Rebel Wilson Isn’t the Only One in Her Family With a Unique Name
Rebel Wilson is already making 2021 a memorable year. Between her 60-pound weight loss and new reality competition show, Pooch Perfect, the film star is conquering new challenges at every turn. Wilson’s memorable moniker seems to be a family trait, where her siblings also boast some very standout names.
Rebel Wilson went by her middle name in school
Wilson explained why her parents parents chose the unique name when she was born, though she was often referred to by her middle name growing up.
“A girl called Rebel sang at their wedding, and that’s where my name came from,” Wilson said in 2017, according to the Daily Mail. “My three siblings and I all have middle names after English royalty. Mine is Elizabeth, which is what I was known as at school.”
Legally changing her name from Melanie Elizabeth Bownds to Rebel Wilson in 2002, The Hustle star revealed that her parents were more reserved than people assumed.
“People ask if my parents are hippies,” Wilson commented. “They’re actually very conservative.”
RELATED: Rebel Wilson Surprises Her Hairdresser With New Backyard Retreat in Upcoming ‘Celebrity IOU’ Episode
Related post url:
Rebel Wilson’s siblings have uncommon names
The actor’s mother, Sue Bownds, called her daughter Rebel until she was six weeks old. After some pressure from her husband and family to give her a more “suitable” name, her daughter was then referred to as Melanie Elizabeth.
Apparently, Bownds had a thing for unique names. Wilson’s sister, Liberty, is reportedly named after the British department store, Liberty London. The Pitch Perfect star’s other sister is named Annachi (who also went by the name Annaleise), and she has one brother, Ryot.
“There’s four kids in our family and when we were growing up, our mom and dad always encouraged plenty of debate, opinions and laughs around the dinner table,” Liberty once commented, according to Life & Style. “We’re all outspoken.”
Wilson actually went to court over her moniker, suing Bauer Media for claiming that she lied about her name and published other falsehoods. She won the defamation suit in 2017.
Rebel Wilson’s ‘Year of Health’
Though 2020 was a challenge for many due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Wilson declared it her ‘Year of Health’ and stayed strong on a path of wellness. After a 60-pound weight loss, Wilson noticed people were treating her in a different manner.
“What’s been interesting is how people treat you — Sometimes being bigger, people didn’t necessarily look twice at you,” she said on The Morning Crew with Hughesy, Ed and Erin. “Now that I’m in good shape, people offer to carry my groceries to the car and hold doors open for [me]. That, to me, has been really interesting.”
Wilson added that the level of attention she’s received for her new regimen was quite a surprise considering the global health crisis.
“I find it interesting that people pay so much attention to a weight loss transformation when there’s so much going on in the world,” she said.
With a list of film credits to her name including Isn’t It Romantic, Night at the Museum, Cats, and Bridesmaids, Wilson is now adding TV to her resume with her hosting gig on Pooch Perfect. She noted how she has always had a strong sense of self, regardless of what the scale says.
“I liked to think I looked good at all sizes,” Wilson remarked. “And I’ve always been quite confident, so it’s not like I wasn’t confident and now I’m super confident.”
