Michael Keaton, the star of Beetlejuice, has disclosed his real name and the reason behind adopting a stage name.
When the name Michael Keaton is mentioned, one typically thinks of the iconic actor in films such as the 1989 Batman, 1992’s Batman Returns, or the 1988 hit Beetlejuice, whose sequel is set to be released tomorrow.
However, the 73-year-old actor has shared that Michael Keaton is not his true name.
Keaton embarked on his career in the film and television industry during the 1970s. He soon realized, however, that he couldn’t use his birth name.
The reason for this is that the Screen Actor’s Guild has rules against members using the same name.
According to the SAG-AFTRA rules: “It is SAG-AFTRA’s objective that no member uses a professional name which is the same as, or resembles so closely as to tend to be confused with, the name of any other member. SAG-AFTRA urges all applicants and members to minimize any personal or individual risk of liability by avoiding a name that may cause confusion.
“SAG-AFTRA shall not be responsible or legally liable in the event an applicant or member uses a professional name that may cause any confusion.”
Unfortunately, another actor had already registered under his real name.
Keaton’s actual name is Michael Douglas. This name had already been claimed by the 79-year-old actor and producer Michael Douglas, known for films like 1987’s Fatal Attraction and 1992’s Basic Instinct.
Additionally, the name Mike was unavailable due to the singer and talk show host Mike Douglas claiming it first.
Regarding how he decided on the surname Keaton, the actor revealed to PEOPLE: “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.'”
Recently, Keaton has expressed a desire to revert to using his full real name, at least partially.
He explained he intended to have his credit listed as ‘Michael Keaton Douglas’ for the 2023 film Knox Goes Away, in which he starred and directed. However, he ‘forgot to give them enough time to put it in and create that’ and ‘it totally got away from’ him.
Despite this, Keaton is determined. He mentioned that being credited as ‘Michael Keaton Douglas’ instead of just ‘Michael Keaton’ “will happen” for future projects.