Actor Nicolas Cage legally changes name to Nick Cage

Actor Nicolas Cage has legally changed his name to Nick Cage, a decision he says formalizes his identity both personally and professionally. The 62-year-old Oscar winner made the change last year, a move he discussed in a recent interview.

Cage, who was born Nicolas Kim Coppola, is part of the prominent Coppola filmmaking family. He explained his decision stems from a desire to be recognized as the head of his own family rather than as a peripheral figure in a famous clan. He said it is better to be the patriarch of his own little family than the clown cousin on the margins of someone else's.

The actor originally adopted the stage name Cage early in his career. He has stated the name was inspired by the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage and the avant-garde composer John Cage, an artist his family admired. He also wanted a short and memorable name, similar to James Dean. He has kept the first name Nicolas, which was given to him by his father with French spelling, though he accepts being called either Nick or Nicolas.

Cage is the son of the late academic August Coppola, the older brother of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and actress Talia Shire. This makes him a cousin to director...