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Demi Moore’s Name Pronunciation: A Long-Standing Misunderstanding

Demi Moore, a prominent figure in Hollywood, has captivated audiences for decades and recently garnered attention with a Golden Globes win for her portrayal of Elizabeth Sparkle in the body horror film The Substance. However, amidst this resurgence in her career, a past interview resurfaced, revealing an interesting fact: the common pronunciation of her first name may not be accurate. It seems that many have been saying “Demi” incorrectly all along.

During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Moore explained that she opted to pronounce her name as “Duh-me” instead of “Deh-me.” She noted that this version flows better with her last name, Moore. In the conversation, she mentioned that she had previously discussed this topic with singer Demi Lovato, highlighting their shared name and different pronunciations.

“Demi and I had a wonderful discussion about this because she’s from Texas and I’m from New Mexico, so our backgrounds lead to similar pronunciations,” Moore stated during the interview, which has seen a resurgence in popularity. “Yet, we each have chosen to pronounce it in our own ways, which works harmoniously with our surnames,” she added, recognizing the unique appeal of their respective pronunciations.

Moore further illustrated her point, saying, “For example, ‘Deh-mee Lovato’ has a nice ring to it, whereas ‘Duh-mee’ Moore also sounds appealing,” emphasizing her preference.

Over the years, Moore has reiterated her name’s pronunciation. In a 1988 interview with KCRA’s Harry Martin, she pointed out that people often mispronounced her name. During that conversation, she recounted the origins of her name, noting, “My parents came across it and grew quite fond of it. I believe they saw it in a magazine,” sharing her genuine connection to her name.

According to a 2007 The Guardian interview, her mother drew inspiration from an Italian shampoo brand when selecting the name Demetria Gene Guynes for her daughter. Moore later adopted her last name from her first husband, Freddy Moore, whom she divorced in 1983.

The renewed discussion about her name comes alongside her recent Golden Globes achievement, where the 62-year-old actress reflected on the challenges she faced in her career. She shared that during the peak of her popularity with films like Ghost and Striptease, she was often dismissed as merely a “popcorn actress.” During her acceptance speech for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, she remarked that this award represented her first recognition as an actor in her 45-year career. Moore courageously addressed feelings of inadequacy, stating, “In moments when we doubt our intelligence, beauty, body image, or achievements, I was once told, ‘You may never feel enough, but you can understand your worth if you learn to stop comparing yourself to others.’”

In closing her speech, she remarked, “Today, I commemorate this moment as a symbol of my completeness, guided by love and the privilege of engaging in my passion, while being reminded that I truly belong.”

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