Miley Cyrus, Demi Moore and others: Celebrities who changed their real names
Real names of celebrities (photo: RBC-Ukraine collage)
Most of us are used to seeing them on screens and stages under famous names that have long become brands. However, behind these recognizable stage names often lie completely different, less-known, and sometimes surprising real names of celebrities.
More details about which Hollywood stars once changed their real names to the stage names we know today will be shared by RBC-Ukraine.
Lana Del Rey
In reality, the famous Hollywood singer’s name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant.
She adopted a stage name at the beginning of her career, creating a more cinematic and nostalgic image that reflects her love for Old Hollywood and American culture of the 1950s–60s. It was precisely this atmospheric and melancholic music style that made her a star.
Lana Del Rey (photo: instagram.com/honeymoon)
Rihanna
“Rihanna” actually has the full name, Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
Interestingly, the stage name “Rihanna” is her middle name, which she chose as her artistic name when she began her music career.
Over time, this version became a global brand and is now recognized worldwide.
Rihanna (photo: instagram.com/badgalriri)
Miley Cyrus
The actress and singer was born Destiny Hope Cyrus. Later, she officially changed her name to Miley Cyrus, which came from her childhood nickname “Smiley” (due to her constant smiling), later shortened to “Miley.”
It was under this stage name that she became a global pop star after her role in the series Hannah Montana and her subsequent music career.
Miley Cyrus (photo: instagram.com/mileycyrus)
Demi Moore
In reality, the popular Hollywood actress was born Demetria Gene Guynes.
Later, she took the surname of her first husband, Freddy Moore, and the shortened version “Demi Moore” became her stage name. Under this name, the actress gained worldwide fame in film.
Demi Moore (photo: instagram.com/demimoore)
Cher
The singer’s real name is Cherilyn Sarkisian. However, she decided to shorten and simplify it to “Cher” to make it more recognizable and more melodic.
Cher (photo: instagram.com/cher)
Eminem
The rapper’s real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III. His stage name “Eminem” comes from the initials “M&M” (Marshall Mathers), which he later transformed into a recognizable global hip-hop brand. Today, he is one of the most successful rap artists in the history of music.
Eminem (photo: instagram.com/eminem)
Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson’s real name is Brian Hugh Warner. He created his stage name as a contrast between two American icons: Marilyn Monroe and serial killer Charles Manson. This shocking image became the foundation of his stage persona and global recognition in rock music.
Marilyn Manson (photo: instagram.com/marilynmanson)
Jackie Chan
The actor was born Chan Kong-sang. He began using the stage name “Jackie Chan” while working in Australia in his early career, when he was also doing various construction jobs. Over time, this name became known worldwide thanks to his unique combination of martial arts, strong acting skills, and comedic style.
Jackie Chan (screenshot)
Brad Pitt
The Hollywood actor’s full name is William Bradley Pitt. His stage name is simply a shortened and more convenient version of his middle name, which became a recognizable brand in world cinema. Under this name, the actor became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
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Brad Pitt (photo: Getty Images)
Mila Kunis
The actress, whose real name is Milena Markovna Kunis, has Ukrainian roots and was born in Chernihiv.
After moving to the United States with her family, she shortened her name to a simpler and more convenient version for English-speaking audiences — Mila Kunis. It was under this name that she became world-famous for her roles in films and TV series.
Mila Kunis (photo: instagram.com/milalkunis)
Tom Cruise
One of Hollywood’s top actors has the full name Thomas Cruise Mapother IV.
He chose a stage version for his acting career, shortening his complex surname so the name would sound simpler and be easier to remember.
Tom Cruise (photo: Getty Images)
Olivia Wilde
The actress was born Olivia Jane Cockburn.
She later adopted the stage surname “Wilde” as a tribute to the Irish writer Oscar Wilde, whose work she greatly admires and respects.
Olivia Wilde (photo: instagram.com/oliviawilde)
