DiCaprio and Reeves Considered Stage Names Early in Acting Careers
Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Keanu Reeves have both contemplated using stage names early in their acting careers. DiCaprio was briefly known as 'Lenny Williams', while Reeves almost became 'Chuck Spadina'.
DiCaprio, now a four-time Oscar nominee, was once advised his name was 'too ethnic' for the industry. He briefly adopted the name 'Lenny Williams' as a child actor. Meanwhile, Reeves, known for his roles in 'The Matrix' and 'John Wick' series, initially moved to Los Angeles at 20 years old with the stage name 'Chuck Spadina' in mind. His sister suggested the pseudonym, combining his middle name 'Charles' with the street he grew up on, Spadina. Reeves' manager also wanted a name change, seeing it as a 'welcome to Hollywood' moment. However, Reeves ultimately decided against using 'KC Reeves', a name he was briefly associated with, as he didn't respond to it in auditions.
Both DiCaprio and Reeves have since become household names, proving that their original names were more than suitable for stardom. Despite their brief forays into pseudonyms, these actors have left lasting impacts on the film industry with their real names.
