Helen Mirren
The British actress was born with the name Ilyena Lydia Mironoff, but her father changed their surname to Mirren in the 1950s. She then simplified her first name when she took up acting. Thankfully, her career was such a knockout success, regardless of what her name was.
Jamie Foxx
The "Ray" actor needed a name that would make him stand out. Born Eric Marlon Bishop, he said he changed his name when he first started doing standup comedy. He was hoping a more unisex stage name would guarantee him a time slot on stage. "I noticed that like 1,000 guys showed up and only three girls, but the three girls would always get a spot," Foxx explained.