Days of Our Lives' Josh Taylor Reveals Surprising Backstory of His Name Change and How It Connects to Steve McQueen

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: Josh Taylor and Steve McQueen.Photo:Paul Archuleta/Shutterstock; Screen Archives/Getty

Paul Archuleta/Shutterstock; Screen Archives/Getty

Josh Taylor is revealing his real name — and how it came to change.

In a video posted to theDays of Our LivesInstagram, the cast asked one another “surprise questions” without knowing who was going to answer. When it got to Abigail Klein, she decided to ask the next person the story behind their name, and the camera cut to Josh Taylor to respond.

“The story behind my name is my original name was Tim Taylor,” he divulged. “And when I went to join SAG [the Screen Actors Guild], there was another Tim Taylor. So I couldn’t have that.”

As for how he decided on the name Josh, the actor said: “Steve McQueenhad a character inWanted Dead or Aliveon television called Josh Randall. I love that character! I love Steve McQueen! That’s where Josh came from.”

“Ironically, I actually wound up dating his daughter!” he added.

Josh Taylor as Roman Brady on ‘Days of Our Lives’.Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Other cast members then shared fun facts about themselves as well, with Abigail Klein revealing her biggest fear is “fear itself,” and Eric Martsolf saying his favorite sport was water polo.

“My boys play it, and I’ve realized that it’s one of the most barbaric, interesting sports I’ve ever witnessed,” he explained, proceeding to ask the fans about their opinions on pickles.

Taylorisn’t the first actor to change their name— celebs likeJon Bon Jovi,John Legend,Meg Ryanand evenAudrey Hepburndid the same.

Born John Roger Stephens, Legend revealed his stage name came from a childhood nickname that stuck.

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source: people.com