Emma Stone Reveals She Briefly Used a Different Stage Name Before Finding Fame

Oscar-winner Emma Stone recently shared a surprising chapter from her early career. The actress disclosed she briefly performed under a different stage name. This revelation came during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Emma Stone’s Real Name and Her “Riley Stone” Phase

Emma Stone’s real name is Emily Stone. At age 16, she decided to join the Screen Actors Guild. She discovered another actor already had the name Emily Stone.

She needed a unique moniker for her guild registration. Stone decided on the name “Riley.” She performed as Riley Stone for about six months. Her early credit on the show Medium lists her as Riley Stone.

Why Emma Stone Abandoned Her First Stage Name

The name Riley Stone did not last long. Stone explained the reason during her interview. She booked a guest role on Malcolm in the Middle.

The crew on set repeatedly called her “Riley.” She said she had no idea they were talking to her. The name felt completely foreign and did not stick.

She quickly decided she could not be Riley. She then chose the name “Emma” because it was close to “Emily.” The rest, as they say, is history. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she still has a preference for her birth name, Emily.

The story of Emma Stone’s early name change highlights a common Hollywood rite of passage. Many stars adopt stage names for various reasons, but few have a brief, forgotten identity like Riley Stone.

Info at your fingertips

What is Emma Stone’s real name?

Her legal birth name is Emily Stone. She uses Emma professionally because another actor was already registered with the Screen Actors Guild under Emily Stone.

Why did Emma Stone change her name from Riley?

She could not connect with the name Riley. During a guest role on *Malcolm in the Middle*, she did not respond when crew members called her by that name, so she changed it to Emma.

Where was Emma Stone credited as Riley Stone?

Her guest appearance on an episode of the television series *Medium* credits her as Riley Stone. This is one of her earliest professional roles.

Does Emma Stone prefer Emily?

Yes, she has stated in interviews that she would like to be called Emily. She has said that people can call her whatever they want, but she personally favors her birth name.

Why do actors use stage names?

Actors often adopt stage names if their real name is already taken in the actors’ union, for branding purposes, or to create a distinct public persona separate from their private life.