This post came up in another thread and got me thinking...
A nice white elderly couple sits behind us in church, Janet and Samuel L. Jackson. True story.
I think it would be an annoying burden to carry the same name as someone famous. I had a client that I used to visit and his receptionist was Diana Ross. She said she uses a fake name whenever she can so she just doesn't have to deal with it. Things as simple as making dinner reservations become a problem. I told her she should start signing shit and selling it on eBay.

I have a name like a man who enjoyed fame as a (sort of) comedian and political commentator for a time. Whenever anyone makes reference to it, I say, “Yes, but I spell my name the correct way.” Someone who would make a big deal out of a personal name, especially in a business setting, should just grow up.

I've been friends with Patrick Stewart since kindergarten.

I got a call from a customer of a company I was working for a few years ago. After answering his technical questions about the particular product, he asked me to send him one. I asked his name, he said "Messerschmitt."

I asked if he knew the punchline "Yeah, but most of those Fuckers were flying Messerschmitts!", and he laughed and said he did.

When he told me his first mane was Bill, I about fell out of my chair and said "Like Willy?" He said, "Yeah, Willy was my Father."

At my old shop, I had customers named Jodie Foster and Christina Ricci. One time, I had to ask a woman to update credit card information on her account. Her name was Carol (something). I told her the main name on the account was Mike Brady. She said that was okay, because it was her husband. I said, "Mike and Carol Brady?" She replied that was why she went by her maiden name.

I've got a fairly uncommon name, in fact I'm the only one with my last name in Nevada.

I’ve had a few come into my office - Bruce Willis, John Wayne, etc. but my favorite of all time was Sarah Connor.

My dad was Phillip Donahue. The non communist.

In Janet Jackson's case, she plays it up and clearly gets a kick out of it. "Hi, I'm Janet Jackson, not the singer. Oh, and this is my husband, Samuel L. Jackson, not the actor."

I used to work in a guitar store and Steve Martin would come in all the time. He played banjo pretty well. Jodie Foster works in the office at my kids' school. I sub at the school for fun and I've saved a text from Denise Richards asking my if I was available.

These are all people who were named before the people who share their names became famous.

I know 3 guys names Paul Allen. Well, one of them was the now deceased Microsoft Paul Allen, the other two, no relation. One is my accountant and the other a 2nd cousin.

My grandfather's name is Arthur Frommer . Not the travel guy.

Got a friend named Chris Rock

I have the same name (first and last) as the lead singer of a punk rock band. It is sufficiently obscure that the subject has never come up.

I work with Meg Ryan and Steve Martin. No, not the famed.

In Meg’s case, she insisted on being called Megan, so apparently, she wasn’t thrilled with sharing.

I share a name with William Shatner.
At least googling me is fun!

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
I have the same name (first and last) as the lead singer of a punk rock band. It is sufficiently obscure that the subject has never come up.

So I take it your name is NOT Joey Ramone?

I work with a Rick James.

Yes, we often throw this one around the office when his name comes up:

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
I have the same name (first and last) as the lead singer of a punk rock band. It is sufficiently obscure that the subject has never come up.

Sid? Sid Vicious?

Jello Biafra?