Dana Elaine Owens, better known by the stage name Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, actress and singer. She has received various accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards, in addition to a nomination for an Academy Award. In 2006, she became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Latifah in 2018
Queen Latifah hosts LEAGUE National Awards and Recognition Luncheon 2008
Queen Latifah performing at the "Kids Inaugural: We Are the Future" concert in 2009
Latifah performing God Bless America at Super Bowl XLIV in 2010
A stage name or professional name is a pseudonym used by performers, authors, and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. Such professional aliases are adopted for a wide variety of reasons and they may be similar, or nearly identical, to an individual's birth name. Though uncommon, some performers choose to adopt their stage name as a legal name.
Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson) created her stage name by combining her mother's maiden name with the first name of Broadway star Marilyn Miller. It became her legal name in 1956.
Madhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi) was suggested for her stage name by Indian director Mohan Sinha, who launched her as a full-fledged leading star after a series of bit roles.
Singer Freddie Mercury legally changed his name from Farrokh Bulsara.