Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently shared insights into her eldest daughter Malia’s decision to drop the Obama surname from her film credits. This revelation, made during a June 2025 interview on the “Sibling Revelry” podcast, sheds light on the challenges children of prominent political figures face as they strive to carve out independent professional identities separate from their family’s towering legacy.
During her appearance on the “Sibling Revelry” podcast, hosted by Kate and Oliver Hudson, Michelle Obama spoke about Malia’s choice to use “Malia Ann” professionally. The 26-year-old’s decision distances her from the Obama name, which carries immense political and cultural significance. Michelle recounted the family’s reaction with her signature humor:
“We’re like, ‘They’re still gonna know it’s you, sweetie.’ But we get it.”
She explained that Malia—and her younger sister, Sasha, now 23—are part of a natural process where young adults from high-profile families seek to establish their identities. Michelle emphasized their sensitivity to perceptions of unearned privilege, noting,
“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.”
Malia’s decision to forgo the Obama surname became evident with the premiere of her short film The Heart at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024. Credited as “Malia Ann,” she wrote and directed the film, which explores themes of grief and connection through a man’s journey after his mother’s death. The film’s success—nominated for the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and winner of Best Live Action Short at the Chicago International Film Festival in 2023—highlights her talent and suggests her work is gaining recognition on its own merits.
Malia’s career extends beyond The Heart. She has written for Donald Glover’s Amazon Prime series Swarm, interned on HBO’s Girls and at the Weinstein Company, and directed a Nike commercial. A 2021 Harvard graduate, Malia has built a robust foundation in the entertainment industry, blending formal education with practical experience. Yet, her choice to drop the Obama name reflects a deliberate effort to be judged for her work, not her lineage.
Malia’s situation resonates with a broader trend among children of famous parents, a phenomenon Michelle Obama described as common. The challenge is particularly pronounced in the entertainment industry, where nepotism debates rage. Unlike the offspring of Hollywood insiders, Malia’s transition from a political family to a creative field adds a unique layer of complexity. Dropping the Obama name serves both practical and psychological purposes: it encourages audiences and peers to approach her work without bias, while allowing her to build confidence in her abilities independent of her parents’ fame.
The Obama family’s response blends humor with steadfast support. Michelle’s lighthearted acknowledgment that Malia can’t fully escape recognition underscores their understanding of her quest for autonomy. She stressed that both daughters are driven to earn their success, reflecting the family’s core values of hard work and integrity.
“They aspire to be recognized as individuals,”
Michelle said. This approach aligns with the principles Barack and Michelle Obama have long championed, balancing encouragement with respect for their daughters’ independence.
Malia’s decision to use “Malia Ann” and her family’s backing illuminate broader themes of merit, opportunity, and identity. Her early success in film suggests she is forging a path based on talent and effort, not just her last name. As she continues in the entertainment industry, Malia’s journey may inspire others navigating the pressures of a famous lineage.
