A stage name is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, comedians, singers and musicians. A
lot of newscasters also change their names, or tweak them a little (from J.D.
Roberts to John Roberts). Such titles are adopted for a wide variety of
reasons and may be similar or nearly identical to an individual's birth name.
A performer will
often take a stage name because their real name is considered unattractive,
dull, or unintentionally amusing, or is difficult to pronounce. Actors can work a lifetime under a
stage name without ever changing their name legally. If you decide you need a
stage name, what you’re
changing your name to depends on why
you’re changing it!
In some cases, the individual may adopt a stage name to avoid confusion with other family members who have similar names. Actor Mark Harmon (Thomas Mark Harmon) uses his middle name professionally to avoid confusion with his father Heisman Trophy winner and former broadcaster Tom Harmon (Thomas Dudley Harmon).
A stage name can help a performer craft and reflect their public persona, or connect with the audience more effectively. A stage name can also help a performer maintain a separation between their public life and their personal life. How do you determine whether or not to use a stage name?
1. If you need to avoid union confusion. To avoid confusion, Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) does not allow working
actors to use identical screen names. If an actor’s name is already being
utilized, the new union member must choose a new name.
Sometimes that
change is as simple as adding or removing a middle initial (like Michael Fox
versus Michael J. Fox), but sometimes the name change is more significant and
involved. For instance, Michael Keaton was born Michael Douglas, but his career
was preceded by Michael Douglas, who beat him to the union registry.
2. If you have a very popular or common name.
Union rules aside, actors take stage names for a number of other reasons. If your name is a common one, there are most likely other people with your same name. Actors with particularly common last names (Smith, Johnson) are likely to change their names. Maybe that’s why Caryn Elaine Johnson became Whoopi Goldberg.
Union rules aside, actors take stage names for a number of other reasons. If your name is a common one, there are most likely other people with your same name. Actors with particularly common last names (Smith, Johnson) are likely to change their names. Maybe that’s why Caryn Elaine Johnson became Whoopi Goldberg.
3. If someone famous is already using your
name.
Actor-writer-director Albert Brooks was born Albert Einstein and changed his surname for obvious reasons. Singer-actor David Bowie (born David Robert Jones) changed his name to avoid confusion with singer and actor Davy Jones. Many names are inspired or refer directly to real-world things that may be seemingly unflattering. Some surnames (like Belcher, Hooker, etc.) have meanings that can complicate actors’ attempts to cultivate the professional image they want. Cary Grant’s original name Archibald Leach seemed less romantic than what Paramount Pictures wanted for its leading man.
4. If your name doesn’t represent who you are.
Just like people, all names come from somewhere. However, if your name clearly comes from a specific place and you look like you come from someplace else entirely; you might consider using a show name. For instance, a fair, blonde Latina who does not speak Spanish may choose a show name that conceals or obscures her heritage. If your name suggests a strong identification with a language other than English, a stage name might be something to consider.
Actor-writer-director Albert Brooks was born Albert Einstein and changed his surname for obvious reasons. Singer-actor David Bowie (born David Robert Jones) changed his name to avoid confusion with singer and actor Davy Jones. Many names are inspired or refer directly to real-world things that may be seemingly unflattering. Some surnames (like Belcher, Hooker, etc.) have meanings that can complicate actors’ attempts to cultivate the professional image they want. Cary Grant’s original name Archibald Leach seemed less romantic than what Paramount Pictures wanted for its leading man.
4. If your name doesn’t represent who you are.
Just like people, all names come from somewhere. However, if your name clearly comes from a specific place and you look like you come from someplace else entirely; you might consider using a show name. For instance, a fair, blonde Latina who does not speak Spanish may choose a show name that conceals or obscures her heritage. If your name suggests a strong identification with a language other than English, a stage name might be something to consider.
Stage names
were also traditionally used to avoid discrimination or the potential for it.
Ethnic names were commonly “Anglicized” to make them seem more English or
American, or simply to make them more easily remembered and understood to the
American film and television industry at large. Ethnic surnames can also be a
great advantage for actors as television and commercials like to diversify
their casts.
Jerry Rivers
changed his professional name to Geraldo Rivera. David Boreanaz opted not to
change his surname. In the 1950s, his father used Thomas or Roberts instead of
Boreanaz. For actors today, highlighting or obscuring ethnic heritage are
equally common motives for creating and using an actor stage name.
5. If a different name will be easier to use and
understand.
The Actors' Equity Association (AEA) recommends performers use names that are easy for others to say, spell, and remember. Asa Butterfield is easy enough to say and remember, but his full name, Asa Maxwell Thornton Farr Butterfield would be a little tough to squeeze onto a headshot. Joaquin Phoenix first worked as Leaf Phoenix because it was easier for him to say as a child actor, and Leaf fit in with the nature names of his other working family members, like his older brother River.
The Actors' Equity Association (AEA) recommends performers use names that are easy for others to say, spell, and remember. Asa Butterfield is easy enough to say and remember, but his full name, Asa Maxwell Thornton Farr Butterfield would be a little tough to squeeze onto a headshot. Joaquin Phoenix first worked as Leaf Phoenix because it was easier for him to say as a child actor, and Leaf fit in with the nature names of his other working family members, like his older brother River.
6. If you need to protect your identity.
Working professionally under one name while using your “regular name” at home helps some actors separate their working and private lives. For child actors, stage names can provide an added layer of identity insulation, which parents may prefer for their child’s safety. Acting credits may be listed under the stage name while the legal name or birth name appears on school enrollment, sports rosters, and any local event mentions.
Working professionally under one name while using your “regular name” at home helps some actors separate their working and private lives. For child actors, stage names can provide an added layer of identity insulation, which parents may prefer for their child’s safety. Acting credits may be listed under the stage name while the legal name or birth name appears on school enrollment, sports rosters, and any local event mentions.
“It's important to use a stage name so that your real name doesn't
appear on public records.” (RuPaul)
[i]
[i]Sources used:
·
“6 Reasons a Stage Name Might Be Right for You” By Mae Ross
·
“Actors' Equity Association” From Wikipedia
·
“Do
newscasters change their names?” By Yahoo Answers
·
“How to Choose a Stage Name” by wikiHow
·
“How to Pick a Stage Name” by wikiHow
·
“SAG-AFTRA” From
Wikipedia
·
“Stage name”
From Wikipedia
This topic was suggested
by friend and blog member, Juli Critser.
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