20 Famous Actors Who Don’t Use Their Real Names
Natalie Portman - Real name: Neta-Lee Hershlag
Born in Jerusalem, Portman adopted her paternal grandmother’s maiden name to protect her privacy while acting. She started her career at a young age with ‘Léon: The Professional’ and has maintained her stage name ever since.
Kit Harington - Real name: Christopher Catesby Harington
The ‘Game of Thrones’ star didn’t know his actual first name until he was 11. "Kit" is a traditional but uncommon nickname for Christopher, and Harington revealed that even his parents preferred calling him by the shorter version from a young age.
Tom Cruise - Real name: Thomas Cruise Mapother IV
Cruise dropped his complex last name early on, keeping only his middle name for simplicity and memorability as he made his mark on the big screen. The change was reportedly suggested by an agent who felt "Tom Cruise" had stronger star appeal.
Jennifer Aniston - Real name: Jennifer Linn Anastassakis
The talented star’s Greek father, actor John Aniston, changed the family name from Anastassakis for professional reasons. Jennifer followed suit as she pursued her own acting career, eventually skyrocketing to fame on ‘Friends.’
Brad Pitt - Real name: William Bradley Pitt
Although he goes by his middle name professionally, friends and family reportedly still call him “William.” He once used his birth name while charming a barista, showing he hasn’t entirely left it behind.
Lily James - Real name: Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson
The actress chose "James" as a tribute to her father, James Thomson, who passed away from cancer. It was both a tribute and a fresh professional identity as she entered the world of acting.
Miley Cyrus - Real name: Destiny Hope Cyrus
Nicknamed "Smiley" as a child because of her cheerful nature, the singer-actress eventually shortened it to "Miley" and legally adopted it in 2008. She later added “Ray” as a tribute to her grandfather, Democratic politician Ronald Ray Cyrus.
Demi Moore - Real name: Demetria Gene Guynes
Moore took her stage surname from her first husband, singer Freddy Moore, and decided to keep it after their divorce. Like many of her acting world compatriots, she also shortened her first name for simplicity and recognizability.
Olivia Wilde - Real name: Olivia Jane Cockburn
Olivia Wilde changed her last name while in high school as a tribute to her favorite writer Oscar Wilde. She felt the name symbolized a blend of wit, rebellion, and creativity. Her family is deeply rooted in journalism and literature, and this was Olivia’s way of honouring the great Irish creative mind.
Charlie Sheen - Real name: Carlos Irwin Estévez
Charlie took his stage surname from his father, Martin Sheen, who was born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez. Martin had changed his name to broaden his career opportunities in the 1960s. However, Charlie’s brother, ‘The Breakfast Club’ actor Emilio Estévez, chose to keep the family name to honor his heritage.
Winona Ryder - Real name: Winona Laura Horowitz
Ryder made a last-minute name decision when asked how she wanted to be credited in her debut film ‘Lucas.' A Mitch Ryder album was playing at the time, and she simply said “Ryder." She was always an easy-go-lucky person.
Joaquin Phoenix - Real name: Joaquin Rafael Bottom
The actor’s family changed their surname to "Phoenix" after leaving a religious cult and seeking a fresh start in the late 1970s. The name symbolized rebirth, like the mythical bird rising from the ashes.
Julianne Moore - Real name: Julie Anne Smith
Because the names “Julie Smith” and its variations were already registered with acting unions, she created a hybrid of her family’s names. "Moore" was her father’s middle name, and "Anne" honored her mother.
Emma Stone - Real name: Emily Jean Stone
Her desired name was already taken in the Screen Actors Guild, so back then as an up and coming actress she tried out “Riley Stone” before eventually settling on “Emma” which was close enough to Emily that it felt natural.
Vin Diesel - Real name: Mark Sinclair
Before acting, Diesel worked as a bouncer in New York City. He adopted "Vin" from his stepfather's surname, Vincent, and earned the nickname "Diesel" from friends who thought he was high-energy like diesel fuel. The new name helped him stand out in the action genre.
Nina Dobrev - Real name: Nikolina Konstantinova Dobreva
Born in Bulgaria, Dobrev shortened her name for simplicity and easier pronunciation in the English-speaking film industry. Her breakthrough came with ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ where her dual roles cemented her TV stardom.
Meg Ryan - Real name: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra
The actress shortened her name for ease and marketability when joining the Screen Actors Guild, choosing "Ryan" from her maternal grandmother. The romantic comedy queen’s stage name has become synonymous with '90s Hollywood charm.
Tina Fey - Real name: Elizabeth Stamatina Fey
Both Fey and her ‘30 Rock’ character go by “Liz.” "Tina" comes from her middle name, Stamatina, a nod to the comedic actress's Greek heritage.
Jamie Foxx - Real name: Eric Marlon Bishop
Foxx adopted a gender-neutral name early in his comedy career. Since female comedians were often given earlier stage slots at open mic nights, "Jamie" gave him an advantage. "Foxx" was later on added as a tribute to comic legend Redd Foxx.
Mindy Kaling - Real name: Vera Mindy Chokalingam
The powerhouse performer shortened her name after realizing that emcees at comedy shows frequently mispronounced it, and sometimes mocked it. “Mindy” was actually her middle name, given after the character from ‘Mork & Mindy.’ So, we got Mindy Kaling.
