Why did some 90's TV shows change the last name of main character?

[Dilltastic VolWon(derful)]

I've noticed some shows named after the main character were given a different last name entirely. Any idea why?

1) Martin Lawerence (Payne)
2) Jamie Foxx (King)

 

[Marc Spector]

It's an old tradition especially for comedians.

I think they do it so that audiences become more familiar with a comedians character (most comedian sitcoms are extensions/in the vein of their routines).

 

[dterpsss]

The conglomerates want ownership of the characters, they can't really take ownership of the actors.

 

[Groanman]

I don't know.