Michael Keaton, renowned for his roles in iconic films such as “Batman” and “Beetlejuice,” has decided to return to his original birth name. After decades of being known by his stage name, Keaton is re-embracing his birth name, Michael Douglas, but with a slight modification to accommodate Screen Actor’s Guild regulations.
The Screen Actor’s Guild prohibits members from having identical names, which presented a challenge for Keaton due to the presence of other actors with the name Michael Douglas, including the famous actor and talk show host. Faced with this issue, Keaton came up with a solution by opting for a variant of his original name.
In a recent interview, Keaton mentioned that he had intended to use the new professional name, Michael Keaton Douglas, for his 2023 film “Knox Goes Away,” which he both directed and starred in. However, during the film’s production, he forgot to make the necessary arrangements for the credit change.
Keaton’s decision to revert to his birth name follows a trend among Hollywood celebrities. Emma Stone, who worked with Keaton in “Birdman,” also expressed a desire to use her birth name, Emily, in her professional life. Stone’s colleagues often refer to her by her original name, a preference she has openly discussed.
The trend of reverting to birth names reflects a broader movement among celebrities to reclaim their original identities. For Keaton, this change marks a return to his roots, while for others like Stone, it represents a personal choice to embrace their authentic selves.
