Forget nicknames and pet names, we’re here to reveal the celebrities who have changed their birth names to more professional ones. Celebs like Demi Moore, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Portman, and more all make the list. Surprised? Yes, well it only gets wackier. Click through as we dish out Hollywood’s biggest stars who have since changed their names – get ready, guys. It’s quite the ride.
Katy Perry
Kicking off this list is none other than Katy Perry, the “Top-Earning Women In Music”. Way back in 2001, Perry released her debut studio album which is originally titled under her birth name. Care to guess what it is? Don’t bother, it’ll take time until you do! Everyone, please meet: Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson. Yes, really.
Katy Perry
Demi Moore
About Last Night… was the 1986 film that propelled Demi Moore’s career into the epicness that we all know today. But uhh, did you know that Demi Moore is not actually her real name? Nope. Turns out that it is: Demi Gene Guynes.
Demi Moore
Meg Ryan
During the mid 80’s, Meg Ryan first emerged on the scene and since then this actress has become quite the respected producer and director. Oh, and Meg’s real name? But of course it’s: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra. Now that’s a mouthful.
Meg Ryan
Woody Allen
For about six decades, Woody Allen has been killin’ it as an actor, filmmaker, writer, comedian, and musician. Although at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what his name is, he’s still incredibly talented. In any case, Allen’s real name is: Allan Konigsberg.
Woody Allen
Joaquin Phoenix
Let me just say that Joaquin Phoenix is a legend. The man’s already earned a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and three Academy Award nominations. However we need to point out that his birth name is: Joaquin Rafael Bottom. Oh.
Joaquin Phoenix
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is best recognized from the ever hilarious National Lampoon franchise, and rightly so. Although it turns out that his real name is actually: Cornelius Crane Chase. Seems that he got the inspiration for his new name from a traditional English song known as “The Ballad of Chevy Chase.”
Chevy Chase
Tina Fey
Who would have thought that the ever hilarious Tina Fey has quite a different birth name than the one we all know and love? Not me, for sure! But here we are. Anyways, moving on – Fey’s real name is: Elizabeth Stamatina Fey. Just doesn’t have the same ring, now does it?
Tina Fey
Olivia Wilde
Best recognized for her portrayal of Dr. Remy “Thirteen” Hadley on the television series House, Olivia Wilde has quite the wild real name. Everybody, please meet: Olivia Jane Cockburn. Do we really need to point out why she would want to change her name? Didn’t think so.
Olivia Wilde
Alan Alda
Just in case you didn’t already know this, but Alan Alda is a genius. And he has a Golden Globe Award and seven Emmy Awards to prove his epicness. However, we should point out that his real name is: Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo. Try saying that five times fast.
Alan Alda
Portia De Rossi
Professionally, the Australian-American actress, model, and philanthropist goes by the name of Portia De Rossi. Then when she tied the knot with the incredible Ellen DeGeneres, she actually changed her name to Portia Lee James DeGeneres. Lastly though, her birth name is: Amanda Lee Rogers. Is your head spinning?!
Portia De Rossi
Diane Keaton
The year 1970 will always be the year that Diane Keaton emerged onto the scene and hasn’t slowed down since. Be that as it may, her real name is actually: Diane Hall. Call her what you want, Keaton is still a legend.
Diane Keaton
Michael Caine
British film icon Michael Caine is a jack of all trades (he’s also an author and producer), but he’s got quite the birth name. Without further ado, everyone please meet: Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr..
Michael Caine
Hulk Hogan
Across the world, wrestling fans know Hulk Hogan by his ring name and nothing more. However, in reality, his birth name is Terry Jean Bollette. I know, crazy right? Makes sense why he’d want to change his name before even stepping foot into a ring.
Hulk Hogan
Carmen Electra
If anyone ever even slightly considered that “Electra” could be a real name, then boy, are you in for a surprise. Turns out that the great Carmen Electra is actually: Tara Patrick.
Carmen Electra
Natalie Portman
What more could we tell you about Natalie Portman that you don’t already know? Oh, I think I have it…her real name. Which is: Neta-Lee Hershlag. In addition, Neta means ‘Grace’ and Lee means “My” in Hebrew and that’s just beautiful, “My Grace”.
Natalie Portman
Audrey Hepburn
Hollywood’s Golden Age was dominated by Audrey Hepburn as both a film and fashion icon – come on, don’t pretend like you haven’t copied her style or watched her brilliant films repeatedly. Additionally, Hepburn is actually considered the “third-greatest female screen legend.” So that’s impressive! Get this though, her real name is: Audrey Kathleen Ruston.
Audrey Hepburn
Martin Sheen
President Bartlet is one of the greatest Hollywood characters while The West Wing is one of the greatest shows known to man. Yes, we have a point to all of this. Martin Sheen portrayed the great President Bartlet but it turns out that his real name is: Ramon Antonio Gerardo Estevez. And before you ask, that does then mean that Charlie Sheen’s real is “Carlos Estevez.”
Martin Sheen
Courtney Love
Undoubtedly everyone knows Courtney Love, if nothing more than for her confrontational lyrics and wild live performances. But did you know that her real name is actually: Courtney Michelle Harrison. YUP.
Courtney Love
Bruno Mars
Long before Bruno Mars moved to LA and launched his exceptional music career, he was born and raised in Honolulu. And now he has five Grammy Awards to boot so it seems like his move was the right decision after all. However, Bruno Mars is not his real name, instead it is: Peter Gene Hernandez. Huh.
Bruno Mars Family
Shania Twain
Yup, the “Queen of Country Pop” herself is up next. While to most the Canadian country legend is known as Shania Twain, to her parents, she’s actually: Eilleen Regina Edwards. What a humdinger.
