These Celebrities Don't Actually Use Their Real Names

Bruno Mars

Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez, though the "Grenade" singer has been Bruno his entire life. He was given the nickname as a toddler when his parents said he looked like wrestler Bruno Sammartino. However, he also thought his given last name would force him into the niche of Latin music, and that wasn't the angle he wanted to pursue.

Nicki Minaj

Rapper Nicki Minaj didn't even choose her stage name. Born Onika Tanya Maraj, she said "One of the first production deals I signed, the guy wanted my name to be Minaj and I fought him tooth and nail. But he convinced me. I’ve always hated it.”

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The More You Know

  • Before she was a megastar, Madonna worked at Dunkin Donuts. She got fired for squirting jelly on a customer.
  • Jaleel White was the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog in multiple old animated series.
  • Miley Cyrus first tried out for Hannah Montana at the age of 11. She was denied due to her age.
  • One of David Bowie's eyes was permanently dilated.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.