Maddox Jolie Officially Drops Pitt Surname in Film Credits
In a significant personal decision, Maddox Jolie, the 24-year-old son of Hollywood superstars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has formally removed 'Pitt' from his surname. The change became publicly visible when he was credited as Maddox Jolie in the end credits of the film 'Couture', where he served as assistant director alongside his mother, Angelina Jolie, 50.
Family Pattern Emerges Eight Months After Sister's Decision
This development follows a similar move by his younger sister, Shiloh, who legally changed her name from Shiloh Jolie-Pitt to Shiloh Jolie upon turning 18 last year. The timing of both changes coincides with the ongoing divorce proceedings between their parents, who separated as one of Hollywood's most prominent power couples.
The film 'Couture', which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, received its French theatrical release on February 18, making Maddox's credited name change officially documented in cinematic records.
Hollywood's History of Celebrity Children Shedding Famous Surnames
While the Jolie-Pitt children's decisions have captured public attention, they join a growing list of celebrity offspring who have chosen to distance themselves from their famous parents' last names.
Tom Cruise's Daughter: Suri Cruise, daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, changed her name to Suri Noelle (using her mother's middle name) when she entered college. Reports suggest she maintains a strained relationship with her father, despite his financial support through divorce agreements and college expenses.
Barack Obama's Daughter: Malia Obama, daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, opted to use her first and middle name, Malia Ann, in the credits of her 2023 film project 'The Heart'. Michelle Obama explained that her children want to establish their own identities and avoid assumptions about unearned privilege.
Will Smith's Children: Both Willow and Jaden Smith chose not to use the 'Smith' surname as they pursued their artistic careers, despite their undeniable resemblance to their famous parents.
Angelina Jolie Herself: The pattern extends to the current generation's parents. Angelina Jolie legally dropped her father Jon Voight's surname in 2002 due to their strained and estranged relationship.
Rob Schneider's Daughter: Born Tanner Elle Schneider, she reinvented herself as singer Elle King by combining her middle name with her mother's surname, London King, to avoid the 'nepotism' label often associated with famous last names.
The Significance of Surname Changes in Celebrity Culture
These decisions highlight the complex dynamics of growing up in the spotlight, where a famous surname can represent both privilege and burden. As Michelle Obama articulated, many celebrity children feel compelled to prove they've earned their success independently, rather than riding on parental coattails.
The trend underscores how names embody personal identity, career aspirations, and family relationships—particularly in high-profile families where every choice becomes public discourse. What might seem like a simple name change often represents deeper personal journeys toward self-definition and professional authenticity.
