Actresses Who Concealed Their Ethnicity To Succeed In Hollywood

Old Hollywood and even more recent eras often pressured performers to change their names or backgrounds to fit narrow ideas of marketability, and many actresses navigated that pressure by concealing or softening their ethnicity to find work. Studios shaped images with new names, revised biographies, and even physical makeovers, which in turn affected casting and publicity. The practice reveals how bias shaped careers and how talent had to fit a specific mold to be seen. Here are notable examples, along with the concrete steps they or their handlers took to blend in with industry expectations.

Rita Hayworth

Born Margarita Cansino, she was encouraged to downplay her Spanish heritage to reach mainstream roles. Her hairline was electrolysis altered and her dark hair was dyed red to create the glamorous Rita Hayworth image. The new name distanced her from the Latin dance act she began with her father. With the makeover complete, she moved from specialty numbers to starring roles like ‘Gilda’ and ‘The Lady from Shanghai’.

Merle Oberon

Merle Oberon was born in India to a family of mixed heritage and the studio crafted a story that she was from Tasmania. Publicists controlled interviews and avoided questions about her background. The false origin story helped her secure romantic lead roles opposite top actors. She became known for films like ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘The Dark Angel’.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch was born Jo Raquel Tejada and dropped her paternal surname early in her career. Agents advised that a non Hispanic name would avoid typecasting and expand casting options. She presented a more ambiguous background in publicity materials. The change helped her land mainstream parts including ‘One Million Years B.C.’ and ‘Fantastic Voyage’.

Anne Bancroft

Anne Bancroft began as Anna Maria Italiano and adopted a stage name to reduce bias against Italian American performers. The new name appeared on early television and stage credits. By removing an overtly ethnic surname she found wider opportunities across drama and comedy. Her breakthrough roles included ‘The Miracle Worker’ and ‘The Graduate’.

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall was born Betty Joan Perske to a Jewish family and used her mother’s maiden name, later stylized for the marquee. Studio publicity focused on her smoky voice and look while avoiding her background. The simplified name matched the cool persona crafted for her launch. She became a star with films like ‘To Have and Have Not’ and ‘The Big Sleep’.

Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood’s birth name was Natalia Zakharenko and the studio selected a shorter Americanized surname. Press materials minimized her Russian immigrant family story. The change positioned her as an all American ingénue and later a dramatic lead. She starred in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and ‘West Side Story’.

Piper Laurie

Piper Laurie was born Rosetta Jacobs and the studio required a new name that did not signal a Jewish background. Early publicity emphasized wholesome photographs and carefully managed interviews. The rebranding came with roles in melodramas and adventure pictures. Her notable work later included ‘The Hustler’ and ‘Carrie’.

Shelley Winters

Shelley Winters started as Shirley Schrift and adopted a less identifiably Jewish stage name while working in New York and Hollywood. Casting directors saw the new name as more flexible for a range of roles. Publicity teams built a brassy persona that fit studio needs. Her filmography spans ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’.

Judy Holliday

Judy Holliday was born Judith Tuvim, a surname meaning holiday in Hebrew, and she translated it for the stage. The English version reduced ethnic targeting in press coverage. She moved from nightclub sketches to Broadway and then to films with a comedic yet sharp screen image. Major credits include ‘Born Yesterday’ and ‘It Should Happen to You’.

Paulette Goddard

Paulette Goddard was born Marion Levy and shifted to a name that concealed both Jewish and immigrant associations. Publicists highlighted fashion shoots and society ties rather than family origins. The name change helped her transition from chorus work to leading lady status. She appeared in ‘Modern Times’ and ‘The Great Dictator’.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr was born Hedwig Kiesler to a Jewish family in Vienna and adopted a new surname as she relaunched her career in Hollywood. Studio profiles framed her as a European beauty while steering clear of personal history. The rebranding coincided with carefully staged photo sessions and interviews. She headlined films like ‘Algiers’ and ‘Samson and Delilah’.

Connie Stevens

Connie Stevens, born Concetta Ingoglia, shortened and Anglicized her name as she moved from singing to screen work. Managers believed a lighter sounding name would help television casting. Early roles introduced her as a bubbly presence without reference to heritage. She gained fame through projects like ‘Hawaiian Eye’ and ‘Parrish’.

Doris Day

Doris Day entered show business as Doris Kappelhoff and adopted a succinct stage name while performing as a band singer. During a period of strong anti German sentiment, the new name avoided questions about ancestry. Publicity focused on her voice and cheerful persona. She later led films such as ‘Calamity Jane’ and ‘Pillow Talk’.

Sandra Dee

Sandra Dee was born Alexandra Zuck and began modeling before the studio unveiled a new name for the screen. The change removed a distinctly Eastern European surname from posters and magazines. Marketed as the ideal teen star, she was steered toward wholesome roles. Her credits include ‘Gidget’ and ‘Imitation of Life’.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele was born Lea Michele Sarfati and dropped her surname as a child performer after experiences with teasing and concerns about casting bias. The shorter name appeared on early theater programs and later on television. Interviews and profiles focused on training and roles rather than heritage. She became widely known through ‘Glee’ and continued with projects like ‘Spring Awakening’ on stage.

Share the names you think also belong on this list in the comments.