Michael Keaton Wants to Change His Professional Acting Name: It’s Almost the Same as Another Well-Known Marvel Actor
- Batman actor Michael Keaton recently revealed that his true name is actually something different and he wished he could go back to that name in his professional career as well.
- One would think Keaton is his middle name or some moniker related to his life, but no.
- His stint as Batman is fondly remembered along with his other, more diverse roles.
With Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hitting theatres very soon, Michael Keaton is excited to see how the audience will react to his ghostly avatar. Almost three decades after the first Beetlejuice movie premiered, the characters of the Deetz family and their friendly ghost are returning to enchant the audience once again.
Moreover, director Tim Burton recently stated how he didn’t even watch the first movie again to prepare for the sequel. He trusted his gut and went ahead with it anyway, consolidating his faith in the new story that ushers Beetlejuice into the modern context. This may have made many people recognize Keaton as Beetlejuice or as Batman in some cases, but he recently revealed that his real name is something else entirely.
Michael Keaton reveals his desire to change his name
There is no dearth of popular Michaels in this world. Jackson, Keaton, Douglas, Sheen, and many countless more. Batman actor Michael Keaton recently revealed that his true name is actually something different and he wished he could go back to that name in his professional career as well.
Due to the regulations of the Screen Actors Guild, Keaton was unable to use his real name which is Michael Douglas. Another actor by the same name was already registered, so the Beetlejuice actor had to go with Michael Keaton. Michael Douglas, known for movies like Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct was already making a name for himself.
One would think Keaton is his middle name or some moniker related to his life, but no. The actor shared how he landed on that name with 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.’
The 72-year-old actor wishes to use his real name in movies now despite garnering worldwide fame as Michael Keaton. He couldn’t even go for Mike Douglas back then since there was already a talk show host by the same name. Moving forward, he wishes to go by the name Michael Keaton Douglas to honor the name he was given at birth.
Michael Keaton worked at PBS for $2 an hour
Before landing his big break as an actor, Keaton used to take up many odd jobs that sustained him on a regular basis. He even worked at the PBS station to break down sets and lighting structures. Despite going on for only one season, the 1979 sitcom Working Stiffs opposite Jim Belushi kickstarted Keaton’s career.
Now, the actor has won numerous awards and starred in countless films to become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. His stint as Batman is fondly remembered along with his other, more diverse roles. Keaton remained optimistic through it all and strived to keep his cool.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice releases on September 6, 2024.
