15. Portia De Rossi – Amanda Lee Rogers
If one is a fan of Arrested Development or Ally McBeal, one knows of Portia De Rossi. Perhaps the global love and affection for Ellen is so strong, it permeates to her wife. Most probably think the Australian actress’ background is Italian, but that is an incorrect assumption.
Portia, who has publicly discussed her anorexia when she was a teenager and young adult, was born Amanda Lee Rogers, a departure from the sophisticated stage name. When she was fifteen, she legally changed her name, taking inspiration from The Merchant of Venice, the Shakespearean play, and the Italian surname because it would make her appear exotic. She cites her fears of being outed as a lesbian being the main struggle with her identity.
14. Woody Allen – Allan Stewart Konigsberg
The Bronx native and controversial filmmaker is known for his cinematic achievements, which includeAnnie Hall, Manhattan, Match Point and Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
It may also be the case that he is recognized for his relationships with Diane Keaton, Mia Farrowand his current wife Soon-Yi Previn, the latter creating a whirlwind of controversy due to Soon-Yi being Mia Farrow’s adoptive daughter when Farrow was dating Allen.
Yet the man behind the large glasses was born Allan Stewart Konigsberg. At seventeen, the joke writer changed his name to Heywood Allen, eventually becoming Woody.
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