12 Actors Who Ditched Their Real Names

10) Natalie Portman / Natalie Hershlag

What’s interesting about Portman’s pseudonym is that it was introduced to protect her from a young age against unwanted attention from the media and/or every character portrayed by Dylan Baker. She took on her role in Leon at the tender age of 12, so her parents decided it best for her to adopt her Grandmother’s maiden name instead. Surely the fact that her real surname resembles two words of endless enjoyment for Brits; shag and slag would have weighted the decision? No, probably not.

9) Meg Ryan / Margaret Hyra

It would be apt at this point to make a crack about Ryan’s real name sounding more like something fit for a librarian. Seeing as this writer IS a librarian that won’t be happening. There are plenty of other stereotypically dowdy professions that Ryan’s born name would suit. A rather unattractive butcher in a small Northern town, perhaps. Or a virginal taxidermist. Either way, nice work Ryan, I couldn’t imagine Margaret Hyra getting her bristols out for In The Cut.