15 Fascinating Facts About Emma Stone On Her 36th Birthday

1. Her Real Name Is Emily Jean Stone
Emma’s birth name is actually Emily Jean Stone. She was born on November 6, 1988, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The actress later adopted the name “Emma” after her first audition because she was advised that "Emily Stone" was too common in Hollywood. She’s certainly made the name her own, becoming one of the most recognizable stars of her generation.

2. She Was a Theater Kid
Long before she graced the silver screen, Emma Stone was performing on stage. She began acting in community theater at the age of 11 and starred in local productions such as 'The Wind in the Willows'. She even won a local competition for her performance in 'The Princess and the Pea', a play where she played the princess. Her early love of theater laid the foundation for her future in acting.

3. Her Breakout Role Was in 'Superbad'
Emma Stone’s breakout role came in the 2007 comedy 'Superbad', where she played the charismatic, sardonic “Jules.” The film’s success launched her into the Hollywood spotlight, showcasing her natural comedic timing and ability to hold her own alongside seasoned actors like Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. Her performance immediately marked her as a rising star in Hollywood.

4. She Almost Quit Acting Before 'Superbad'
Before landing the role in ‘Superbad’, Stone was close to quitting acting altogether. She had moved to Los Angeles at 16 to pursue her dreams, but was struggling to get auditions and feeling discouraged. However, her persistence paid off when she was cast in ‘Superbad’, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.

5. She Won an Academy Award for 'La La Land' (2016)
Emma Stone’s career reached new heights with her role in ‘La La Land’, where she played aspiring actress “Mia Dolan”. Her mesmerizing performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2017, making her one of the youngest actresses to win the prestigious honor at the age of 28. The film also solidified her status as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

6. She’s Been Open About Her Struggles with Anxiety
Emma has been candid about her lifelong battle with anxiety, revealing in interviews that she struggled with panic attacks as a child. She’s also spoken about how acting has helped her manage her anxiety by giving her an outlet for expression and helping her stay grounded. Her openness has inspired many fans to embrace their own mental health challenges.

7. She Was a Teen Reality TV Contestant
Before she was a Hollywood star, Emma Stone appeared on the reality TV show ‘In Search of the New Partridge Family’ in 2004, which was an attempt to cast the stars of a new version of the iconic musical family sitcom. She was a finalist on the show but ultimately did not win. However, this experience helped Stone hone her on-camera presence and provided an early exposure to the entertainment world.

8. She Was a Guest on 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody'
In 2005, Emma Stone made a guest appearance on the Disney Channel series ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’, playing a character named “Tricia” in an episode called ‘The Fairest of Them All.’ While it was a minor role, it was one of her earliest TV appearances, and she clearly made an impression, showcasing her comedic skills in front of a younger audience.

9. She’s a Massive Musical Theater Fan
Emma Stone is a huge fan of musical theater and has been since childhood. She was inspired by ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Annie’, which she watched on repeat as a kid. Her love for musicals was a driving force in her passion for ‘La La Land’, where she not only acted but also sang and danced, a challenge she took on with gusto.

10. Her Close Friendship with Ryan Gosling
One of the standout partnerships in Emma Stone’s career is her enduring on-screen chemistry with actor Ryan Gosling. The two first worked together on ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ (2011), and their connection was palpable. They reunited for ‘La La Land’, and their friendship has only grown. Stone has referred to Gosling as one of her "favorite people," and their playful banter has been a hit with fans.