How do you use a stage name legally?

Standard contracts for actors have a line for “professional name” as well as legal name. The stage name should be listed on the work permit. The stage name should be used on the headshot and resume.

Should your stage name be your real name?

The stage name should be used on the headshot and resume. Coogan accounts should list both legal name and stage name. The social security number is the primary tracking point for payroll, and checks should be made out to the legal name of the actor.

How do actors choose stage names?

Here are some tips.

1. Name yourself after one of your characters.
2. Don’t be too obvious.
3. If your first name isn’t so good, just use your middle name.
4. Or use your mother’s maiden name.
5. Use the same name as a movie star from the past.
6. If you don’t like any past movie stars, name yourself after one of your heroes.

Do celebrities change their stage names when they become famous?

It depends on the celebrity why they are chaning it. Some will legally change their names, others will use a variation or stage name but their legal name remains the same. A few will change their legal name but continue to use the old one as a stage name.

Why did Jamie Foxx change his name?

The Oscar winner was born Eric Marlon Bishop but changed his name to the more gender-ambiguous Jamie Foxx during his days performing stand-up comedy. The actor-comedian chose the more femine-sounding name because female comedians were often called to the stage first, Yahoo reports. He chose “Foxx” in honor of Sanford and Sons’ star Redd Foxx.

Can I use any stage name I want?

But others just use a stage name professionally, while keeping their given name on all their legal documents. As far as the government is concerned, you can use ANY name you want, as long as you pay your taxes and are not attempting to deceive or defraud anyone.

Why did Elton John change his last name?

Elton John legally changed his name a few years after he adopted it on stage, further distancing himself from his upbringing. The Ultimate Warrior changed his legal name to the mononym Warrior—his widow and kids have it as their last name—and brought his act (after some legal battles with WWE) to other promotions.