10+ Hollywood Actresses Who Have Changed Their Real Names for Various Reasons
In Hollywood, a name can be a powerful tool. It can define an actress’s brand, help her stand out in a competitive industry, or even reflect a personal transformation. Many Hollywood actresses have opted to change their real names for various reasons, ranging from simplifying pronunciation to creating a unique identity. Here’s a look at 10+ actresses who have adopted stage names and the stories behind their decisions.
1. Marilyn Monroe (Born Norma Jeane Mortenson)
One of the most iconic names in Hollywood history, Marilyn Monroe’s real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson. She changed her name early in her career at the suggestion of a studio executive who believed her original name didn’t have the same star quality. The name “Marilyn” was chosen for its alliteration with “Monroe,” and it became synonymous with glamour and fame.
2. Natalie Portman (Born Neta-Lee Hershlag)
Natalie Portman, known for her roles in Black Swan and the Star Wars prequels, was born Neta-Lee Hershlag. She adopted her grandmother’s maiden name, “Portman,” as her stage name to protect her family’s privacy while she pursued acting as a child. The name change also gave her a more marketable and memorable identity.
3. Judy Garland (Born Frances Ethel Gumm)
The legendary Judy Garland, famous for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, was born Frances Ethel Gumm. She changed her name early in her career after a vaudeville performer suggested that “Gumm” wasn’t suitable for a rising star. “Judy” was inspired by a popular song, and “Garland” was suggested by a studio executive.
4. Emma Stone (Born Emily Jean Stone)
Emma Stone, the Oscar-winning actress known for La La Land and Easy A, was born Emily Jean Stone. She changed her name to “Emma” because there was already an Emily Stone registered with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). The name “Emma” was chosen as a tribute to her favorite Spice Girl, Baby Spice (Emma Bunton).
5. Nina Dobrev (Born Nikolina Dobreva)
Nina Dobrev, best known for her role in The Vampire Diaries, was born Nikolina Dobreva in Bulgaria. She shortened her name to “Nina Dobrev” to make it easier for English-speaking audiences to pronounce and remember. The change also helped her establish a distinct identity in Hollywood.
6. Rita Hayworth (Born Margarita Carmen Cansino)
Rita Hayworth, one of the biggest stars of the 1940s, was born Margarita Carmen Cansino. She changed her name to “Rita Hayworth” to distance herself from her Hispanic heritage, as Hollywood at the time favored Anglo-Saxon names. The name change was part of a larger effort to rebrand her image and appeal to a wider audience.
7. Scarlett Johansson (Born Scarlett Johansson)
While Scarlett Johansson didn’t technically change her name, she considered adopting a stage name early in her career. She thought about using “Scarlett Ingrid” to avoid confusion with other actresses named Johansson. Ultimately, she decided to keep her birth name, which has since become one of the most recognizable in Hollywood.
8. Demi Moore (Born Demetria Gene Guynes)
Demi Moore, known for her roles in Ghost and G.I. Jane, was born Demetria Gene Guynes. She adopted her first husband’s last name, “Moore,” after marrying musician Freddy Moore at the age of 18. The name “Demi Moore” became her stage name and helped launch her successful acting career.
9. Charlize Theron (Born Charlize TheronCharlize)
Theron, the South African-born actress known for Monster and Mad Max: Fury Road, kept her birth name but faced challenges with its pronunciation early in her career. She considered changing it to something simpler but ultimately decided to stick with her original name, which has since become iconic.
10. Lucy Liu (Born Lucy Alexis Liu)
Lucy Liu, famous for her roles in Charlie’s Angels and Elementary, was born Lucy Alexis Liu. She dropped her middle name, “Alexis,” to simplify her stage name. The change helped her establish a strong, recognizable brand in Hollywood.
11. Mila Kunis (Born Milena Kunis)
Mila Kunis, known for That ’70s Show and Black Swan, was born Milena Kunis in Ukraine. She shortened her name to “Mila” to make it easier for American audiences to pronounce. The name change also gave her a more modern and approachable image.
12. Olivia Wilde (Born Olivia Jane Cockburn)
Olivia Wilde, known for her roles in House and Tron: Legacy, was born Olivia Jane Cockburn. She adopted the last name “Wilde” as a tribute to the famous Irish writer Oscar Wilde. The name change also helped her avoid the potential for jokes or mispronunciations associated with her birth name.
13. Hedy Lamarr (Born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler)
Hedy Lamarr, a Hollywood icon of the 1940s, was born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler in Austria. She changed her name to “Hedy Lamarr” at the suggestion of MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer, who believed her original name was too complicated for American audiences. The name “Lamarr” was inspired by the silent film star Barbara La Marr.
14. Whoopi Goldberg (Born Caryn Elaine Johnson)
Whoopi Goldberg, the EGOT-winning actress and comedian, was born Caryn Elaine Johnson. She adopted the stage name “Whoopi Goldberg” early in her career, inspired by her love of whoopee cushions and her Jewish heritage. The name change helped her create a unique and memorable persona.
15. Cate Blanchett (Born Catherine Élise Blanchett)
Cate Blanchett, known for her roles in The Lord of the Rings and Blue Jasmine, was born Catherine Élise Blanchett. She shortened her name to “Cate” to make it more distinctive and easier to remember. The change also reflected her desire for a simpler, more elegant stage name.
Why Do Actresses Change Their Names?
The reasons behind name changes vary widely. Some actresses change their names to make them more marketable or easier to pronounce, while others do so to create a unique identity or honor their heritage. In some cases, name changes are driven by personal or professional rebranding efforts. Whatever the reason, these names often become synonymous with the actresses’ legacies in Hollywood.
From Marilyn Monroe to Natalie Portman, these actresses prove that a name can be more than just a label—it can be a key to success in the entertainment industry. Whether for personal, cultural, or professional reasons, their name changes have helped shape their careers and leave a lasting impact on Hollywood.
