During a recent sit-down conversation with Vanity Fair, Reese Witherspoon revealed the name everyone has been calling her for the past few decades has actually been a stage name.
The topic came up while Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman discussed their Big Little Lies co-star Laura Dern.
“I hate it when you call her ‘Dern,’ though!” Kidman tells Witherspoon as the actress begins to talk about the Oscar winner. “Because, it sounds weird! I’m always like, ‘Laura,’ and you’re like, ‘No, Dern!’”
The Legally Blonde actress then explains why she calls Laura Dern by her last name.
“I’m gonna tell you why,” she said. “Because my name is Laura, and her name is Laura and it’s confusing to me. My real name is Laura Jeanne.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Kidman finally realizes before adding, “She doesn’t call you Laura, though.”
The actress and producer’s real name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon. The name Reese is her mother’s maiden name.
Many fans were shocked to learn Witherspoon’s name was not actually Reese, but instead Laura Jeanne.
“I was today years old when I found out Reese’s real name is Laura lmao”
“Whaaaaat I was over 40 years old before I found this out?!”
“I’m sorry, her name is WHAT!?!?”
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