WASHINGTON — Former First Lady Michelle Obama opened up on a podcast this week about her daughter Malia’s decision to drop her famous last name while pursuing a career in film. 

Malia Obama, the 26-year-old daughter of Michelle and former President Barack Obama, premiered her short film, “The Heart,” at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. But watchers who didn’t know the young writer and director wouldn’t have immediately known she at one point lived in the White House. The film was credited to Malia Ann, her first and middle name. 

During an appearance on the podcast “Sibling Revelry,” hosted by siblings Kate and Oliver Hudson, Michelle Obama said she understood the appeal of ditching the Obama name. 

“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.”