17 Celebs Who Changed Their Real Names
From the biggest movie stars and singers to the most celebrated directors, it’s no secret that Hollywood is full of larger-than-life personalities — and even bigger egos. But what many fans may not know is that some of the most popular names in the industry weren’t born with the star-studded monikers we know today. Whether it was to stand out from others, sound catchier, or distance themselves from their family roots, many celebrities have reinvented themselves with new names in the industry.
From shortening last names that were difficult to pronounce to completely rebranding their identities, here are 17 household celebrities that changed their names in hopes of shooting their shot at fame.
1. Marilyn Monroe
Born: Norma Jeane Mortenson
Reason for change: Adopted her famous stage name early in her career at the behest of studio executives
2. Elton John
Born: Reginald Kenneth Dwight
Reason for change: Changed his name to distance himself from his past and honor two of his bandmates
3. Lady Gaga
Born: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
Reason for change: Found inspiration for her stage name from Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga”
4. Natalie Portman
Born: Natalie Hershlag
Reason for change: Adopted her grandmother’s maiden name to separate her private and stage lives
5. Woody Allen
Born: Allan Stewart Konigsberg
Reason for change: Legally changed his name at 17 when he was pursuing a career as a comedian
6. Charlie Sheen
Born: Carlos Irwin Estévez
Reason for change: Changed his name to better fit in Hollywood and follow after his father, Martin Sheen
7. Judy Garland
Born: Frances Ethel Gumm
Reason for change: MGM suggested she take on a more “glamorous” name
8. Jamie Foxx
Born: Eric Marlon Bishop
Reason for change: Chose a “neutral-sounding name” in hopes of landing more jobs in stand-up comedy
9. Meg Ryan
Born: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra
Reason for change: Took her grandmother’s maiden name and shorted her name for simplicity and appeal
10. Vin Diesel
Born: Mark Sinclair
Reason for change: Chose a tough-sounding name while working as a bouncer at a New York City nighclub
11. Whoopi Goldberg
Born: Caryn Elaine Johnson
Reason for change: Chose a more memorable stage name in hopes of standing out
12. Audrey Hepburn
Born: Audrey Kathleen Ruston
Reason for change: Changed her name for safety reasons during World War II to conceal her British roots
13. Bruno Mars
Born: Peter Gene Hernandez
Reason for change: Rebranded himself with a catchier name to avoid being stereotyped as a Latin pop singer
14. Emma Stone
Born: Emily Jean Stone
Reason for changed: Changed her first name after discovering her birth name was already taken by another actress
15. Kirk Douglas
Born: Issur Danielovitch
Reason for change: Wanted to avoid anti-immigrant prejudice in Hollywood due to his Slavic last name
16. John Legend
Born: John Roger Stephens
Reason for change: Changed his last name after friends nicknamed him for his timeless, old-school sound
17. John Wayne
Born: Marion Robert Morrison
Reason for change: Adopted a rugged, all-American stage name for Hollywood westerns
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