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Jerry O'Connell Confirms His Birth Name Is Michael Jeremiah Witkowski O'Connell

The reveal linked his stage name to a long‑used family nickname.

Overview

  • Jerry O’Connell disclosed his full legal name during a Mother’s Day episode of Live with Kelly and Mark that featured his mother, Linda.
  • He said he has always gone by Jerry and added that he does not feel like a Michael.
  • Linda O’Connell explained that Jeremiah honors Jerry’s grandfather and that Witkowski is her maiden name.
  • She described him as very active as a child and said teachers complained he talked too much and never sat still.
  • O’Connell connected that energy to his start in Stand by Me and recalled director Rob Reiner encouraging him to be louder on set.