15 Celebrities Who You Didn't Know Use Their Stage Names

List of famous people, including their stage names, in roughly ascending order of popularity. Even if you're just another Joe Smith or Anne Taylor trying to make it in the Entertainment industry, a catchy stage name might help you stand out from the crowd. The list contains celebrities better known by their middle names or a version of their family names, as well as those who use a completely made-up moniker for their performances.
Many of the performers on this list changed names to avoid being mistaken for another. Michael Keaton, the actor best known as Batman, was born Michael John Douglas, not to be mistaken for Michael Kirk Douglas. To avoid public scrutiny, several famous people have changed their names. Although Natalie Hershlag gained fame as a child actor, you probably know her better than Natalie Portman. Some celebrities who go by aliases did so voluntarily because they liked how the new name sounded better.
Famous persons who go by their nicknames or a different name are included on this list of stage names. Women who use their marital surnames professionally, those who were legally adopted as youngsters, or those whose stage names are meant to be dramatic are not included. This includes numerous wrestlers and eponymous artists.