Michael B. Jordan has reached a level of fame where his name alone grabs attention. But long before he became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, that name grabbed a very different spotlight.
Growing up in the ’90s, Jordan constantly heard the same joke: “Michael Jordan?” as if he was supposed to live up to the NBA superstar just because they shared a name. The teasing followed him everywhere, and it got so intense that the ‘Sinners‘ star once came dangerously close to changing his name just to escape the comparisons.
Michael B. Jordan Recalls Childhood Troubles Due To His Namesake
Before he became “Michael B. Jordan,” he was simply Michael Jordan, and that made life complicated as a kid. The NBA legend was dominating pop culture at the time, appearing everywhere from the basketball court to movies to shoe stores. Everyone wanted to “Be Like Mike,” and Jordan couldn’t avoid being linked to that image.
Related: “It Stuck With Me”: Michael B. Jordan Reveals The Emotional Toll Of Becoming Killmonger
The constant comparisons didn’t feel funny when he had to hear them every day. Over time, the jokes turned into something heavier, and Jordan admitted he seriously considered changing his name. “I got teased so much, to the point where I almost changed my name,” he shared on CBS Sunday Morning.
Jordan Now Appreciates All The Teasing
Jordan’s name wasn’t just something he could toss aside easily. He was named after his father, which made it really personal. Still, the teasing pushed him to think through his options. At one point, he considered going by his middle name, Bakari, as a way to separate himself from the endless Michael Jordan comparisons.
He didn’t want attention for having a famous name; he wanted his own identity. Even now, he admits that phase of his life wasn’t fun. For the California native, being constantly compared to someone larger than life felt exhausting, especially when he was still figuring out who he was.
In case you missed it: Jennifer Lawrence Reveals She Lost Quentin Tarantino Film To Margot Robbie For Not Being “Pretty Enough”
Now, as he looks back, Jordan sees the experience differently. He said being compared to the NBA icon became “a part of the alchemy that made me who I am today,” even though it didn’t feel that way back then. Instead of breaking him down, it sparked something competitive inside him.
Jordan explained that he wanted to be great at something, even if it was simply so he could feel like he had his own identity and didn’t have to live in someone else’s shadow. Even though it didn’t erase his past memories, it became fuel, and that mindset stayed with him as he grew into his career.
Jordan ultimately didn’t change his name, and today, he still feels a connection to the NBA legend. But now it feels empowering rather than frustrating. “I feel like I’m walking in that and will continue to do so, big time,” he said. “We’ve got a lot more things to do. We’re just getting started.” By now, he has clearly made the name his own.
You might also like to read: Tom Brady Wants Oscar Winner Leonardo DiCaprio To Portray Him In Biopic
