How many actors/actresses actually change their names? I know it happens a lot in Hollywood but how much does it happen on Broadway? I dont mean small changes like Idina Mentzel to Idina Menzel. Actual name changes.
I don't know.
I've wondered if "Carolee Carmello" is her real name.
Well Bernadette Peters' last name isn't really Peters, it's something very Italian sounding that I can't think of off the top of my head.
Nathan Lane had to change his name from Joseph Lane because there was already somebody in Equity with that name. He choose Nathan because Nathan Detroit is his favorite musical theatre character and I believe that at the time he recieved his Equity card he just finnished Guys & Dolls at a dinner theatre.
I used to know this. Something with an L.
I always thought Peters was her married name... I just assumed. I'm probably wrong, though.
Yeah it is with an L and I don't remember it either. I think I saw in an interview she took Peter(s) because of her grandfathers name being Peter or something like that. I know its got something to do with her grandfather, don't ask me what.
Also Douglas Sills' last name is really not Sills its a longer name like Sillverstein or something. I know he shortened it, I just don't know from what.
Lazzara I think. I can't remember where Peters comes from, but it's easy enough to find out on the 'net.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/4/03
Diana Kaarina shortened her name. her name is Diana Wong, but she uses her middle name as her last name.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/04
Euan Morton's real name is Iain Morton. It's the American "Ian"
And Shields isn't Cary Shields' real last name.
I know I know more people who have changed their name but I can't remember.
Lazzara. That's it. Thanks Rathnait!
Woohoo! Someone had to know it!
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/23/04
I have a feeling Norbert Leo Butz is his real name. I dont think anyone would change their name to that.
Well, no one will ever forget it!
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/4/03
haha. yeah. gotta love the NLB.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe NLB is a NLB jr. or NLB III
Zero Mostel was actually named Samuel.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/4/03
yeah i figured his name was changed. who would name their kid zero?
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
Bernadette changed her last name from Lazzara to Peters because it was her father's first name.
Thanks Plum. I knew it was a family connection, just couldn't remember exactly what.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
According to IMDB, she didn't want to be cast in stereotypical Italian roles- Mafia, etc. Updated On: 7/18/04 at 03:32 PM
Oh. That makes sense. I actually didn't know she was Italian. I guessed Irish or something.
See? It worked!
A redheaded Italian is an anomale indeed.
Videos