Now, in a way, the reverse is true. Networks and platforms are looking for authenticity, as well as for the opportunity to tell stories from voices and perspectives not often heard. A name that suggests cultural specificity can actually be helpful, given the scrutiny regarding parts being played by actors of appropriate ethnicity.”
– President of a TV Production Company
“I once hired a guy whose name I not only couldn’t remember — but couldn’t pronounce. I avoided him at all costs and vowed never to hire him again.”
– Reality Show Producer
“I have never asked a client to create a ‘brand new’ name. I have, however, suggested some folks reconsider their given names, as whatever they were currently using sounded generic, or even had a certain falsity to it. Clearly Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Lady Gaga have done all right, but my feeling is if people are comfortable with what their parents named them, then so am I.”
– A Talent Agent
“I love the fact that we live in a day and age where an actor does NOT have to change his/her/their name, because that’s what the industry mandates. I think it’s important for actors to be true to themselves and authentic with who they are. That being said, I have many clients who do have ‘stage names’ and I love that too. And there can be many reasons for that — privacy, for one. My only suggestion is that if you are going to change your name, you do a thorough Google search on that new name BEFORE you change it.”
– Liza Anderson, Owner Anderson Group Public Relations
“I fully support changing the name if it suits and supports the creative process. Being an actor is a creative endeavor. Performance, delivery, and marketing are all part of the artistic process. If you have a challenging name and you have something you want to use that is easy to remember or visually appealing, then there’s nothing wrong with creating something new. When marketing a film, all components matter.”
– Jen Ditchik, Vice President, Strategy & Innovation at WC+A
#actor
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I didn't know this was a thing for actors, Tammy Hunt. Great topic! Thanks for sharing.
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It's actually incredibly common for many different reasons, Maurice Vaughan! Many of the actors that you are aware of use a stage name of some kind.
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Yeah, some people are maintain a unique identity. I feel it works.
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As I commented on your insta Tammy Hunt, I like to delve into the meaning of the name. When I found out the meaning of mine, I came to prefer it over a stage name.
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Allow me to go further: Having an alter ego can be a powerful and strategic move for artists like Eminem for example, whose real name is Marshall Mathers.
Here are some reasons why having an alter ego or alternative name worked for him, and I believe it can work for Actors and other artists:
An alter ego provides artists with the freedom to explore different facets of their creativity that may not align with their public persona or real-life experiences. It allows them to experiment with various styles, themes, and personas that might not be socially acceptable or relatable under their real name.
An alter ego serves as a channel for artists to express emotions, thoughts, and stories that may be deeply personal or controversial. It provides a level of separation, allowing the artist to delve into raw and unfiltered content without being directly associated with their everyday self.
Creating an alter ego allows for the development of a distinct character with its own personality, backstory, and traits. This character becomes a vehicle through which the artist can convey specific messages, narratives, or perspectives, adding depth and complexity to their body of work.
The adoption of an alter ego can enhance the performance aspect of an artist's work. It enables them to step into a character on stage or in their music videos, adding theatricality and entertainment value to their presentations.
An alter ego can be a strategic marketing tool. It creates a brand within a brand, allowing the artist to diversify their appeal and connect with different audience segments. Eminem, for instance, used the alter ego Slim Shady to explore darker and more provocative themes, expanding his audience reach.
Over time, an alter ego can evolve along with the artist's creative journey. It enables them to reinvent themselves, stay relevant in the industry, and respond to changing cultural landscapes. Eminem's evolution from Slim Shady to Eminem reflects this adaptability.
For some artists, an alter ego can serve as a coping mechanism or a way to deal with personal struggles. It provides a fictional space where they can confront challenges, express frustrations, or convey emotions without directly implicating their real-life identity.
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I don't know that I would compare hip hop artists' alter egos as the same as being forced to change your name by the studio. Norma jean Baker did not become Marilyn Monroe by choice. I think it's great that ethnic sounding names are the norm now. Be proud of your name. Charles Buchinsky was told he had to have a name that was "easier to pronounce" like in the above quote, so he named himself Bronson after a street in Hollywood that has an entrance to Paramount Pictures. Arnold Schwartzneggar was also told to shorten to Schwartz. (can you imagine?) and refused. (Which btw, Schwartz would imply an entirely different ethnicity.)
Sometimes Maurice Vaughan actors have to change their name or add their initial or middle name because there is already a member of SAG with their name. They have a rule that two people can't have the same name. I imagine that's so everyone gets the credit they should.
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I learned something else, Suzanne Bronson. That makes sense. What if an actor doesn't have a middle name?
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I guess they make something up Maurice. Or take their name from a street in Hollywood. :)
Suzanne Bronson
Suzanne Bronson It's an example I would not "over" consider it. It's the point that pen names, alter egos, stage names all have their place. Music is entertainment and music borders film. Fan or not.
We can respect these as stage names but to those actors it could be alter ego examples.
Natalie Portman: Her birth name is Natalie Hershlag.
Marilyn Monroe: Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson.
Tom Cruise: His birth name is Thomas Cruise Mapother IV.
Woody Allen: Born Allan Stewart Konigsberg.
Joaquin Phoenix: He was born Joaquin Rafael Bottom.
Meg Ryan: Her original name is Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra.
Demi Moore: Born Demetria Gene Guynes.
Jamie Foxx: His birth name is Eric Marlon Bishop.
Reese Witherspoon: Born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon.
Brad Pitt: His full name is William Bradley Pitt.
Need we say more?
Maybe let's go further...
David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust): The iconic musician David Bowie adopted the alter ego Ziggy Stardust during the early 1970s. Ziggy Stardust was a fictional androgynous rock star created by Bowie for his concept album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars."
Beyoncé (Sasha Fierce): Beyoncé introduced her alter ego Sasha Fierce in 2008, especially during the release of her album "I Am... Sasha Fierce." She explained that Sasha Fierce was her stage persona who was confident and assertive.
Eminem (Slim Shady): Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, created the alter ego Slim Shady. Slim Shady is known for his darker, more violent, and provocative lyrical content. Eminem often uses Slim Shady as an outlet for expressing his more controversial thoughts.
Lady Gaga (Jo Calderone): Lady Gaga, known for her theatrical persona, briefly adopted the alter ego Jo Calderone, a male alter ego, for various public appearances and the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
Prince (Camille): The late musician Prince had an alter ego named Camille, which he used during the recording of his album "Sign o' the Times" in the 1980s. Camille was intended to be a more androgynous and experimental side of Prince's musical expression.
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@mario I don't understand your point.
Eric Marlon Bishop famously changed his name to Jamie Foxx in hopes of getting booked at clubs who might mistake him for a female act. Seems to have worked out for Mr. Bishop. I have a lot of friends who modify or play around with their names. Some will use their middle name as their last name or even re-arrange their names in a different order that has a better ring to it!
Suzanne Bronson the point is anyone can do it. It doesn’t have to be just an actor. Lots of artists can have another name and have it be part of their brand that’s my point. Outside of that it could also be part of the company.
I don't get your point because Mario Leone your comments had nothing to do with the post. I never said anything about non actors and changing their names. Hip hop artist's alter egos have nothing to do with stage names or altering your name to be less ethnic.