Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas was one of the most iconic actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age and marked his journey to stardom with a significant personal change to his name.

The actor was born Issur Danielovitch in Upstate New York. His parents were poor and illiterate Russian immigrants who adopted the names Harry and Bertha upon their arrival in America.

“I wish I had kept it,” he admitted in a 2015 interview with PEOPLE, reflecting on his decision to change his name. “It’s more interesting to keep your original name. But can you imagine that name on a marquee?” the actor continued.

Faced with the challenges of an unwieldy and distinctly Semitic name, Issur Danielovitch transformed into Kirk Douglas before embarking on his illustrious acting career.