Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed
Originally appeared on E! Online
Do you actually know the name of your favorite celeb?
Though it may not always be obvious, some of the biggest celebs are going by a name other than their own. From Michael Keaton to Gigi Hadid, a surprising number of artists adopt stage names—and it’s not just because they want to channel Hannah Montana and have the best of both worlds.
In the case of Michael Keaton—whose real name is Michael Douglas—the Beetlejuice star ditched his original moniker to comply with the Screen Actor’s Guild’s rule that no two members can have the same name. And because the Wall Street actor Michael Douglas and talk show host Mike Douglas had those bases covered, he opted for a different moniker.
As it turns out, Emma Stone—known by friends and family as Emily Stone—had a similar experience. But both actors have revealed that after many years of building a brand with their stage names, they’re ditching them for the real deal. And while this may take some getting used to, these talented actors are bringing a new level of authenticity to their work.
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But stage names aren’t always something that are adopted out of necessity. Stars like Gigi Hadid—Jelena Noura Hadid—and Tina Fey—Elizabeth Stamatina Fey—simply chose their childhood nicknames. Other artists including Chappell Roan—Kayleigh Rose Amstutz—and Lana Del Rey—Elizabeth Woolridge Grant—can lean into different personas when they take to the stage.
In fact, when asked about the origins of her stage name, Chappell Roan revealed that her onstage alter ego started as a “drag project” that helped her set boundaries with fans and separate herself from the industry.
“It’s easier to separate the two because I’m already so involved in my project, in my work,” the “Casual” singer explained to AP News in October 2023, “and I feel like the drag of it all kind of lets you have a break when I take my makeup off, when I am off the stage.”
And these are only a few of the stars that have taken on different personas in Hollywood. Keep reading to find out how you should call these stars by their name.
Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson
Though the singer initially released a Christian album under her birth name in 2001, she felt the stage name Katy Perry—inspired by her mom's maiden name—might meet pop fans more in awe, awe, awe.
Belcalis Almanzar
Cardi B took on the name Bacardi after family and friends started calling her sister Hennessy. Later on she shortened the name to something that suited her quite a bit more.
Rachel Meghan Markle
Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was briefly known as Rachel.
Eilleen Regina Edwards
Shania Twain shared the origin story of her stage name during an appearance on Apple Music's Home Now Radio: "In short, I was born, Eilleen Regina Edwards, and then I was adopted and I became Eilleen Regina Twain. Then I became a professional singer and I needed a stage name that sounded a little less like my grandmother's name, because I'm named after my grandmother, both my grandmothers, Eilleen and Regina. I think, in my mind, I was just not really wanting to be called my grandmother's name onstage, so I decided to change it to Shania Twain. I met somebody with the name Shania, thought it was beautiful, and Shania Twain was born."
Kayleigh Rose Amstutz
The “Good Luck, Babe!” singer’s onstage persona—Chappell Roan—has always been a “drag project,” allowing her to set boundaries and separate her personal life from the industry.
Jelena Noura Hadid
Oddly enough, Gigi Hadid got her stage name in school when the teacher would confuse her and a girl named Helena. Since her mom called her "gigi" as a term of endearment at home, she told the teacher to just call her Gigi and it simply stuck.
Mark Vincent
If you're looking for an explosive action-star name, how about Vin Diesel instead?
Destiny Hope Cyrus
Miley Cyrus' bright smile is what inspired her childhood nickname, Smiley. Eventually the name was shortened to Miley and it stuck.
Peter Gene Hernandez
Apparently the singer looked more like a Bruno than a Peter, so one day his dad started calling him Bruno. Ever since, he has been known as Bruno Mars.
Stefani Germanotta
Before the meat dresses and chart-topping music, Lady Gaga was just an everyday girl from New York.
Daniel Sudeikis
Jason Sudeikis confirmed on Today that he was named Daniel after his father, but following some confusion, his mom started using his middle name Jason to avoid confusion.
Emily Stone
Emma Stone ended adopting this stage name after finding out that the Screen Actors Guild already had a member registered under her birthname.
Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon
Turns out Reese isn't even Reese Witherspoon's middle name. The actress chose the moniker in honor of her mother, whose maiden name is Reese.
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant
Every artist has an alter ego, and Lana Del Rey just happens to be the persona of choice for the singer.
Christopher Edwin Breaux
In 2014, Frank Ocean legally changed his name because, why not?
Elizabeth Stamatina Fey
A little known fact about 30 Rock's Tina Fey is that she is actually named Elizabeth. The comedian made a not so subtle tribute to her birth name by naming her character Liz Lemon.
Calvin Broadus
This pioneer of West Coast rap would later go on to be known as Snoop Dogg.
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor
Turns out the "Royals" singer is really into learning about the aristocracy, hence the reason why she chose the name Lorde, but with a feminine 'e.'
Enrique Morales
Before he started shaking his bonbon for the masses, music superstar Ricky Martin went by this everyday name.
Amethyst Kelly
It's hard to believe that Iggy Azalea was born Amethyst Kelly!
Adam Richard Wiles
Fans were confused when Taylor Swift thanked then-boyfriend Adam in an acceptance speech, which lead people to the discovery that Calvin Harris is simply a stage name. The DJ told Shortlist magazine he chose the name because his first single was more soulful and wanted something a bit more "racially ambiguous."
Jennifer Anastassakis
Before she became a household name, this was what erstwhile Friend Jennifer Aniston answered to.
Alicia Augello Cook
Alicia Keys didn't always have such a musical name.
Thomas Mapother IV
Before he became arguably the biggest movie star in the world, Tom Cruise went by this name.
