In a candid conversation on the “Sibling Revelry” podcast, Michelle Obama addressed her eldest daughter, Malia Obama’s decision to drop the Obama last name while pursuing a career in Hollywood.
Malia, who is focused on her film career, used her middle name, Ann, as her professional moniker in the credits for her short film, “The Heart,” which she wrote and directed. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024.
Malia’s Desire for Independence and Identity
Michelle Obama opened up about how her daughters, Malia (25) and Sasha (23), have navigated their identities in the public eye. Reflecting on their teenage years, Michelle shared how both daughters experienced a phase of pushing away from their public identity as children of President Barack Obama.
She explained, “They’re still doing that,” indicating that Malia’s decision to distance herself from the family name is part of her ongoing effort to carve out her own path.
During the podcast, Michelle noted the sensitivity her daughters feel about people assuming they have been handed opportunities simply because of their last name. “It is very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world,” Michelle said. “They don’t want people to assume that they don’t work hard.”
Respecting Malia’s Choice
Despite the initial surprise of Malia dropping her last name for her first film project, Michelle and Barack Obama supported her decision. “We respected the fact that she’s trying to make her way,” Michelle said.
“On Malia’s first project, she took off her last name, and we were like, they’re still going to know it’s you, Malia.” Michelle admitted that she and Barack were understanding of Malia’s desire for independence and authenticity in her career.
The Obama Daughters’ Desire for Independence
Michelle Obama continued to explain how both Malia and Sasha were determined to not be seen as “little princesses” in the White House. Instead, they were eager to explore the world on their own terms and push the envelope in terms of their career choices and public personas.
Reflecting on her own parenting, Michelle acknowledged that her daughters needed more freedom than she would have given them if she had been raised in a more traditional household.
“They wanted to try some things, they wanted to be out in the world, and I knew that under the circumstances, they needed more rope than I probably would’ve given them if I were my mom,” she shared.