always called Phoenix. They used to go by Bottoms, but they decided to change it as a way to mark a fresh start in their lives. After leaving a religious group they disagreed with, the family moved and chose the name Phoenix to represent overcoming their past. As children, Joaquin and his siblings, River and Rain, all used nature-inspired nicknames – Joaquin went by Leaf. Later, he went back to using his given name, Joaquin, but kept the Phoenix surname to honor his family’s new beginning.

Rita Hayworth

Margarita Cansino became Rita Hayworth because the Hollywood studio believed it would make her more popular. They wanted to downplay her Spanish background and appeal to a wider audience, so they changed her name – she took her mother’s maiden name – and even altered her appearance, including her hairline. This careful makeover helped her become a major star in films like ‘Gilda’ during the 1940s.

Mindy Kaling

Vera Mindy Chokalingam, known professionally as Mindy Kaling, simplified her last name because it was difficult for people to say. She started using the name Mindy Kaling when she began doing stand-up comedy in New York City. It was a strategic choice to help build her career in television. She went on to achieve great success as a writer and actress on ‘The Office,’ and later created and starred in ‘The Mindy Project’ using her stage name.

Kal Penn

Kalpen Modi, known professionally as Kal Penn, discovered he got far more responses to auditions when he used a more American-sounding name. He tested this by sending out acting resumes both with his given name and his stage name, Kal Penn. Resumes with ‘Kal Penn’ consistently received more attention from casting directors, which ultimately helped him secure memorable roles in films like ‘Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle’ and the TV show ‘House’.

Bruno Mars

As a huge music fan, I always found it interesting how Bruno Mars came to be. He was born Peter Gene Hernandez, but he deliberately chose the name ‘Bruno Mars’ to avoid being pigeonholed as just a ‘Latin artist.’ ‘Bruno’ was a childhood nickname, and adding ‘Mars’ was his way of giving his stage persona this cool, otherworldly vibe. He really wanted people to connect with his music, no matter the genre, and not focus on his background. It’s been amazing to watch him explore so many different sounds throughout his career because of that decision.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston was born Jennifer Linn Anastasakis, but her father shortened the family name to Aniston before she started acting. Her father, John Aniston, was also an actor and believed a simpler name would help her career. With Greek roots, the name change made it easier for the family to fit into the American entertainment world. Jennifer became famous worldwide playing Rachel Green on ‘Friends’ under the new family name.

Olivia Wilde

I’ve always been fascinated by stage names, and Olivia Wilde’s story is a great example of how actors forge their own path. Born Olivia Cockburn, she chose ‘Olivia Wilde’ as a nod to Oscar Wilde, a writer she clearly admired. It was a smart move, too – coming from a family so well-known in journalism, she wanted to build her own identity as she started pursuing acting in high school. And she’s certainly done that! From her early work on ‘House’ to her fantastic directorial debut with ‘Booksmart,’ she’s become a really impressive force in Hollywood.

Whoopi Goldberg

Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, the performer chose the stage name Whoopi Goldberg because she wanted something catchy and unique. Her mother suggested Goldberg, hoping it would give her an edge in the entertainment world. The name ‘Whoopi’ actually came from a whoopee cushion – a running gag with her friends! This distinctive persona helped her overcome obstacles and achieve EGOT status, with memorable performances in films like ‘The Color Purple’.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder, born Winona Laura Horowitz, chose her stage name after soul singer Mitch Ryder. She made the decision during a call with her agent while discussing the credits for her first movie. She felt ‘Ryder’ would help separate her acting career from her family’s more unconventional and academic life. Ryder became a major star in the 1990s, known for roles in films like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Edward Scissorhands’.

Kirk Douglas

Born Issur Danielovitch to Jewish immigrant parents, the actor later known as Kirk Douglas changed his name before serving in the Navy. He felt ‘Kirk Douglas’ sounded more like a classic American movie star and believed it would help his career. At the time, Hollywood often favored actors with traditionally American-sounding names. He eventually became a film legend, delivering memorable performances in movies like ‘Spartacus’ and ‘Paths of Glory’.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren was born Ilyena Lydia Mironoff, and her family had Russian aristocratic ancestry. In the 1950s, her father changed the family name to Mirren to help them blend in more easily with British society. This was done to hide their foreign background and make life simpler for his children growing up in London. Helen went on to become a highly acclaimed actress, known for her performances in films like ‘The Queen’ and ‘The Long Good Friday’.

Portia de Rossi

Born Amanda Lee Rogers in Australia, the actress decided to change her name and image at fifteen. She adopted ‘Portia,’ inspired by a character in Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice,’ and combined it with the Italian surname de Rossi. This rebranding was a deliberate attempt to establish a distinctive and elegant persona as she launched her career in modeling and acting. Today, she’s best known for her roles in popular TV shows like ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’.

Sigourney Weaver

Born Susan Alexandra Weaver, the actress chose the name Sigourney after being inspired by a character in ‘The Great Gatsby’. She felt it was a more memorable and unique name than Susan, and began using it as a teenager. As the daughter of a television executive, she was determined to establish her own identity and career. She became internationally famous for her role as Ellen Ripley in the ‘Alien’ movies.

Woody Allen

Allan Stewart Konigsberg, better known as Woody Allen, started using his stage name as a teenager when he began writing jokes for newspapers. He chose the name to sound like a seasoned comedy writer and to move away from his roots in Brooklyn. Eventually, Woody Allen became his legal name as he expanded his career from writing to directing and starring in his own films. He’s celebrated for directing iconic movies like ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘Manhattan’ under this well-known alias.

Jon Stewart

The comedian, originally named Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, decided to use his middle name, Stuart, as his last name professionally. He had a difficult relationship with his father and wanted to create a separate identity as he began his stand-up career, so he distanced himself from his family name. This change helped him build a public image independent of his family background. He later became a well-known figure as the host of ‘The Daily Show,’ using his shortened name for more than ten years.

Albert Brooks

Albert Lawrence Einstein, the actor and director, changed his name to avoid being confused with the renowned scientist. He quickly understood that sharing a name with such a famous figure would be a problem for his career in entertainment. He adopted the last name Brooks to establish a separate identity and build his own legacy, ultimately becoming known for films like ‘Broadcast News’ and ‘Finding Nemo’.

Michael Keaton

Michael Douglas was born Michael John Douglas, but he changed his professional name to avoid confusion with another well-known actor, Michael Douglas, and popular TV host Mike Douglas. He reportedly selected the name Keaton by browsing a phone book or taking inspiration from Diane Keaton. This allowed him to star in blockbuster films like ‘Batman’ and ‘Beetlejuice’ without being mixed up with others in the industry.

Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead singer of Queen, was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar. He adopted the name Freddie while at school in India and later officially became Freddie Mercury. This new name suited his energetic and dramatic stage presence and allowed him to create a separate public identity from his family background. His unforgettable performances, such as at ‘Live Aid’, cemented his place in rock and roll history.

Brie Larson

Born Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers, the actress simplified her name for easier pronunciation. She adopted ‘Larson’ as her last name, inspired by both her great-grandmother and a beloved American Girl doll named Kirsten Larson. This change was a practical decision to help casting directors and audiences in the U.S. remember and say her name. She later achieved critical acclaim, winning an Academy Award for her role in ‘Room’ and becoming a major star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as ‘Captain Marvel’.

Jane Seymour

I’ve always been fascinated by actors’ stories, and this one is great! She was actually born Joyce Frankenberg, but when she started acting, she decided she needed a stage name. She picked Jane Seymour – can you believe it? – because she thought it sounded really classic and British. It totally worked, landing her roles in period pieces and even a James Bond film, ‘Live and Let Die’! But most people probably know her best as Dr. Quinn from ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’ – she really became a star with that show.

Shania Twain

Born Eileen Regina Edwards, the country superstar later adopted the last name of her stepfather, Jerry Twain. When she began her music career, she chose the name Shania, an Ojibwa word meaning “on my way,” to honor her stepfather’s heritage and her Ontario roots. She went on to become one of the most successful music artists ever, with her album ‘Come On Over’ producing numerous hit songs.

Elvis Costello

Born Declan Patrick MacManus, the musician created a stage name that blended references to rock and roll legends with his family history. His manager suggested “Elvis” as a tribute to Elvis Presley, and he used his mother’s maiden name, Costello. This unique name helped him gain attention during the late 1970s British punk and new wave movement, and he’s since become a celebrated songwriter, particularly known for albums like ‘My Aim Is True’.

Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons, the bassist for the band Kiss, was born Chaim Witz in Israel. When he moved to New York, he changed his name to sound more American, hoping it would help him succeed in the rock music world. This new name was key to developing his famous stage character, The Demon. He achieved international fame through Kiss’s popular music and elaborate shows.

Michael Caine

The famous actor, originally named Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, first performed under the name Michael Scott. However, when he moved to London, he found another actor was already using that name, forcing him to find a new stage name quickly. He spotted a poster for the film ‘The Caine Mutiny’ and instantly decided to use ‘Caine’ as his surname. This spontaneous decision became a lasting part of his identity, contributing to his success in films like ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘The Dark Knight’.

Audrey Hepburn

Born Audrey Kathleen Ruston, the iconic actress later took the surname Hepburn after her father traced their ancestry and discovered a connection to James Hepburn, the fourth Earl of Bothwell. During World War II, while living in the Netherlands under occupation, she used the alias Edda van Heemstra to conceal her British heritage. She ultimately became a world-renowned star thanks to memorable roles in films like ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’.

Cary Grant

Originally named Archibald Leach, the actor was rebranded by studio heads who thought his birth name wouldn’t appeal to audiences. He picked “Cary” after a stage role, and “Grant” was chosen as a surname because it sounded strong and memorable. This name change helped create his image as a classic, polished Hollywood leading man. He became famous for starring in iconic films like ‘North by Northwest’ and ‘To Catch a Thief’ under his new professional name.

Judy Garland

Frances Ethel Gumm, known later as Judy Garland, started her career performing with her sisters as The Gumm Sisters. A colleague suggested they change their name to The Garland Sisters, believing it would sound better on stage. Judy eventually adopted the name Judy, inspired by a popular song, and quickly rose to fame at MGM. She became a legend, most famously for her iconic role as Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

David Bowie

Born David Robert Jones, the musician later became known as David Bowie to avoid being mistaken for Davy Jones of The Monkees. He adopted the surname Bowie after Jim Bowie, a famous American frontiersman and his iconic knife. This name change was just the beginning of a career marked by constant artistic transformation. He went on to become a worldwide star, celebrated for groundbreaking albums and unforgettable characters like Ziggy Stardust.

Elton John

Reginald Kenneth Dwight, known to the world as Elton John, created his stage name by combining parts of the names of his former bandmates in Bluesology: saxophonist Elton Dean and singer Long John Baldry. He later made this change official, legally becoming Elton Hercules John in the early 1970s as he became a rising star, releasing iconic songs like ‘Rocket Man’.

Jamie Foxx

Born Eric Marlon Bishop, the actor and comedian changed his name to boost his chances of getting stage time at comedy clubs. He observed that female comedians were frequently called on first, so he adopted the gender-neutral name Jamie. He chose the last name Foxx as a way to honor the iconic comedian Redd Foxx, known for his role in ‘Sanford and Son’. This strategic decision proved successful, ultimately leading to an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles.

Tom Cruise

Born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, the actor chose to go by his middle name, Cruise, professionally. He simplified his name early in his Hollywood career, dropping ‘Mapother’ to create a more memorable and marketable identity. This change also helped him establish a separate public image from his father, whom he’s described as challenging. He soon rose to international stardom, becoming known for films like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Mission Impossible’.

Lorde

Ella Marija Lani Yelich O’Connor, known professionally as Lorde, chose her stage name to express her fascination with royalty. She feminized the word ‘Lord’ by adding an ‘e’ to create a distinctive name for her music career. This allowed her to maintain some personal privacy as she quickly gained international recognition. She first became famous with her debut single ‘Royals’ and her album ‘Pure Heroine’.

Lana Del Rey

Born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, the singer known as Lana Del Rey experimented with different stage names before finding the perfect fit. She chose a name that captured the beauty of the coast and the classic feel of old Hollywood movies. Her team then helped her create a public image that matched the emotional and wistful quality of her music. She became famous worldwide with the release of her song ‘Video Games’ and her album ‘Born to Die’.

Halsey

As a huge fan, I always found it interesting learning about how Halsey came to be. Her real name is Ashley Frangipane, and ‘Halsey’ is actually a clever play on her first name – an anagram, to be exact! She also drew inspiration from the Halsey Street subway station in Brooklyn, a place she used to hang out. It was like she needed a fresh start, a way to separate her music career from her personal life as a teen. And it clearly worked – she’s gone on to create some incredible albums like ‘Badlands’ and ‘Manic’ as Halsey, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Iggy Azalea

Born Amethyst Amelia Kelly in Australia, the rapper chose the name Iggy Azalea to reflect key aspects of her past. ‘Iggy’ came from her beloved childhood dog, and ‘Azalea’ from the name of her family’s street. This rebranding was intentional as she moved to the US to build a hip hop career, and she eventually achieved widespread recognition with popular songs like ‘Fancy’ and ‘Black Widow’.

2026-02-27 12:20