Have you ever wondered about the connection between Hollywood icons Michael Keaton and Diane Keaton? Surprisingly, there is no blood relation between these two renowned actors, despite sharing the same last name. The coincidence of their surname has sparked curiosity among fans, but the story behind their names is truly fascinating.
Michael Keaton: From Michael Douglas to Keaton
Michael Keaton, an accomplished actor with a career spanning several decades, was not always known by that name. In fact, he originally went by Michael Douglas. However, when he moved to Los Angeles, he encountered two other actors with variations of the same name, which led him to reconsider. In an episode of The Late Show, Keaton revealed, "Somebody said, 'Well, you know, you’ve got to change your name.' And I said, 'Well, I don’t really want to change my name.' I’m very proud of my name... I said, 'Why?' 'Because there are two other guys in the union.' So I changed my name."
Michael Keaton
Contrary to popular belief, Michael Keaton did not adopt his surname in homage to Diane Keaton. He simply chose it because it was close to the letter "K" in the alphabet. It was a decision he made on a whim, as he explained to People magazine.
Diane Keaton: A Name Inspired by Family
On the other hand, Diane Keaton's journey to her iconic name has a different origin. Prior to her acting career, she was known as Diane Hall. However, upon entering the Actors’ Equity Association in New York City, she discovered that another actress already had that name. In order to differentiate herself, she decided to adopt the last name "Keaton." Interestingly, she took this name from her mother's maiden name, keeping it within the family. In her autobiography, "Then Again," Keaton reflected, "It dawned on me I could keep it all in the family by using Mom’s maiden name."
Diane Keaton
Both Michael Keaton and Diane Keaton have achieved great success in their respective acting careers, solidifying their places in Hollywood history. From Michael's memorable performances in films like Batman and Birdman to Diane's iconic roles in The Godfather, Annie Hall, and Manhattan, these actors have left an indelible mark on the industry.
It's intriguing to discover the hidden stories behind the names of these Hollywood legends. Despite not being related by blood, Michael Keaton and Diane Keaton have shared a remarkable coincidence with their last name. Their individual journeys to the name "Keaton" add an extra layer of fascination to their already impressive careers.
Michael Keaton in Birdman Movie
Diane Keaton in Annie Hall
