The REAL names of Hollywood’s biggest stars revealed

In the dazzling world of Hollywood, stars often craft not only their careers but also their identities.

For many, this includes adopting a stage name that is more memorable, marketable, or simply easier to pronounce than their birth name.

From action heroes to award-winning icons, some of the most recognizable names in entertainment are not the ones these celebrities were born with.

Privacy

Whether for privacy, branding, or to avoid confusion with others in the industry, these name changes have helped define their public personas.

One of the most famous examples is Brad Pitt, whose real name is William Bradley Pitt.

Similarly, Tom Cruise was born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, and Vin Diesel began life as Mark Sinclair Vincent.

For some actors, stage names were necessary to stand out or avoid duplication within Hollywood’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG), which does not allow two performers to register with the same professional name.

This led Michael Keaton to change his name from Michael John Douglas, avoiding confusion with fellow actor Michael Douglas.

Music and comedy stars have also embraced pseudonyms.

Jamie Foxx, originally Eric Marlon Bishop, chose a gender-neutral name early in his stand-up career to increase his chances of being called on stage.

Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson, adopted her now-iconic name from a combination of a whoopee cushion (for her comedic timing) and her family’s belief that a Jewish-sounding surname could open more doors in show business.

Among female actors, the transformation is just as dramatic.

Oscar-winner Natalie Portman was born Neta-Lee Hershlag, and Meg Ryan is actually Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra.

The late screen legend Marilyn Monroe was famously born Norma Jeane Mortenson, later taking her stepfather’s surname, Baker, before Hollywood transformed her identity forever.

Rooted in branding

Rising stars are also no strangers to reinvention.

Emma Stone, whose birth name is Emily Jean Stone, changed her professional name after finding out “Emily Stone” was already taken in SAG.

“It was Emma or Riley. Emma felt right,” she once said in an interview.

The tradition of altering names is rooted not just in branding, but also in survival within a competitive and often image-focused industry.

A unique or appealing name can help actors stand out in casting calls and marketing campaigns, shaping their public identity from the ground up.

While fans may be surprised to learn the real names behind the celebrities they admire, these changes are a reminder that behind the glamour and red carpets, Hollywood is a world where reinvention is often the first step toward stardom.

Here’s a list of well-known Hollywood actors and their real (birth) names that differ from their stage names:

Male actors

Female actors

Have you changed your name from the one given to you at birth?

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