Malia Obama, daughter of former POTUS and FLOTUS Barack and Michelle Obama, is now a grown woman who is slowly forging a new path for herself – and she’s even decided to change her name.
Interestingly, the film’s credits notably didn’t include her family surname.
Born Malia Ann Obama on July 4, 1998, her middle name pays tribute to her paternal grandmother, who succumbed to ovarian cancer at 52 in 1995. Growing up in the limelight as the President’s daughter and graduating from Harvard, Malia opted to explore a career in screenwriting.
In her latest project, The Heart, where Malia assumes the roles of director and screenwriter, she adopted the pseudonym Malia Ann. Making a striking appearance on the festival’s red carpet earlier this year, Malia enjoyed the premiere of her movie.
Though, this venture into filmmaking isn’t Malia’s inaugural foray into the industry. In 2021, she contributed to the writing team for the series Swarm, which later streamed on Amazon Prime. With notable cast members such as Billie Eilish and Rory Culkin, Swarm marked a promising start to her professional journey.
“Happy birthday to this talented, hilarious, and beautiful young woman,” Barack wrote on Instagram. “Malia, I hope 25 brings you everything you’re looking for and more.”
Michelle echoed her husband’s words, posting: “Happy birthday, Malia! I feel so lucky to be your mom and to be able to watch you become the wonderful young woman you are today. Love you so much! 💕”
From Malia Obama to Malia Ann, from the President’s daughter to a budding Hollywood screenwriter and director, it’s clear that there is a bright future ahead!