Emma Stone, currently preparing for the release of Yorgos Lanthimos’ film Bugonia, revealed that early in her career she adopted a different stage name for about six months. This change stemmed from the fact that she could not use her birth name, Emily Stone, professionally because it was already taken in the industry.
During an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Stone explained the reason behind the switch. The Screen Actors Guild, which governs the use of professional names, allows only one person to register a unique name.
The Choice of the Stage Name “Riley” and Its Challenges
At 16 years old, Stone selected the stage name “Riley.” She shared her initial excitement about the name, calling it “beautiful” and introducing herself as Riley Stone. However, she soon found it difficult to respond to the new name on set and during auditions.
The confusion peaked when she had a guest role on Malcolm in the Middle. She recounted the experience:
“I did an episode, like a guest part, on Malcolm in the Middle, and they kept going like: ‘Riley! Riley!’ And I had no idea who they were talking to. Truly. And I was like: ‘I cannot be Riley.’ Like, it’s such a… It came out of nowhere,”
Emma Stone revealed.
Transitioning from Riley to Emma
Following those struggles, Stone decided to adopt “Emma” as her stage first name since it closely resembled her real name, Emily. Despite the change, she occasionally wished she could revert to her birth name.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Stone expressed her mixed feelings about the name change:
“When I get to know them, people that I work with do (call me Emily). It’s just because my name was taken (by another actress). Then I freaked out a couple of years ago. For some reason, I was like: ‘I can’t do it anymore. Just call me Emily’,”
she admitted, adding that she enjoys being called by her given name.
Emma Stone’s Role and Upcoming Film Release
In Bugonia, Stone portrays Michelle Fuller, a powerful CEO in the pharmaceutical world who becomes the target of two conspiracy theorists played by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis. They believe her to be an alien, triggering a police investigation and a tense situation where her character struggles to prove her true identity.
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia’s screenplay is written by Will Tracy, known for his work on Succession and The Menu. The story is adapted from the 2003 South Korean dark comedy Save the Green Planet!, created by Jang Joon-Hwan.
Focus Features will distribute Bugonia in theaters starting October 24 in the United States, while Universal Pictures manages the international release on October 31.
Why Emma Stone’s Stage Name Story Matters
Emma Stone’s brief use of the stage name “Riley” highlights the unique challenges performers face when navigating Hollywood’s naming rules. This anecdote offers insight into the early difficulties of building a career in a competitive environment governed by industry standards. Additionally, the upcoming release of Bugonia marks another significant chapter for Stone, showcasing her range as an actress in complex roles. Fans and industry watchers alike anticipate the film’s impact when it opens later this year.
