Celebrities Are Shifting Away from Their Stage Names
Names hold significant weight for Hollywood stars. Many have recently bid farewell to their famous monickers. For years, using stage names has been normal practice. Entertainers like Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm, embraced theatrical images. Likewise, Elton John, originally Reginald Kenneth Dwight, shed his legal name for a standout persona. Katy Perry transformed her name (Katheryn Hudson) to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson. Even Reese Witherspoon opted for her mother’s maiden name, rejecting Laura Jeanne.
Recently, a trend has emerged where successful stars drop their iconic names. On January 31, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) released his album Hurry Up Tomorrow. This marked a pivotal moment, signaling an end to his After Hours trilogy. Tesfaye explained to Variety that he no longer desired to embrace the The Weeknd persona. "It becomes this rat race: more accolades, more success," he stated. He emphasized the importance of ending the chase for recognition.
In November 2024, Ariana Grande made waves when credits of Wicked showed her birth name, Ariana Grande-Butera. In February 2025, she told The Hollywood Reporter that this name held personal significance. "It felt like a really lovely way of honoring that," she shared, referencing her childhood memories of the show.
Meaning Behind the Change
Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor at New York Presbyterian Hospital, notes that changing names often reflects deep meanings. According to Saltz, "stars desire truth in this age of misinformation." She believes that some celebrities, already successful, want to reclaim their true identity with their birth names.
This resonates with Emma Stone. At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, she thanked a reporter who called her by her legal name. Early in her career, she adopted the name Emma after learning about another "Emily Stone" in SAG-AFTRA. "I would like to be Emily. … That would be so nice," she lamented, recalling her excitement to embrace her real name.
Michael Keaton shares similar views. In the 1970s, he chose the name "Keaton" since the name Douglas was already one of Hollywood’s prominent actors. Reflecting on his decision, he recalled choosing his stage name from a phone book. In September, Keaton revealed that he will adopt a hybrid version of his legal name, Michael Keaton Douglas, for future works.
Future Trends in Celebrity Names
Is the trend of reclaiming birth names permanent? Brand-building expert Laura Burkemper believes it may only be the beginning. "With social media and greater accessibility, the need for manufactured identities has diminished," she explained. Burkemper emphasized that celebrities increasingly use their real names to honor roots, simplify their legacies, and reflect modern values.
Celebrities with vibrant stage names, like Lady Gaga and Vin Diesel, will always be cherished. Still, the current shift toward authenticity offers a refreshing perspective. Many fans appreciate a return to genuine identities, endorsing the notion of simply being oneself.
Earlier, SSP wrote that Jay Ellis reflected on chemistry with Kate Hudson in "Running Point."