In a poignant revelation, Academy Award-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has shed light on the profound decision to alter her professional name, adding the hyphenate “Taylor” to her familiar appellation. Renowned for her stellar performance in Ava DuVernay’s latest cinematic masterpiece, “Origin,” Ellis-Taylor recently disclosed the deeply personal reasons behind this significant change.
Formerly identified as Aunjanue Ellis, the actress chose to embrace the additional surname “Taylor” as a touching tribute to her late mother. In a heartfelt expression of love and remembrance, she unveiled the sentimental connection between her mother’s legacy and the decision to carry it forward in her professional journey.
“The love of my life, my mother, gave me my Daddy’s name,” she shared in a candid conversation on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. “I was like, wait a minute, lady, I want your name. This past birthday, I said, ‘What am I doing? I want to carry her with me every day.’ So, how do I do that and not have to do that on a conscious level? It’s my name.”
This revelation adds a deeply personal layer to Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s identity, intertwining her professional moniker with cherished familial ties and an enduring tribute to the woman who holds a special place in her heart.
Ellis-Taylor’s latest endeavor, the film “Origin,” where she steps into the shoes of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson, has earned her widespread acclaim. Based on Wilkerson’s bestselling book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” the movie marks a significant milestone for Ellis-Taylor as it positions her in the lead role of a major motion picture for the first time.
During the podcast conversation, Ellis-Taylor also delved into the challenges encountered in bringing “Origin” to fruition. Reflecting on the disparities faced by creators of color, she shared her perspective on the expectations placed upon them in the industry.
“When a lovely white man wants to tell a story about someone, all they need to offer is their filmmaking abilities,” she expressed. “When a writer-director like Ava, or an actor like me [wants to do it], there’s an expectation of us that we have to make it relatable and universal. We have to offer hope. And that demand is not made of our contemporaries and our peers.”
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s journey, marked by a thoughtful name change and a commitment to authentic storytelling, serves as a testament to the complex dynamics within the entertainment industry. As she continues to shine onscreen, her narrative becomes not only a reflection of her artistic prowess but also a celebration of personal heritage and a dedication to breaking barriers in the world of cinema.