Joseph Isangura
In a thoughtful and symbolic move, Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, has chosen to drop her last name from her creative projects, opting instead to be credited simply as Malia Ann.
Her mother revealed the decision during a recent appearance on the popular “Sibling Revelry” podcast, hosted by Kate and Oliver Hudson. Speaking about her daughter’s career in film and television, Michelle shared:
“Her first short film, she took off her last name. She just wanted to do it herself.”
Malia’s rebranding marks a significant moment in her journey from the White House to Hollywood. She recently debuted her directorial short film, titled The Heart, at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where she was credited under her middle name, Ann — a tribute to her late grandmother, Ann Dunham, Barack Obama’s mother.
The 18-minute film starred Tunde Adebimpe and LaTonya Borsay and explores the quiet struggles of loss, connection, and vulnerability. Critics noted the film’s emotional depth and visual confidence — qualities rarely seen in a debut work.
This isn’t Malia’s first foray into entertainment. She’s worked behind the scenes on HBO’s Emmy-winning show Girls and was part of the writing staff for Donald Glover’s Prime Video series Swarm. Glover — also known by his music persona Childish Gambino — praised Malia in interviews, calling her a “focused and committed” writer.
Also Read; Duterte Faces ICC Arrest Warrant Threat
Earlier this year, Malia also directed a poetic commercial for Nike, featuring two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson, further showcasing her growing talents in cinematic storytelling.
The decision to drop a last name is becoming increasingly common among children of high-profile figures who are navigating careers on their own merit. Suri Cruise, daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, now goes by Suri Noelle, a reference to her mother’s middle name. Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, the daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, reportedly filed legal documents to remove “Pitt” from her last name upon turning 18.
As Michelle Obama reflected on her daughter’s desire for independence, she noted the generational shift among young adults raised in the public eye:
“They want to carve their own paths. They don’t want to be defined by their last names — especially in entertainment.”
Malia Ann is proving just that. She’s writing, directing, and producing on her own terms, embracing a future in storytelling that speaks not of legacy, but of talent, vision, and individuality.
