What is your opinion of screen/stage names?

Question

The names actors use in the credits of their work that aren't their real names? Do you think they are pretentious?

Answer 1

i dont really mind. whatever floats their boat

Answer 2

It has less to do with Ego or pretense than it has to do with being remembered in a positive sense.
As one other answer states a name can often have negative results.
Certainly that doesn't suggest at all, that the person is ashamed of their given name.
You might consider this thought; in general. First of all we don't have the opportunity to choose our name, from birth.
Second: There are likely some children who endure many hours of ridicule in their name... IE: "John Butts" That name will likley become a stigma for John, in some ways, especially as a youth, and more especially when in some class, names are called out, (last first)
As John matures, whether or not he ever becomes an actor, he may choose another name, for all positive reasons.

NOW on a lighter note, using him as an example; Hopefully his thought might be to change his given (last) name, first. IE: "Hmm, I really don't like my name. I think I'll change it. I know, I'll change it from JOHN to BIG"

See my point? Smile

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

I think it really depends on WHAT the actor's real name is, would you like Marion Johnson or Archibald Leech as well if they had not taken on screen names? (John Wayne and Cary Grant) Who could take an actor using those two real names seriously?

Answer 4

Not really, sometimes it is out of necessity. There may already be an actor in the union with your original name, so you'll need to pick another name.

Answer 5

I think they are pretty cool if they come up with a good one. But if they feel comfortable with it then that's all that matters. If you are going to try to come up with one for yourself really think about what you want it to be. Put effort into it. But if I we're you I wouldn't keep changing your screen/stage name like Prince did. lol. Good luck and Happpy New Year!!!

Answer 6

Some do it as a protection thing or they don't want their family to be associated with their work and the pressure they go through.

Answer 7

Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? Yes!

Answer 8

i tink that steve mequeen should use his real name rather than use a dead guys name