Top 30 Unknown and Fascinating Facts about Emma Stone
American actress and producer Emma Jean “Emma” Stone is well-known throughout the world for her outstanding roles and impact in the entertainment sector. Stone has won two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and two British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), making her one of Hollywood’s most illustrious talents. She was the highest-paid actress in the world in 2017 and was listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
Her breakthrough in teen comedies such as Superbad (2007), Zombieland (2009), and Easy A (2010)—her first leading role—came after she achieved notice in minor television parts. Her reputation as a top actress in Hollywood was cemented by her exceptional performances in these movies.
Emma Stone’s career took off after landing big-budget roles in movies. Her flexibility was demonstrated by her roles in the historical drama The Help (2011) and the romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011). Stone’s role as Gwen Stacy in the superhero movies The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and its follow-up in 2014 garnered her a lot of attention and cemented her place as an A-list actress.
Let’s dive into some of the most interesting and fascinating facts about Emma Stone, covering her personal life, career, and unique attributes.
1. Her Real Name is Not Emma Stone
- Many fans are surprised to learn that Emma Stone’s real name is Emily Jean Stone. When she began her acting career, the Screen Actors Guild already had a registered actress with the same name, so she adopted “Emma” as her stage name, inspired by her favorite “Spice Girl” Emma Bunton, a.k.a. Baby Spice.
2. She Made Her Acting Debut at 11
- Emma’s passion for acting blossomed early. At just 11 years old, she starred in a stage production of “The Wind in the Willows” at the Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. This experience cemented her love for the art, and she pursued acting with relentless determination.
3. Emma Stone Was a Natural Blonde
- Although Emma Stone is famous for her red hair, she is naturally blonde. She first dyed her hair red for her role in “Superbad”, and the look stuck because she received numerous compliments. However, she occasionally returns to blonde for certain roles, such as “The Amazing Spider-Man” where she portrayed Gwen Stacy.
4. She Dropped Out of High School to Pursue Acting
- Emma made a bold move to follow her dreams. She dropped out of high school at the age of 15 to pursue an acting career in Los Angeles. She completed her education through homeschooling while attending auditions and building her acting résumé.
5. She Auditioned for Heroes
- Before landing big-screen roles, Emma auditioned for TV roles, one of which was the popular superhero series “Heroes”. She was devastated when she didn’t get the part, as the role went to Hayden Panettiere. However, this rejection led to other opportunities that eventually launched her career.
6. Her Big Break Came with “Superbad”
- While Emma Stone appeared in TV shows like “Malcolm in the Middle” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”, her first big break came in 2007 with the movie “Superbad”. Her role as Jules, opposite Jonah Hill, made her a household name and showcased her comedic timing and charm.
7. She Won an Academy Award for “La La Land”
- In 2016, Emma Stone reached the pinnacle of her acting career by winning the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in “La La Land”. Her portrayal of an aspiring actress, Mia, captivated both audiences and critics, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s top actresses.
8. Emma Stone Suffers from Anxiety
- Emma has been open about her struggles with anxiety since childhood. She began therapy at a young age to manage her panic attacks. Acting became a therapeutic outlet for her, helping her channel her emotions and find balance in her personal life.
9. She Worked with Ryan Gosling Multiple Times
- Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have shared the screen in several successful films, including “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011), “Gangster Squad” (2013), and the critically acclaimed “La La Land” (2016). Their undeniable chemistry has made them one of Hollywood’s most beloved on-screen duos.
10. She is a Huge Fan of The Beatles
- Emma Stone is an ardent fan of The Beatles. In fact, her parents even gave her a framed piece of the stage from The Beatles’ 1965 Shea Stadium concert for her 16th birthday. Her admiration for the band has remained steadfast throughout her life.
11. Her Mother is a Breast Cancer Survivor
- In 2008, Emma Stone’s mother, Krista, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she beat the disease, and Emma remains close to her mother. In 2010, Emma and her mom got matching tattoos of bird feet to symbolize their shared love for The Beatles’ song, “Blackbird.”
12. She Turned Down a Role in “Ghostbusters”
- Emma was offered a role in the 2016 “Ghostbusters” reboot but turned it down. Although she admired the project and thought it was a great opportunity, she felt she wasn’t ready to commit to another big franchise at the time.
13. She Starred in Broadway’s “Cabaret”
- Emma made her Broadway debut in 2014, starring as Sally Bowles in the revival of “Cabaret.” Her performance earned critical praise, showcasing her versatility as an actress beyond film.
14. She Voiced a Character in “The Croods”
- Emma Stone lent her voice to the animated character Eep in DreamWorks’ “The Croods” (2013) and its sequel, “The Croods: A New Age” (2020). The films were box-office hits, and Emma’s energetic voice performance brought the character to life.
15. She Has a Unique Voice Due to Vocal Cord Issues
- Emma’s distinctive, husky voice is a result of vocal cord nodules, a condition she developed as a child. While this has given her a recognizable tone, she has never let it interfere with her acting career, instead using it to her advantage.
16. Emma Was a Guest on “Saturday Night Live”
- Emma Stone has hosted Saturday Night Live four times, each time earning rave reviews for her comedic talents. She is a natural fit for the variety show, which allows her to showcase her humorous side in various sketches.
17. She Was the Highest-Paid Actress in 2017
- In 2017, Emma Stone became the world’s highest-paid actress, earning $26 million that year, largely thanks to her work in “La La Land.” Her ability to choose diverse and lucrative roles has contributed to her financial success.
18. She Turned Down the Role of Meg in “Little Women”
- Emma was originally cast as Meg March in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of “Little Women,” but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with the press tour for “The Favourite.” The role ultimately went to Emma Watson.
19. She Battled Dyslexia as a Child
- Emma Stone has spoken about her struggles with dyslexia during her school years. Reading was particularly challenging for her, but she has since overcome many of these difficulties, crediting her parents for their unwavering support.
20. She Has Swedish Ancestry
- Emma Stone has a diverse heritage, with Swedish roots on her paternal side. In fact, her family’s original surname was “Sten”, which means “stone” in Swedish, before it was anglicized to Stone.
21. She Was Almost Cast in “21 Jump Street”
- Emma Stone was nearly cast in “21 Jump Street” (2012) as Jonah Hill’s love interest, a role that ultimately went to Brie Larson. However, Emma’s friendship with Hill remained strong, and they would later reunite in other projects.
22. She Once Dreamed of Becoming a Journalist
- Before pursuing acting full-time, Emma considered a career in journalism. Her love for writing and storytelling almost led her down that path, but her passion for performing won out in the end.
23. She Starred in the Dark Comedy “The Favourite”
- In 2018, Emma Stone starred in “The Favourite,” a dark comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Her portrayal of Abigail Masham, a servant who rises to power in Queen Anne’s court, earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
24. She is an Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
- Given her own experiences with anxiety, Emma Stone is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She has partnered with various organizations, including the Child Mind Institute, to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help when struggling with mental health issues.
25. She Took Inspiration from Bette Davis
- Emma Stone is deeply inspired by classic Hollywood actresses like Bette Davis. She has credited Davis’ powerful performances as a major influence on her acting style, particularly when tackling emotionally complex roles.
26. She Loves Dogs
- Emma Stone is an avid dog lover. She often posts pictures with her dogs on social media and has been seen supporting various animal rescue organizations. She adopted a dog named Ren with her fiancé, Dave McCary, in 2020.
27. She Played Cruella de Vil in Disney’s “Cruella”
- In 2021, Emma Stone took on the iconic role of Cruella de Vil in the Disney film “Cruella.” The film was a prequel exploring the villain’s origins, and Emma’s performance was praised for bringing depth and charm to the infamous character.
28. Emma is a Skilled Singer
- While Emma Stone is known for her acting, she is also a talented singer. Her musical abilities were showcased in “La La Land,” where she performed songs like “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” live on set, further impressing critics and audiences.
29. She Prefers to Keep Her Private Life Low-Key
- Despite her fame, Emma Stone is known for keeping her personal life out of the public eye. She rarely discusses her relationships in interviews and stays off social media, choosing to focus on her work rather than her private life.
30. She Married Filmmaker Dave McCary
- Emma Stone married Dave McCary, a filmmaker and former “Saturday Night Live” writer, in 2020. The two had a low-key wedding and welcomed their first child in March 2021, further reinforcing Emma’s preference for privacy when it comes to her family life.