Black Actresses You Didn’t Know Are Using Fake Names

Many talented Black actresses in Hollywood have adopted stage names to help them stand out or define their public personas. These performers often choose new monikers to simplify their birth names or to pay homage to family and cultural roots. A distinctive name can become a powerful brand that resonates with audiences around the world. The stories behind these name changes are often just as fascinating as the roles these women play on screen. This list explores forty-five famous Black actresses who were born with completely different names.

Whoopi Goldberg

The legendary star of ‘The Color Purple’ was actually born Caryn Elaine Johnson in New York City. She acquired her unique first name because associates joked that she was like a whoopee cushion. Her mother suggested the surname Goldberg to give her a name that sounded more established in Hollywood circles. She became one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status with her work in film and theater. Her stage name is now synonymous with comedic brilliance and dramatic depth.

Queen Latifah

This hip hop icon and actress was born Dana Elaine Owens in Newark. She found the name Latifah in a book of Arabic names when she was just eight years old. The name means delicate and kind which provides a contrast to her commanding screen presence. She has successfully transitioned from a rap superstar to an Oscar-nominated actress in films like ‘Chicago’. She continues to use this royal moniker for her work as a producer and talk show host.

Issa Rae

The creator and star of ‘Insecure’ was born Jo-Issa Rae Diop in Los Angeles. She decided to drop her first name and last name to create a catchy stage moniker for her web series. Her middle name Rae pays homage to her grandmother and serves as her professional surname. She exploded onto the scene with her unique voice and comedic timing. Her shortened name has become a major brand in the television industry.

Rihanna

The global superstar and actress in films like ‘Ocean’s 8’ was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty. She used her middle name to launch her music career and subsequently her acting endeavors. Family members and close friends still call her Robyn in private settings. She has built a massive empire under her stage name including fashion and beauty lines. Her transition into acting has been marked by the same confidence she displays in her music.

Lizzo

This Grammy winner and actress in ‘Hustlers’ was born Melissa Viviane Jefferson. She created her stage name by combining her nickname Lissa with the Jay-Z song ‘Izzo’. Her flute playing and acting skills have made her a double threat in the entertainment world. She often speaks about how her stage persona allows her to channel confidence and self-love. The name has become a symbol of body positivity and empowerment.

Erykah Badu

The soulful singer and actress in ‘The Cider House Rules’ was born Erica Abi Wright. She changed the spelling of her first name to reclaim her African heritage. The surname Badu was adopted to reference jazz scat sounds and deeper spiritual meanings. She is known for her eccentric style and powerful performances in both film and music. Her name reflects her artistic evolution and connection to her roots.

Alicia Keys

This talented pianist and actress was born Alicia Augello Cook in New York. She considered the stage name Alicia Wild before settling on Keys to represent her musical instrument. Her acting career includes roles in films like ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and ‘Smokin’ Aces’. She felt the name Keys suited her identity as a musician and performer perfectly. It has since become one of the most recognizable names in the industry.

Oprah Winfrey

The media mogul and star of ‘The Butler’ was originally named Orpah Gail Winfrey after a biblical figure. People constantly mispronounced her name as Oprah during her childhood. She eventually accepted the new pronunciation and it became one of the most famous names in the world. Her acting career has earned her an Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim. She turned a simple mispronunciation into a global empire.

Eartha Kitt

The iconic actress who played Catwoman was born Eartha Mae Keith on a cotton plantation. She faced a difficult childhood before finding fame as a singer and actress in Europe and America. Her unique voice and feline movements made her a legend in theater and film. She dropped her surname for professional purposes but kept her unusual first name. Her legacy remains influential in the worlds of cabaret and acting.

Ruby Dee

This legendary civil rights activist and actress was born Ruby Ann Wallace in Cleveland. She married fellow actor Ossie Davis and they became a power couple in the industry. Her career spanned seven decades with memorable roles in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and ‘American Gangster’. She is celebrated for her contributions to African American theater and film. Her name represents dignity and artistic excellence.

Diahann Carroll

The sophisticated star of ‘Dynasty’ was born Carol Diann Johnson in the Bronx. She altered her first name and adopted a new surname to sound more distinguished for her modeling career. She broke barriers as the first Black woman to star in her own non-servant role TV series ‘Julia’. Her elegance and talent paved the way for future generations of Black actresses. Her stage name became a symbol of glamour and class.

Nia Long

The beloved actress known for ‘The Best Man’ was born Nitara Carlynn Long. She shortened her first name to Nia which is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa meaning purpose. She has been a staple in Black cinema for decades with roles in classics like ‘Love Jones’. Her approachable charm and beauty have made her a fan favorite. The name Nia perfectly suits her purposeful and steady career trajectory.

Keke Palmer

This energetic star of ‘Nope’ was born Lauren Keyana Palmer in Illinois. Her nickname Keke was given to her by her sister and it stuck as her professional handle. She began her career as a child star in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and grew into a versatile adult actress. She uses her platform to host talk shows and produce digital content. Her name is synonymous with charisma and youthful energy.

Marsai Martin

The young prodigy and star of ‘Black-ish’ was born Caila Marsai Martin. She uses her middle name professionally as she builds her empire as Hollywood’s youngest executive producer. Her work in the film ‘Little’ showcased her comedic timing and business acumen. She continues to break barriers for young Black creatives in the industry. Her name represents the new generation of Hollywood power players.

Retta

The hilarious actress from ‘Parks and Recreation’ was born Marietta Sangai Sirleaf. She is the niece of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She shortened her name to Retta to make it easier for audiences to remember during her stand-up comedy days. Her wit and timing have made her a standout in television comedies and dramas. She brings a regal yet accessible energy to every role she plays.

Mo’Nique

The Oscar-winning actress for ‘Precious’ was born Monique Angela Imes. She altered the spelling of her first name and dropped her last name to create a distinct brand. Her career began in stand-up comedy before she transitioned to television and serious film roles. She is known for her raw honesty and refusal to compromise her standards. Her stage name commands respect in the entertainment industry.

Sommore

The comedic actress known for ‘Soul Plane’ was born Lori Ann Rambough. She is the half-sister of actress Nia Long but established her own career in comedy. She adopted the name Sommore to imply that audiences would always want some more of her humor. She became the first woman to host ‘ComicView’ on BET. Her stage presence is defined by her glamorous look and sharp wit.

Maya Angelou

The celebrated poet and actress in ‘Roots’ was born Marguerite Annie Johnson. She acquired the nickname Maya from her brother and combined it with a variation of a former husband’s surname. Her work in literature and civil rights often overshadowed her extensive acting career. She appeared in numerous plays and films throughout her life. Her chosen name is now revered as a symbol of wisdom and artistry.

Iman

The supermodel and actress in ‘Star Trek VI’ was born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid in Somalia. She was renamed Iman by her grandfather at a young age to protect her identity. The name means faith in Arabic and served her well as she conquered the fashion and film worlds. She paved the way for models of color to transition into acting roles. Her name remains a benchmark for elegance and beauty.

Tina Turner

The rock and roll legend and actress in ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ was born Anna Mae Bullock. Her abusive ex-husband Ike Turner gave her the stage name Tina to control her career. She eventually reclaimed the name and made it a symbol of her own survival and triumph. Her acting roles displayed the same fierce energy she brought to the concert stage. She remains one of the greatest performers in history.

Chaka Khan

The funk icon and actress in ‘The Blues Brothers’ was born Yvette Marie Stevens. She was given the name Chaka by a Yoruba priest while working on the Black Panther breakfast program. She adopted the surname Khan during an early marriage and kept it for her career. Her powerful voice and acting cameos have solidified her status as a legend. Her name is instantly recognizable across multiple generations.

Patti LaBelle

The Godmother of Soul and actress in ‘A Different World’ was born Patricia Louise Holte. She adopted the surname LaBelle which means the beautiful one in French. She began her career as part of a group before launching a massive solo career. Her acting roles often feature her signature sass and powerful vocal ability. She is a beloved figure in music and television.

Etta James

The legendary singer and actress was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles. She inverted her first name to create the simple yet memorable Etta James. Her struggles and triumphs were documented in the film ‘Cadillac Records’ where she was portrayed by Beyoncé. She acted in various projects and influenced countless artists. Her name evokes the raw emotion of the blues.

Billie Holiday

The jazz icon and actress in ‘New Orleans’ was born Eleanora Fagan. She borrowed her professional first name from actress Billie Dove and used her father’s surname. Her haunting voice and tragic life story have made her a mythical figure in music history. She appeared in film roles that showcased her unique presence. Her stage name is one of the most famous in the history of jazz.

Josephine Baker

The barrier-breaking entertainer was born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis. She took the last name Baker from her second husband and kept it throughout her international career. She found immense fame in France where she became a film star and resistance agent. Her stage name represents the glitz of the Jazz Age and civil rights activism. She remains a cultural icon in both Europe and America.

Butterfly McQueen

The actress known for ‘Gone with the Wind’ was born Thelma McQueen. She acquired her nickname after performing the Butterfly Dance in a production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. She struggled against the stereotypical roles available to Black actresses during her era. She devoted much of her life to community service after leaving Hollywood. Her name is forever linked to cinema history.

MC Lyte

The hip hop pioneer and actress in ‘Half & Half’ was born Lana Michele Moorer. She chose her stage name to signify her lyrical ability and command of the microphone. She was the first solo female rapper to release a full album. Her acting career has included numerous sitcoms and voiceover work. She continues to be a voice of authority in the music business.

Lil’ Kim

The rapper and actress in ‘She’s All That’ was born Kimberly Denise Jones. She added the diminutive Lil’ to her first name when she started rapping with Junior M.A.F.I.A. Her bold fashion choices and acting roles made her a pop culture fixture in the nineties. She broke barriers for women in hip hop with her sexually aggressive lyrics. Her brand remains influential in fashion and music.

Eve

The rapper and actress in the ‘Barbershop’ franchise was born Eve Jihan Jeffers. She uses her first name as a mononym for her music and acting projects. She starred in her own sitcom and became a co-host on ‘The Talk’. Her transition from a rough-edged rapper to a Hollywood actress was seamless. She has successfully balanced a career in music and film.

Da Brat

The rapper and actress in ‘Kazaam’ was born Shawntae Harris in Chicago. She adopted her stage name because she was a spoiled only child. She became the first female solo rapper to have a platinum-selling album. Her acting credits include reality TV and scripted series. She brings a distinct energy and charisma to her screen roles.

H.E.R.

The singer and actress in ‘The Color Purple’ musical film was born Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson. She uses the acronym H.E.R. which stands for Having Everything Revealed. She initially hid her face to focus audiences on her music rather than her appearance. Her transition to acting has been met with excitement from fans and critics. She represents a new wave of multi-talented artists.

Amber Rose

The model and actress in ‘School Dance’ was born Amber Levonchuck. She adopted the surname Rose to create a softer and more marketable image. She gained fame through music video appearances before transitioning to acting and hosting. She is also known for her annual slutwalk which promotes women’s rights. Her distinctive look makes her instantly partial to audiences.

Blac Chyna

The reality star and actress was born Angela Renée White in Washington D.C. She created her stage name during her time working in nightlife before breaking into modeling. She has appeared in various reality shows and scripted series. Her brand is built on her bold personality and entrepreneurial ventures. She has successfully leveraged her name into a lucrative career.

Nene Leakes

The breakout star of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and actress in ‘Glee’ was born Linnethia Monique Johnson. She used her childhood nickname Nene and her husband’s surname to create her famous moniker. She parlayed her reality TV fame into legitimate acting roles on network television. Her larger-than-life personality is her trademark. She remains one of the most quotable figures in reality TV history.

Eva Marcille

The winner of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and actress was born Eva Pigford. She changed her surname to her middle name Marcille to distance herself from the modeling competition. She has starred in ‘The Young and the Restless’ and various reality series. She wanted a name that sounded more theatrical for her acting career. She has successfully reinvented herself multiple times.

Yaya DaCosta

The actress known for ‘Chicago Med’ was born Camara DaCosta Johnson. She uses the childhood nickname Yaya which she has carried since her youth. She gained fame on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ before becoming a serious dramatic actress. Her performance as Whitney Houston gained her significant attention. She brings a natural grace to her roles.

Nicki Minaj

The rap superstar and actress in ‘The Other Woman’ was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad. She adopted the surname Minaj early in her career although she has stated she initially disliked it. She creates various alter egos within her music and performances. Her acting roles allow her to display her comedic timing and animated personality. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Kelly Rowland

The Destiny’s Child member and actress in ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ was born Kelendria Trene Rowland. She shortened her first name to Kelly to make it more accessible for mainstream audiences. She has enjoyed a successful solo music career and numerous acting roles. She also served as a judge on various singing competition shows. Her name is linked to one of the biggest girl groups in history.

Marla Gibbs

The beloved maid from ‘The Jeffersons’ was born Margaret Theresa Bradley. She shortened her name to Marla and used a married name for her professional credits. She worked as a flight attendant before finding success in Hollywood in her forties. Her comedic timing made her a television icon in the seventies and eighties. She continues to act in guest roles well into her nineties.

Isabel Sanford

The first Black woman to win an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy was born Eloise Gwendolyn Sanford. She used her middle name Isabel for her acting career which included her iconic role as Louise Jefferson. She started in theater before moving to film and television. Her distinct voice and presence made her a legend. She paved the way for Black women in television comedy.

Jackée Harry

The star of ‘227’ was born Jacqueline Yvonne Harry in North Carolina. She shortened her name to Jackée and added an accent for flair. She made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Comedy. Her flirtatious character Sandra Clark became a cultural touchstone. She remains active in television and theater.

Abbey Lincoln

The jazz vocalist and actress in ‘For Love of Ivy’ was born Anna Marie Wooldridge. She adopted the name Abbey Lincoln to link herself to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and Westminster Abbey. She was a fierce civil rights activist who used her art to fight oppression. Her acting roles were often serious and socially conscious. She is remembered as a woman of immense dignity and talent.

Beah Richards

The Oscar-nominated actress for ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ was born Beulah Richardson. She shortened her name to Beah to sound more unique and artistic. She was a poet and playwright as well as a powerful character actress. Her performances often portrayed matriarchal strength and wisdom. She left an indelible mark on American cinema and theater.

Tell us which of these name changes surprised you the most in the comments.