5 European celebrities whose real names you've probably never heard of
Not everyone has a catchy name. That's why many stars, like these five, take on a pseudonym to boost their careers.
Bud Spencer
After a checkered career, the Neapolitan actor Carlo Pedersoli landed in film. But he didn't want to use the name that he was already known for as a swimmer, so he decided to assume a pseudonym: As Bud Spencer, the actor made his career as a punchy heavyweight. Bud Spencer died 27 June 2016, aged 86.
Sophia Loren
She was Italy's number one sex symbol - a seductive diva with a tiny waiste. She came to the film industry through modeling, then under her birth name Sofia Villani Scicolone. At the Miss Rome pageant in 1950, she scored second place and met Italian producer Carlo Ponti. Not only did she marry him, he also gave her a new name, though not his own: Sophia Loren.
Bono
The Irishman was already quite musical during his youth. His school friends give him the nickname "Bono Vox," which was the name of a hearing aid store in downtown Dublin. The term is Latin for "good voice," and he demonstrated his good voice during his career with the legendary rock band U2. Bono's real name is Paul David Hewson.
Sting
It was a yellow-black striped sweater that gave Sting his nickname. The Briton wore it as he jumped from pub to pub in Newcastle in order to advance his career as a jazz musician. He resembled a wasp, according to his former band mates. Legend has it that from that point on he was called Sting. His real name doesn't have quite the same buzz: Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner.
Freddie Mercury
The Queen singer was born in 1946 on the African island of Zanzibar and was given the name Farrokh Bulsara. He was the son of Indian-born Parsis living on the island. His nickname, Freddie, was given to him back in his childhood. His last name, however, is derived from a Queen song from 1970: "Mother Mercury, look what they've done to me" Mercury sings in "My Fairy King."