Sarah Brady
Michael Keaton, famed for his roles in iconic films, recently sparked interest with his announcement to revert to his real name—Michael Douglas. At 73 years old, the actor reflected on his stage name and shared his feelings about it during an interview with E! News.
“I like my name,” he said at the premiere of his new film *Goodrich*. This statement highlights his long-standing discomfort with the name he has carried for decades. He admitted with a hint of humor, “Every time I say my name, I kind of go, ‘Fraud. It’s not your name.’”
A Name Change Rooted in Necessity
Keaton’s choice to adopt a stage name was primarily driven by the Screen Actors Guild’s regulations. When he first started his career, he needed to distinguish himself from two well-known actors: Oscar-winning Michael Douglas and the late television host Mike Douglas. This naming tactic has served him well over the years, but it has also led to some amusing misunderstandings.
In his interview, Keaton jokingly remarked on the confusion that might have arisen for actress Diane Keaton, who shares the last name “Keaton.” He mused, “Poor Diane. The poor woman has probably had to put up with so many stupid questions: ‘You’re his sister?’”
Even with its humorous aspects, the use of a stage name has always felt slightly disingenuous to him. Despite the success he has achieved, Keaton has often found himself longing to reclaim his birth name.
The Challenges Ahead
While Keaton is eager to use the name Michael Keaton Douglas, he acknowledged that turning this desire into a reality might not be straightforward. “It might not happen legally. Someone might challenge me,” he said, acknowledging the potential hurdles he may face in this pursuit.
However, any pushback seems unlikely to come from fellow actor Michael Douglas. The two have previously shared light-hearted moments over their similar names. Keaton recounted a time when Douglas “got something I think from some hospital” under a mistaken name, and they both had a good laugh about it.
A Bit of Nostalgia Behind the Stage Name
In a past interview, Keaton revealed an interesting tidbit about how he came up with his stage name. He humorously noted that he essentially “picked it out of a phone book.” He reminisced, “I was looking through—I can’t remember if it was a phone book. I must’ve gone, ‘I don’t know, let me think of something here.’ And I went, ‘Oh, that sounds reasonable.’”
This sheer randomness and spontaneity may have created a name that became a staple in Hollywood. But as time has passed, Keaton’s feelings about it have evolved, leading to his recent revelations.
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
Keaton’s name change plans were initially intended for use in his upcoming project, the crime thriller *Knox Goes Away*, which he directed. He explained: “I said, ‘Hey, just as a warning, my credit is going to be Michael Keaton Douglas.’ But that will happen.” Although he missed the chance to implement this name change in a timely manner for the movie’s credits, he remains committed to making this shift in the near future.
As fans await the next chapter of his career, Keaton’s desire to reclaim his identity shines through. It reflects a deeper understanding of self that goes beyond his storied career in film.
Conclusion
Michael Keaton’s journey with his name is more than just a simple switch; it’s a reflection of his personal quest for authenticity. As he looks to embrace his birth name, he invites the public to follow along. Fans are likely to support this move, showing their continued admiration for a star who has truly left his mark on Hollywood.
Whether he ends up fully transitioning back to Michael Douglas or not, his reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of being true to oneself, even in a world filled with labels and identities. For more on Michael Keaton and Hollywood news, stay updated through outlets like E! News.
For additional insights on celebrity name changes, you can visit sources like the [Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com) and [Variety](https://variety.com)
