Nicolas Cage Reveals He Legally Changed His Name Rather Than Be ‘the Clown Cousin’ of Coppola Family

**Nicolas Cage Embraces His New Identity as He Relives His Iconic Roles**

In a recent interview with Variety, actor Nicolas Cage revealed a significant change to his identity, having legally adopted his stage name as his official name. Cage, who was born Nicolas Kim Coppola, made the transformation last year and expressed his desire to step away from the shadows of Hollywood royalty, seeking to define himself on his own terms.

At 62, Cage remarked, “I am Nick Cage. I changed my name legally last year. I’m Nick Cage in life, and I’m Nick Cage on camera.” He explained that taking ownership of his name represents a broader personal philosophy. He emphasised his preference to be the patriarch of his own family rather than the “clown cousin” tied to the illustrious Coppola clan. This decision reflects his intent to carve out an individual legacy distinct from his relatives, including acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola and actresses Talia Shire and Sofia Coppola.

Cage’s choice of surname was inspired by the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage, as well as avant-garde composer John Cage. In his pursuit of a name that resonates, he desired something “short and sweet,” reminiscent of icons like James Dean. “I thought, well, I’ll keep the name ‘Nicolas’ because my father named me Nicolas — with French spelling, which has always frustrated me,” he revealed, partly brushing off the frequent misspelling of his name.

Throughout his extensive career, Cage has typically been credited under his stage name, with exceptions appearing in earlier projects such as the 1981 TV pilot and the 1982 film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” He vividly recalled working on the latter and how the name association with his prestigious family often led to humorous but tedious encounters. “People would walk up to me and say things like ‘I love the smell of Nicolas in the morning,’” referencing a quote from his uncle’s iconic film “Apocalypse Now.” This constant connection to his family name ultimately contributed to his decision to rebrand himself.

While Cage embraces both “Nick” and “Nicolas,” he acknowledges that he is known by both names in public. This duality encapsulates his multifaceted identity as both a summer blockbuster star and an actor committed to artistic deep dives, often appreciating his unconventional roles.

Cage’s latest venture brings him back into the spotlight, with his portrayal of Ben Reilly/The Spider in the new series “Spider-Noir.” The show, inspired by Marvel’s Spider-Man: Noir comics, allows Cage to reprise a character he previously voiced in the animated hit “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” With the entire series now available on MGM+ and Prime Video in both colour and black-and-white, anticipation for his performance is high.

In addition to “Spider-Noir,” fans can look forward to Cage’s portrayal of the legendary NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden in the upcoming film “Madden,” set to hit UK cinemas on 26 November. This role marks yet another chapter in Cage’s diverse career, blending sports with his unique flair for bringing characters to life.

As Cage continues to evolve as both an actor and a person, he demonstrates an unyielding commitment to his craft, while also embracing the significance of self-identity. His decision to adopt his stage name legally serves as a testament to his desire to define his relationship with fame, family, and the roles he chooses to take on going forward.