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A stage name, or a screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers (such as actors, athletes, comedians, porn stars, musicians, and clowns). Performers take stage names for many reasons, often because their real name is considered unattractive, dull, unintentionally amusing, already used, difficult to pronounce or spell, or projects the wrong image. Sometimes performers wish to adopt a name that is unusual (sometimes even outlandish), memorable, or that complements his/her performing persona; or because they wish to remain anonymous in relation to another sphere of work. There are some individuals related to an already famous person who have taken a different last name so that they are not perceived to have received undue benefit from their family connection. Examples of these include Nicolas Cage (nephew of Francis Ford Coppola) and Mike McGear (brother of Paul McCartney). Guilds and Associations that represent actors—for example the Screen Actors Guild in the United States and British Actors' Equity Association in the United Kingdom—usually stipulate that no two members may have the same working name, and in that situation an actor is obliged to modify his/her name or take a new one. In the past, a stage name was often used when a performer's real name was considered to denote a specific ethnicity that faced potential discrimination. One of the most famous examples of this type of name change involved Freddie Mercury of Queen, who was born Farrokh Bulsara to Parsi parents and tried, in part, to hide his Indian connections. From the pre-World War II era until recently, many Jews in Hollywood Anglicized or changed their names to avoid possible discrimination. This still happens to a degree, but the growing acceptance of ethnic performers in the performing arts has made this a less frequent occurrence. The reasons for the choice of the performer's new name vary greatly. By way of example, some performers choose a new last name that evokes another, unrelated performer. Actor Michael Keaton, was born as Michael Douglas and Screen Actors Guild rules mandated a name change to preclude confusion with the established actor Michael Douglas. He chose the last name Keaton simply because he was an admirer of actress Diane Keaton. Actor Michael Caine was born Maurice Micklewhite and chose the name Michael because he preferred the sound of it. He chose the name Caine reputedly because at the precise instant he needed to choose a new stage name, he saw a movie marquee for the then-current movie The Caine Mutiny and thought that it would make a good last name in conjunction with Michael. Another consideration in choosing a stage name is ease of use. The Actors' Equity Association (AEA) advises performers to select a name that is easy for others to pronounce, spell and remember. Some performers while paying great attention to their skills and abilities give little thought to the difference that a well thought out name can make to their career. Often it is only after the realization that a poorly chosen name results in an undesired impression that a person or group decides on a different name, e.g. Shane Fenton & The Fentones only later became known as the popular Alvin Stardust. A survey of the three US regional heads of AEA reveals that a performer whose name is difficult to pronounce, spell, or remember is less likely to be hired than other performers. Many performers refer to their stage name as their "professional name." In some cases performers subsequently adopt their stage name as their legal name. For instance, the former Robert Zimmerman's legal name has been Robert Dylan (Bob Dylan), since he changed it at the Supreme Court building in New York City in August 1962. Elton John was born Reginald Dwight but changed his name by deed poll and subsequently took that name as his real name. When he was knighted, he became Sir Elton John rather than Sir Reginald Dwight. Names so adopted are technically no longer "stage names," but are often perceived as such by the public (and for that reason stage names that come into that category are included in the following list). Note on methodology of the list: Individuals who have dropped their last name and substituted their middle name as their last name are listed. Also listed are individuals who have changed the spelling of one of their legal names (such as Willem Dafoe). People whose main forename just happens not to be the first one (such as Paul McCartney and Marie Osmond) are not listed here—these are their real names, not stage names. See also: List of entertainers by nickname. Famous stage names include:
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