WASHINGTON — This week, on a podcast, Former First Lady Michelle Obama discussed her daughter Malia’s choice to use a name different from her well-known family name while entering the film industry.

Malia Obama, aged 26, child of Michelle and former President Barack Obama, showcased her short film, “The Heart,” at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. However, those unaware of her background wouldn’t recognize her as someone who once resided in the White House. The film was credited to Malia Ann, using her first and middle names.

While speaking on the podcast “Sibling Revelry,” hosted by siblings Kate and Oliver Hudson, Michelle Obama expressed her understanding of why Malia decided to forsake the Obama surname.

“They are young adult women, but they definitely went through a period in their teen years where it was the push away … they’re still doing that. And you guys know, this is the children of parents who are known. You know, you’re trying to distinguish yourself.” 

Many Hollywood actors and directors have changed their names for various professional and personal reasons. Notable examples include Michael Keaton, Nicolas Cage and Michael Caine. 

The former first lady told the hosts that both Malia and her younger sister, Sasha, were sensitive to the idea that they haven’t had to work for their success because of their parents. 

“It is very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world. And they don’t want people to assume that they don’t work hard, that they’re just naturally just handed things,” Obama said. “They’re very sensitive to that. They want to be their own people.” 

But even with the distance, the former first lady acknowledged that her children wouldn’t be free of the spotlight that comes from being the daughters of the president. 

“Her first project, she took off her last name and we were like, ‘they’re still going to know it’s you, Malia,'” Obama said. “But we respected the fact that she’s trying to make her way.”