The Emotional Reason Sterling K. Brown Changed His Name!

K. Brown is widely recognized for his role as Randall Pearson on This Is Us, but the actor has a fascinating backstory regarding his name. In a recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Sterling shared why he went by his middle name, Kelby, until he was 16—and the heartfelt reason he chose to return to Sterling as a teenager.

The Decision to Go by Kelby

Sterling’s full name is Sterling Kelby Brown, but for much of his childhood, he preferred to go by his middle name, Kelby. This decision was rooted in his desire for individuality. In the interview, he explained, “My dad’s name is Sterling Brown Jr., my grandfather is Sterling Brown Sr.,” adding that he didn’t want to share the same name as his father and grandfather. “I wanted my own name and it felt like Sterling was an old man’s name.”

For a young boy, the weight of carrying on the family name didn’t sit well. he wanted to establish his own identity, so Kelby became the name he went by until his teenage years.

A Heartfelt Decision to Reclaim Sterling

However, everything changed when Sterling was 16. The actor revealed that his father had passed away from a heart attack when he was just 10 years old. As a teenager, Sterling felt a deep longing to reconnect with his late father, and the way to do that was to reclaim his first name.

By the time he turned 16, Sterling realized it had been several years since he had heard his father’s name. “I hadn’t heard his name for five, five-and-a-half years,” he said. “I was like, ‘I kinda just want to hear that name again.’” So, he made the decision to start asking people to call him Sterling.

This poignant moment marked the beginning of Sterling embracing his full name and honoring his father’s memory. It was more than just a name change—it was a way to keep his father’s spirit alive in his own life.

Memories of His Father

Sterling has often spoken about how much his father meant to him, and he has vivid memories of the day he passed away. He shared some difficult yet heartfelt recollections during an interview on Sunday Today in 2019. He recalled waking up that morning to find his mother on the phone, calling paramedics. he was asked to help dress his father, whose body had become stiff.

The memory of seeing his father being carried away by paramedics is one that stayed with him. “He looks at me over the railing and he winks, just winks. They carry him out the door, last time I saw him,” Sterling shared.

Despite the short time he had with his father, he is filled with love and appreciation for the memories they shared. “He filled me up with so much love,” he said. “It was everything that I could’ve hoped for for 10 years.”

The Impact of His Father’s Legacy

his’s story of reclaiming his first name highlights the deep bond he shared with his father and the lasting impact that bond has had on his life. Even though his time with his father was brief, the love and lessons he learned from him continue to shape who he is today. Changing his name back to Sterling was a way for Sterling to honor that legacy and ensure his father’s memory would always be a part of him.

More Stars Who’ve Opened Up About Their Real Names

he story isn’t the only one of a star choosing or changing their name for personal reasons. Many other celebrities have taken on new names for various reasons, often to honor family members, distance themselves from their past, or simply create a new identity.

For example, the Lawrence brothers—Andrew, Matthew, and Joey—all changed their last name to Lawrence after their agent suggested they use Joey’s middle name for their careers. Similarly, 2 Broke Girls star Kat Dennings adopted her stage name at a young age, inspired by the character “Kat” from Casper and a family friend’s surname.

Other famous stars who have altered their names include Cher, who learned her real first name was Cheryl, and Shania Twain, who switched her name after adopting a new identity as a professional singer. Even Cardi B and Gigi Hadid have unique backstories behind their stage names, showcasing how personal connections and experiences often play a role in choosing the name we’re known by.

Conclusion

K. Brown’s decision to switch back to his first name, Sterling, is a powerful reminder of how names are deeply tied to identity, family, and memories. For Sterling, returning to his father’s name was a way to honor the man who shaped his life, even though he passed away too soon. It’s a touching moment that reminds us how names carry meaning far beyond their letters and sounds—they can carry the essence of who we are and who we love.