Malia Obama | Suri Cruise | Source: Getty Images
In Hollywood, a famous surname can open doors, but some celebrity children are stepping away from their parents’ shadows. Discover these six young stars who boldly redefine themselves and carve their own paths, far from the fame of their moms and dads.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie walks with their children Vivienne and Knox Jolie-Pitt on December 4, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In the glamorous world of entertainment, famous last names can’t overshadow individuality. Many celebrity children are dropping well-known surnames and carving out unique paths. Some are also adopting new identities.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are seen with their daughter, Seraphina Affleck on February 6, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
From Suri Cruise adopting a new name to Malia Obama stepping into the spotlight, these celebrity children are making headlines by shedding their famous surnames and creating their own identities.
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise board a car on August 25, 2008, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Elle King Sings Her Own Tune
Elle King, born Tanner Elle Schneider, is the daughter of comedian Rob Schneider and former model London King. She adopted her mother’s surname when she pursued a music career, becoming Elle King.
Elle King and her father Rob Schneider pose at The Ice House Comedy Club on October 15, 2009, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Raised on movie sets, Elle’s musical inspiration came from her stepfather, Justin Tesa, who nurtured her talent after her mother’s divorce from Rob. “I wanted to be a performer,” Elle said , emphasizing her hard work and independence.
Elle King attends Audacy’s Leading Ladies 2024 at Kings Theatre on March 20, 2024, in Brooklyn, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Despite her father’s fame, Elle asserts her own identity. “And, yeah, people know who my dad is, but I think that my voice and my music speaks for itself: that I am my own person,” she explained .
Asked whether her dad tried talking her out of a career in showbiz, she humorously noted his only request was for her to “keep his last name!”
Malia Obama Makes Her Mark in Her Own Way
Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, has chosen to use her full name, Malia Ann , in her creative endeavors. This change became apparent when the Sundance Film Festival listed her as the director and screenwriter of a short film called “The Heart.”
Malia looks at the crowd as Michelle Obama and Barack Obama wave to supporters on January 10, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois. | Source: Getty Images
Under the mentorship of actor and musician Donald Glover, Malia is making her mark in the film industry. Donald emphasized the significance of her work, considering that her unique position comes with high expectations .
Malia Ann attends the “The Heart” Premiere at the Short Film Program 1 during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at Prospector Square Theatre on January 18, 2024, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once. You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around,” Donald said of Malia.
Vivienne Jolie Leaves ‘Pitt’ Behind
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, the daughter of former couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has reportedly omitted “Pitt” from her surname. This change was noted in the Playbill for the musical “The Outsiders,” where she assisted her mother, the show’s producer.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt smiles as she attends the opening night of “The Outsiders” on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In the list, Vivienne is noted simply as “Vivienne Jolie.” It is, however, unclear if this change is legal, as representatives for both parents have not commented.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the opening night of “The Outsiders” at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Zahara Proudly Embraces Mom’s Name
Like her sister Vivienne, Zahara Jolie, the eldest of Angelina and Brad’s six children, has also dropped her father’s surname . This name change occurred at Spelman College, where she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attend the gala screening of “The Eternals” at the BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
In a video showing the ceremony, she proudly stated , “My name is Zahara Marley Jolie!” before dancing and shaking her hair, receiving enthusiastic cheers from fellow students.
Suri Embraces Independence, New Stage Name
Suri Cruise, daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, made her grand entrance into adulthood on April 18, her 18th birthday. To mark this milestone, she embraced a fresh identity, now going by Suri Noelle , a nod to her mother’s middle name.
This change was unveiled during her performance in the musical “Head Over Heels” in New York. With her mother and grandparents, Martin and Kathleen, cheering her on, Suri lit up the stage as Philoclea. However, the casting sheet drew attention by showing she had dropped her famous last name.
Reportedly, Suri has had a distant relationship with her father since childhood. Despite Tom’s absence, Katie has raised the 18-year-old alone in the Big Apple, creating a very close mother-daughter bond.
Tom Cruise and his daughter Suri seen on the streets of Manhattan on August 15, 2008, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Seraphina Channels a New Identity
Seraphina Rose Affleck, the second child of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, now goes by the name Fin and uses gender-neutral pronouns. Fin made their official debut under this new identity at a memorial service for Jennifer’s father, William Jack Garner, who passed away at 85.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner carry Seraphina Rose as they walk in Santa Monica on October 26, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
At the service, Fin, dressed in a black pantsuit and sporting a buzz-cut hairstyle, introduced themselves at the church lectern, saying , “Hello my name is Fin Affleck.” They then read a Bible verse to the congregation at Christ Church United Methodist in Charleston, West Virginia.
This public introduction followed a more private moment when Fin was photographed hugging Jennifer goodbye at their school bus stop in Brentwood, Los Angeles. In the photo, “Fin” is embroidered on their backpack.
Fin has had a boyish haircut for years and is often seen in more masculine clothing. When Ben married actress Jennifer Lopez, Fin grew close to her step-sibling Emme Muñiz , who is also known for sporting bold looks in public.
Fin Affleck and Emme Muñiz are seen outside the street on July 25, 2022, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
These six young stars are rewriting the rules. They’re stepping out from their famous parents’ shadows, embracing new names, paths, and identities. Elle, Malia, Vivienne, Zahara, Suri, and Fin, are showing that being true to yourself is the ultimate fame.
