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Have you ever wondered why some celebrities don’t go by their real names? Behind the facade of fame, some of our favorite entertainers use stage names. Whether it’s to stand out, create a memorable brand, or simply fit better with their chosen profession, these alternate identities help them shine even brighter. We decided to look for some black entertainers who use stage names. Some of them might surprise you.
Why Celebrities Use Pseudonyms
Celebrities often choose stage names to craft a unique persona that resonates with their audience. For some, a pseudonym can make a name easier to remember or pronounce. Others may use a stage name to avoid confusion with someone else or to reinvent themselves for a fresh start. In the entertainment industry, where first impressions count, a catchy or impactful stage name can be a game-changer.
Here are nine entertainers who you didn’t know have stage names, proving that even the biggest stars like to keep a little mystery.
Black Entertainers Who Use Stage Names
Taye Diggs (Scott Leo Diggs)
Scott Leo Diggs, professionally known as Taye Diggs, is an actor and social media sensation. He adopted a shortened version of his nickname, “Scottaye,” which his friends used to call him, shortening it to “Taye.”
Erykah Badu
We all know Erykah Badu isn’t the Dallas native’s real name, but do we know how the singer got her stage name? According to Vogue, the “kah” portion of her name refers to an ancient Egyptian term for “one’s soul” or “inner self,” and “ba-du” is her favorite jazz-scat sound. Her real name is Erica Abi Wright.
Frank Ocean (Christopher Edwin Breaux)
Christopher Edwin Breaux didn’t always go by his popular stage name. In 2005, he signed his first contract under the name Lonny Breaux. The “Novacane” singer didn’t get his new and current stage name until a decade later. Frank Ocean told Essence his name was inspired by Frank Sinatra and the film “Ocean’s 11.”
Halsey (Ashley Nicolette Frangipane)
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, who goes by the stage name Halsey, chose her stage because she wanted a new persona. The singer told PEOPLE she wanted to be completely different from Ashley because Ashley wasn’t unique. She noted the persona Hasley could do anything.
And yes, Halsey is Black! Her father is African-American.
Jamie Foxx (Eric Marlon Bishop)
Eric Marlon Bishop chose the stage name Jamie Foxx to stand out in the entertainment industry. The comedian-turned-actor wanted to pay tribute to his favorite comedian, Redd Foxx, and he also wanted to have a gender-neutral name during improv nights when he first started.
Vin Diesel (Mark Sinclair)
Mark Sinclair is a former bouncer turned actor. He’s most known for his roles in the “Fast & Furious” franchise and as the loveable Groot in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” In 2006, he explained to Conan O’Brien that the other bouncer called him “Vin Diesel,” and it stuck when he was a bouncer.
Mahershala Ali (Mahershalalhashbaz Ali)
When actor Mahershalalhashbaz Ali first started in his career, he used his full name. However, after converting to Islam, he changed his last name to Ali. The Oscar award winner eventually created a nickname to shorten his name.
Issa Rae (Jo-Issa Rae Diop)
Jo-Issa Rae Diop, known as Issa Rae, is an actress, writer, and producer in Hollywood. According to POPSUGAR, she created her stage name by combining both of her grandmothers’ first names and her aunt’s middle name.
Whoopi Goldberg (Caryn Elaine Johnson)
Did you know Caryn Elaine Johnson almost didn’t choose “Whoopi Goldberg” as her stage name? The EGOT winner revealed during an interview on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” that she almost picked “Whoopi Cushione,” which references the iconic toy. However, her mother talked her out of the decision. We’re glad she did because she eventually landed on the iconic name.
These entertainers who you didn’t know have stage names remind us that behind every star is a carefully crafted identity. Their chosen names help them stand out and connect with audiences in distinct ways. It’s a testament to how personal branding and creativity shape the entertainment world.
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