In a notable departure, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s child, 15-year-old Vivienne, has stepped into the spotlight minus her father’s last name. She secured her first Broadway credit during her participation behind the scenes in the new musical The Outsiders, and the playbill’s omission of “Pitt” has raised eyebrows, listing her simply as “Vivienne Jolie.”
According to a report by People, it remains uncertain if Vivienne’s professional billing reflects a formal change of name, or whether it’s a choice for her artistic identity.
People also features Angelina Jolie’s laudatory comments on Vivienne’s creative inclinations, emphasizing her supportive nature and dedication to the creative process.
Vivienne is among the younger set of Jolie-Pitt children, her birth in 2008 shared with twin brother Knox. The family dynamic extends to siblings Maddox, Pax, Zahara, and Shiloh, with current reports suggesting a rift between Pitt and his children.
Notably, Vivienne’s shift away from the Pitt surname isn’t unprecedented within the family. In a recent sorority induction, Zahara identified herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie,” and Shiloh seems to favor similar discretion on social media, hinting at a broader pattern among the siblings.
Another celebrity offspring, Suri Cruise, daughter to Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, mirrored this display of independence in her own theatrical venture, where she was credited as Suri Noelle instead of Suri Cruise.
Related: Angelina Jolie Subtly Showcases New Tattoo With Link to The Outsiders
FAQs About Vivienne’s Name Change
Q: Has Vivienne legally changed her name?
A: The details regarding whether Vivienne has legally changed her name have not been disclosed. The recent credit as “Vivienne Jolie” in the playbill may only pertain to her professional representation.
Q: Are Vivienne’s siblings also dropping the Pitt surname?
A: Yes, Zahara and Shiloh have also been known to use the surname “Jolie” instead of “Jolie-Pitt”. This has been observed in Zahara’s sorority induction and Shiloh’s social media profiles.
Q: Is it common for celebrity children to omit their father’s last name in professional settings?
A: This choice varies. While some celebrity children, such as Suri Cruise, have chosen to use different surnames professionally, others may retain both parental surnames or favor one over the other.
Conclusion
The act of choosing one’s professional name is both a personal and sometimes strategic decision, which can reflect familial dynamics, artistic individuality, or simply personal preference. Whatever the reason behind Vivienne Jolie’s name choice for her Broadway debut, it is a reminder of the complex interplay between public persona and private life, especially within the sphere of celebrity culture. As the children of celebrity parents carve out their own paths, it will be interesting to see how they navigate their identities both on and off the stage.