Obama's Daughter Drops His Name

Former President Barack Obama recently shared insights into his eldest daughter Malia’s choice to drop her recognizable last name in her professional work. At 26, Malia premiered her short film, The Heart, earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival. Interestingly, she credited herself solely as "Malia Ann" on the project, choosing to exclude her last name.

In a recent interview on The Pivot Podcast, Obama recounted his initial reaction to seeing his daughter’s name in the credits. “She didn’t use Obama,” he noted, adding, “On the credits, it just said Malia Ann. I said, ‘You know people will recognize you regardless, right?’” Malia explained her decision by saying she wanted audiences to experience her film without any preconceptions tied to her family’s legacy.

Introducing The Heart in a Sundance video, Malia described her short film as a “somewhat fable-like story” about a man grieving his mother, who leaves him a unique task in her will. She further explained that the film is “about lost objects and lonely people, forgiveness and regret,” delving into universal themes that transcend individual experiences.

Reflecting on raising children under intense public scrutiny, Obama shared the challenges and efforts he and his wife, Michelle, took to keep their daughters grounded. He credited Michelle’s mother, Marian Robinson, for playing a significant role in their upbringing, which he believes helped them stay down-to-earth and appreciate the value of earning their achievements.

“I can’t praise them enough; they’re incredible,” he said, acknowledging the fine balance between giving his daughters guidance and letting them make their own way. Despite their unique circumstances, Obama expressed pride in Malia’s independence and resilience, noting that both Malia and her sister, Sasha, are strong-willed and committed to carving their own paths.