After a career that has spanned more than 30 years — and includes hits like Legally Blonde and, more recently, The Morning Show — it’s safe to say that Reese Witherspoon is a household name. There’s just one problem: That’s not actually her real name. During a new interview with one of her costars, Reese shared her real name , and many fans are finding this out for the very first time. This news is throwing so many people for a major loop!
Reese appeared in a new interview for Vanity Fair.
In the 13-minute video, Reese is chatting with her Big Little Lies costar, Nicole Kidman, when the subject of their other costar, Laura Dern, comes up in conversation.
Apparently, Reese calls Laura by her last name, which Nicole said “sounds weird.” But there’s a reason for that.
Reese and Laura have the same name.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon)
And no, that’s not a joke — it’s the truth!
“I’m gonna tell you why. Because my name is Laura, and her name is Laura and it’s confusing to me. My real name is Laura Jeanne,” Reese explained to Nicole.
The name ‘Reese’ didn’t come out of nowhere.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon)
Her mother’s maiden name is Mary Elizabeth Reese (though she goes by Betty, as you’ll see her called if you follow Reese on Instagram), so the actress simply adopted a family name to use instead.
No word on why she opted against going by Laura to begin with, though some websites claim that it may have been so she could sound more “Hollywood.”
Fans were taken aback by the revelation.
“I was today years old when I found out Reese’s real name is Laura lmao,” one person wrote.
Another commenter added, “Reese is LAURA???!!!! I never knew!”
We’ll see Reese, Laura, and Nicole together again soon.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon)
During the same interview, Nicole confirmed that a third season of Big Little Lies is coming .
“We’re moving fast and furious, and Liane [Moriarty] is delivering the book. Yeah, and we’re in good shape,” she said.
