“It used to be that changing an overly ethnic or difficult-to-pronounce name was virtually essential for Hollywood success. 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
3 people like this
I think one should be fine with the name given by parents. Name doesen´t define someone´s character but the character itself.
4 people like this
I'm surprised when I look up actors and see that their acting names aren't their real names, Tammy Hunt. Example: I thought Will Smith was Will's real name. His actor name (and other actors' acting names) is catchier than his real name, so I understand why he goes by Will Smith. But it's great that actors don't HAVE TO change their names.
2 people like this
This is a really great post. I honestly don't know too many actors who change their name anymore (unless they need to for the union). It seems to have gone the way of the B/W headshot.