Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars’ Real Names Revealed

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

As I delve deeper into the fascinating world of celebrities, I can’t help but marvel at the transformative power of names. Take Tom Cruise, for instance, a name that today echoes with the grandeur of Hollywood, but back then, it was just a whisper in a small town.


Do you actually know the name of your favorite celeb?

Sometimes, it might not be immediately clear, but many prominent figures in the entertainment industry use stage names instead of their birth names. For instance, Michael Keaton and Gigi Hadid are examples among a notable group who opt for these pseudonyms. This practice is not merely for the sake of embodying Hannah Montana’s dual identity; it serves various purposes such as creating a unique brand or distancing oneself from past experiences.

In the situation of Michael Keaton, whose genuine name is actually Michael Douglas, he decided to abandon his original nickname to adhere to the Screen Actors Guild’s rule that no two members can share the same name. Since the actors Michael Douglas from Wall Street and talk show host Mike Douglas already claimed those names, he chose a different one instead.

Well, here’s an attempt at paraphrasing in a first-person perspective as an obsessed fan: It’s mind-blowing to discover that the radiant Emma Stone, whom I’ve always known as Emily Stone, shares a strikingly similar journey! Yet, what truly astounds me is their decision to abandon their stage names and embrace their real identities. This shift might require some adjustment, but these extraordinary talents are infusing their work with an unprecedented level of sincerity and authenticity.

Stars like Gigi Hadid, Tina Fey, Chappel Roan, Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, and Lana Del Rey opted for their childhood nicknames or chose stage names that reflect different personas they embody on stage, rather than adopting them out of necessity.

Actually, Chappel Roan shared that she derived her stage name from an original “drag persona” which she used to establish limits with fans and maintain a distinction between her personal life and the entertainment world.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

“She clarified to AP News in October 2023 that she finds it simpler to distinguish between her personal life and work because she’s deeply engrossed in her project. She added that stepping away from the glamour and performance allows her a much-needed respite, like when she removes her makeup offstage.”

Among these celebrities, there are several who’ve adopted various roles in Tinseltown. Continue reading to discover the real names behind these personas.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Initially, the singer put out a Christian album using her birth name in 2001. However, she believed that adopting the stage name Katy Perry (named after her mother’s maiden name) would captivate pop music fans more effectively.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Cardi B adopted the name Bacardi following a trend among her family and friends, who had nicknamed her sibling Hennessy. Over time, she simplified the name to better fit herself.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was briefly known as Rachel. 

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

During an interview on Apple Music’s Home Now Radio, Shania Twain explained how she chose her stage name: “Originally, I was called Eilleen Regina Edwards. After being adopted, I became Eilleen Regina Twain. As a professional singer, I wanted a stage name that wasn’t too similar to my grandmothers’, whose names were both Eilleen and Regina. On stage, I didn’t want to be called by their names, so I decided to change it to Shania Twain. I had met someone named Shania, thought it was a lovely name, and thus, Shania Twain came to be.”

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

The performer known for singing “Good Luck, Babe!” has consistently portrayed a character named Chappel Roan during her onstage performances. This drag persona serves as a means for her to establish boundaries and maintain a distinction between her professional life in the entertainment industry and her personal life.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

It’s interesting to note that Gigi Hadid received her stage name in school due to a teacher often confusing her with a classmate named Helena. Since her mother affectionately referred to her as “gigi” at home, she requested the teacher to simply address her by this nickname. Over time, it became her widely recognized stage name.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

If you’re looking for an explosive action-star name, how about Vin Diesel instead?

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Miley Cyrus’s radiant grin was the reason behind her childhood moniker, Smiley. Over time, this name got abbreviated to just Miley, which eventually became her permanent name.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

It seems that the singer resembled Bruno more than Peter, leading his father to nickname him Bruno. Since then, he’s been recognized as Bruno Mars.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Before the meat dresses and chart-topping music, Lady Gaga was just an everyday girl from New York.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

In an interview on Today, Jason Sudeikis revealed that he was given the name Daniel after his dad, but due to some mix-up, his mother began referring to him by his middle name, Jason, to prevent any misunderstandings.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Emma Stone chose to use a stage name instead of her real one, as she discovered that the Screen Actors Guild was already representing someone with her given name.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

It turns out that ‘Reese Witherspoon’ doesn’t actually have ‘Reese’ as her middle name. Instead, she picked this name to honor her mother, who was originally known by the surname ‘Reese’.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Every artist tends to have a secret identity or alternate persona, and Lana Del Rey serves as the preferred one for this particular singer.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

In 2014, Frank Ocean legally changed his name because, why not? 

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Fun fact, I’ve always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes trivia of 30 Rock! Did you know that the hilarious Tina Fey, who we all adore as Liz Lemon, was actually named Elizabeth at birth? She subtly paid homage to her given name in the character she so brilliantly brought to life. Isn’t it amazing how she seamlessly blends reality with fiction?

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

This pioneer of West Coast rap would later go on to be known as Snoop Dogg.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

It appears that the singer known as “Royals” has a keen interest in the nobility, which is why she selected the moniker “Lorde,” a term often used for dukes or earls, but with a distinctive feminine twist to it.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Prior to becoming a music sensation known as Ricky Martin, he was commonly referred to by his ordinary name.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

It’s hard to believe that Iggy Azalea was born Amethyst Kelly!

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Spectators were puzzled when Taylor Swift publicly acknowledged Adam during an award acceptance speech, eventually revealing that Calvin Harris is just a stage name. The DJ explained to Shortlist magazine that he adopted this pseudonym because his debut single had a soulful vibe and desired a name with a bit more “ethnic ambiguity.”

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Before she became a household name, this was what erstwhile Friend Jennifer Aniston answered to.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Alicia Keys didn’t always have such a musical name.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Before he became arguably the biggest movie star in the world, Tom Cruise went by this name.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

In the year 1980, the world welcomed Natalie Portman, who would later become a renowned actress.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Before Portia de Rossi gained fame as a major television personality and tied the knot with Ellen DeGeneres, that was the name she went by.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Guess music superstar Elton John didn’t think his original name would be a hit with audiences.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

Check The Simple Life alum Nicole Richie‘s birth certificate and this is the name you’ll see.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

With just a pet name given by his high school companions, the renowned stage name of U2’s lead singer, known as Bono, came into existence.

Michael Keaton, Gigi Hadid and More Stars' Real Names Revealed

We agree. Carmen Electra is much more effective when it comes to selling a sexy Baywatch persona.

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2024-09-06 10:18