Since comedy begam, comedians have hemmed and hawed over the perfect stage name, shortening, lengthening or straight up making up new names for the stage. Some of them we know to this day, perhaps because they did what they did to their biological names. Some of them we never heard of—who’s to say if a name change is why. Say what you will about them—they all know the secret behind what this post is about, and that is that your name matters.
Another aspect of this is—I go by the name Jessica Delfino, which is my birth name. Years ago, someone suggested I use a stage name, but I thought the idea was corny, and I decided to use my real name. I understand now why so many on social media use fake names, or handles—it’s because anonymity is truly beautiful.
Jacob Cohen was much less memorable than Rodney Dangerfield. Leslie Townes Hope might not have been as successful as Bob Hope was. Timothy Dick might have caused some to wonder if he performed blue, but Tim Allen has done just fine for himself. Mary Jean Tomlin isn’t in my list of top female comedians, but Lily Tomlin owns my heart and soul.
So, wherever you plan to let the world of comedy take you, think carefully about who “you” hope to be known as once you get there.
Today’s comedy inspo:
More comedians who changed their names en route to fame
Comedy with a schmear
2024: A good year for comedy?