Whether Cecil Adams is a trademarked
name of a real individual (ala Tiger or Billy Joel), or
a trademarked nickname (ala Mr. October or Shaq), or
simply a nom de plume shared by several writers,
there’s no denying the fact the writings exist. Hence the name earns its reality from the text.
As far as I know, her daughter writes it now.
Some have speculated that “Cecil Adams” is not his real name, but that his real name is kept secret for the same reason that he doesn’t want photos made availabe – fear of loss of privacy.
I’ve told you that he gets a real giggle out of these threads. Consequently, I’ve not said anything that Cecil himself hasn’t revealed upon occasion. Nor will I.
Actually, they are written by two of Lederer’s former editors, Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar. You may be thinking of “Heloise,” a title passed on through three generations.
Not under the name Ann Landers. That name was retired upon Eppie Lederer’s death.
You guys are right, although her daughter did write a farewell column and does (or did) pen the Dear Prudence advice column. According to the link, “classic” Ann Landers columns were to be reprinted under the names of a couple of people who worked with her for a long time.
Dear Abby, on the other hand, is probably what I was thinking of. That one’s currently written by Jeanne Phillips, the daughter of the original Abby, Pauline (http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/).