Hollywood actress Emma Stone, known for winning two Oscars, has recently expressed her preference for fans to call her by her birth name, Emily Stone, instead of her stage name. The 35-year-old Emma Stone won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her roles in “La La Land” in 2016 and “Poor Things” in 2023. She revealed that she had to adopt a stage name because someone had already registered her birth name with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
In a recent interview with “Hollywood Reporter,” Emma Stone shared that she has always been fond of the Spice Girls, particularly Emma Bunton known as Baby Spice, which influenced her choice of the name Emma. This has led to some confusion between her real name, Emily, and her stage name, Emma.
During a conversation with her co-star Nathan Fielder, Emma Stone was amused when Nathan made it a point to clarify her real name to avoid confusion. He jokingly said, “Before we continue, I have something to say: her name is Emily, but her stage name is Emma. So, if anyone doesn’t know her, I’ll say Emma, but from now on, I’ll call her Emily.”
When asked how she would react if a fan approached her for a photo and addressed her by her birth name “Emily,” Emma Stone replied, “No, that would be wonderful. I want to be called Emily.”
Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding her stage name registration with the actors’ union, Emma recalled, “It was just because my birth name was already taken (by another actress in SAG-AFTRA). A few years ago, I got scared. For some reason, I thought, ‘I can’t do this anymore. Just call me Emily.’ Nathan calling me Emily was easier.”
In Hollywood, it is common for celebrities to adopt stage names that are unique and memorable. Just like American singer Katy Perry, whose real name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, many stars opt for stage names that stand out.
Emma Stone previously revealed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in November 2018 that she chose the name “Emma” in reference to her favorite Spice Girls member Emma Bunton. The Spice Girls rose to fame in 1996 with their hit single “Wannabe.”
Recalling her love for the Spice Girls, Emma Stone said, “Growing up, I was a blonde forever, and my real name is Emily. But because I loved the Spice Girls and wanted to be called Emma. And guess what, now I’m Emma.” She added, “So, it’s really a mess.”
In conclusion, Emma Stone’s journey from her birth name Emily to her stage name Emma reflects her admiration for the Spice Girls and her desire to have a distinct identity in Hollywood. Her decision to embrace her real name shows a more personal and authentic side of the acclaimed actress.