Why More Black Actresses Are Changing Their Names in Hollywood

A number of prominent Black actresses in the entertainment industry have chosen to adopt professional names different from their birth names. This practice is not uncommon in Hollywood and can be influenced by various professional and personal considerations. The names used publicly are often the result of deliberate career decisions.

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Whoopi Goldberg was born Caryn Elaine Johnson. She has stated in interviews that her professional name was a personal creation, chosen partly because it highlighted her heritage and comedic style.

Viola Davis, the award-winning actress, was born Viola Davis. She has not changed her legal name but uses her married name, Viola Davis, professionally. Her husband is actor Julius Tennon.

Raven-Symoné, known for her roles from childhood, was born Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman. She has publicly stated that she no longer uses her last name professionally and is known simply as Raven-Symoné. She has also discussed her decision not to use her married name, Mandy Brown.

Actress and comedian Mo’Nique was born Monique Angela Hicks. She adopted her stage name early in her stand-up comedy career.

Summary

Several well-known Black actresses are recognized by names that differ from their birth names. Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson, and Mo’Nique, born Monique Angela Hicks, both adopted stage names for their careers.

Viola Davis uses her married name professionally, while her legal birth name remains Viola Davis. Raven-Symoné has chosen to drop her last name professionally and does not use her married name.

These name changes represent a range of personal and professional decisions made by individuals within the entertainment industry.

FAQs

Why do some actresses change their names?
Actresses may change their names for professional branding, to avoid confusion with existing actors, or for personal reasons. The decisions are individual and can be influenced by a variety of factors.

What is Viola Davis’s real name?
Viola Davis’s legal birth name is Viola Davis. She uses her married name, which is also Davis, professionally after marrying Julius Tennon.

Did Raven-Symoné legally change her name?
Raven-Symoné was born Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman. She has stated she no longer uses ‘Pearman’ professionally and is known simply as Raven-Symoné, though the legal status of this change has not been publicly detailed.