Celebrities Who Used Fake Names (And Why)

Many celebrities we admire on screen or stage don’t use their birth names. They pick stage names to stand out, fit in, or honor something personal.

This article dives into famous actors, singers, and entertainers who go by different names than those on their birth certificates. From practical reasons like union rules to creative choices tied to their identity, here’s why they made the switch.

Whoopi Goldberg

Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, Whoopi Goldberg chose a name that reflected her playful side. Her stage name came from a nickname inspired by her childhood habit of making whoopee cushion sounds.

The name Goldberg was added to give her a distinctive edge in show business. It helped her carve out a unique identity as a comedian and actor in films like ‘The Color Purple’ (1985) and ‘Ghost’ (1990).

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman was born Neta-Lee Hershlag in Israel. She adopted her grandmother’s maiden name, Portman, when her family moved to the United States for privacy and simplicity.

This change helped her build a career in films like ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994) and ‘Black Swan’ (2010). The name Portman gave her a fresh start in Hollywood while honoring her family.

Vin Diesel

Mark Sinclair became Vin Diesel when he worked as a bouncer in New York. He picked a tougher-sounding name to match his strong persona before entering acting.

The name stuck as he rose to fame in ‘The Fast and the Furious’ (2001) and its sequels. Diesel’s choice reflects his action-star image and gritty roles like Dominic Toretto.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Jane Cockburn chose the last name Wilde to pay tribute to writer Oscar Wilde. She fell in love with his work while performing in his play ‘The Importance of Being Earnest.’

Her stage name became iconic in roles like Remy in ‘House’ (2004-2012) and as a director of ‘Booksmart’ (2019). The name Wilde gave her a memorable, artistic flair.

Jamie Foxx

Eric Marlon Bishop noticed female comedians got more stage time at open mics. He chose the unisex name Jamie Foxx to boost his chances in stand-up comedy.

This clever move led to a stellar career in ‘Ray’ (2004) and ‘Django Unchained’ (2012). Foxx’s name change was a strategic step to break into entertainment.

Reese Witherspoon

Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon uses her mother’s maiden name, Reese, as her first name. She picked it for her debut role in ‘The Man in the Moon’ (1991) to stand out.

The name Reese became synonymous with her roles in ‘Legally Blonde’ (2001) and ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017-2019). It gave her a catchy, memorable identity.

Lady Gaga

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta became Lady Gaga after a music producer’s autocorrect turned ‘Radio Ga Ga’ into her stage name. She embraced the quirky mistake.

The name fits her bold persona in music and films like ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018). Gaga’s choice reflects her unique style and artistic vision.

Kirk Douglas

Issur Danielovitch, born to Russian immigrants, changed his name to Kirk Douglas to fit into Hollywood’s Golden Age. His birth name felt too ethnic for the time.

The name Douglas defined his legacy in ‘Spartacus’ (1960) and ‘Paths of Glory’ (1957). It helped him become a cinematic legend.

Diane Keaton

Diane Hall took her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, because another actress already used her birth name in the Actors’ Equity Association.

This change paved the way for her iconic roles in ‘Annie Hall’ (1977) and ‘The Godfather’ (1972). Keaton’s name became a perfect fit for her quirky charm.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Coppola chose the last name Cage to avoid favoritism linked to his uncle, director Francis Ford Coppola. He drew inspiration from a Marvel comic character.

The name Cage suited his eclectic roles in ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ (1995) and ‘Face/Off’ (1997). It gave him a distinct identity in Hollywood.

Emma Stone

Emily Jean Stone became Emma Stone because another actress had registered her birth name with the Screen Actors Guild. She picked a name close to her own.

The switch worked for her in ‘La La Land’ (2016) and ‘Easy A’ (2010). Emma Stone’s name feels as vibrant as her on-screen presence.

Cardi B

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar started as Bacardi, a nickname tied to her sister’s name, Hennessy. She tweaked it to Cardi B to avoid trademark issues.

This bold name fueled her rise in music and appearances on ‘Love & Hip Hop: New York’ (2015-2017). It’s as lively as her personality.

Snoop Dogg

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. got his nickname Snoop from his love of the Peanuts cartoon. It evolved into Snoop Dogg as he built his rap career.

The name became iconic in music and films like ‘Training Day’ (2001). Snoop’s choice reflects his laid-back, charismatic vibe.

Portia de Rossi

Amanda Lee Rogers chose Portia from Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’ and added an Italian surname to stand out as an actress.

Her name change shone in roles on ‘Ally McBeal’ (1997-2002) and ‘Arrested Development’ (2003-2019). It gave her a sophisticated, unique edge.

Bruno Mars

Peter Gene Hernandez was nicknamed Bruno as a child because of his chubby resemblance to a wrestler. He added Mars to sound out-of-this-world.

The name fits his flashy style in music and performances in ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975-present). Mars became a galactic hit.

Winona Ryder

Winona Laura Horowitz picked Ryder from a Mitch Ryder album playing during her first film audition. It felt cooler than her birth name.

The name Ryder defined her in ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988) and ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-present). It’s as memorable as her performances.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Bottom and his family rebranded as Phoenix in 1979 to mark a fresh start. The name symbolized rebirth and resilience.

It carried him through roles in ‘Gladiator’ (2000) and ‘Joker’ (2019). Phoenix’s name echoes his intense, transformative acting.

Audrey Hepburn

Edda van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston simplified her name to Audrey Hepburn for Hollywood. Her birth name was too complex for marquees.

The elegant name suited her in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961) and ‘Roman Holiday’ (1953). Hepburn became a symbol of grace.

Miley Cyrus

Destiny Hope Cyrus was nicknamed Smiley as a baby, which she shortened to Miley. She legally adopted it to match her vibrant persona.

The name Miley fit her in ‘Hannah Montana’ (2006-2011) and her music career. It’s as bright as her energy.

John Legend

John Roger Stephens was dubbed ‘The Legend’ by a friend, and it stuck. The name reflected his soulful talent and charisma.

It carried him through his music and appearances on ‘The Voice’ (2019-present). Legend’s name feels like a perfect fit.

Marilyn Monroe

Norma Jeane Mortenson chose Marilyn Monroe, inspired by a studio executive and her mother’s maiden name. Her birth name was hard to pronounce.

The name became iconic in ‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959) and ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ (1953). Monroe’s choice defined glamour.

Michael Keaton

Michael John Douglas picked Keaton to avoid confusion with actor Michael Douglas. He chose his mother’s maiden name for distinction.

The name Keaton shone in ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988) and ‘Batman’ (1989). It gave him a unique spot in Hollywood.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell was nearly named Pirate. Her family settled on Billie, inspired by her late grandfather.

The name suits her haunting music and roles in ‘Swarm’ (2023). Billie Eilish feels as unique as her sound.

Charlie Sheen

Carlos Irwin Estévez chose Sheen, his father’s stage name, to align with his family’s Hollywood legacy. It gave him a recognizable edge.

The name carried him in ‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003-2015) and ‘Platoon’ (1986). Sheen’s choice tied him to his roots.

Brad Pitt

William Bradley Pitt goes by Brad, his middle name, for simplicity and appeal. It’s less formal than his full name.

The name Brad Pitt became legendary in ‘Fight Club’ (1999) and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019). It’s short and unforgettable.

Which celebrity stage name surprised you most, or do you know another star with a hidden real name? Drop your thoughts in the comments!