# Too many similar names, it gets confusing **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 20, 2001, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961 "2001-05-20T02:42:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Nimue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d26b3c/32.png) [@Nimue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nimue)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2001, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/21 "2001-05-30T20:25:51Z")
There’s a fellow poster here called Nimune. Which wouldn’t be so bad if people hadn’t accidently addressed me by that name long before his/her arrival. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Doubleclick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b2d939/32.png) [@Doubleclick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doubleclick)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2001, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/22 "2001-05-30T22:35:17Z")
…and I believe almost every Soap Opera has a “Victoria” in it… ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2001, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/23 "2001-05-31T04:46:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dantheman \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by SilkyThreat \* > > \*\*There is also my problem with Carole Keene and Carol King. But that was from a different era. > > > > \*\* > > Isn’t it Carole King (with an “e”)? Or am I now thinking of Carole Lombard? > > 🙂 \*\* Carolyn Keene was the pen name for whoever wrote Nancy Drew. Carole King was a singer/songwriter. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2001, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/24 "2001-05-31T04:48:14Z")
Oh, and I once had the distinct pleasure of witnessing a very pretentious person confuse Ingrid and Ingmar Bergman. I mean, people do get them confused, but this was someone who Knew Everything. ---
**Author:** ![Redboss](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8baadc/32.png) [@Redboss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Redboss)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2001, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/25 "2001-05-31T05:25:07Z")
I am printing this thread out to keep in my wallet, because it has been REALLY helpful, and I think I will continue to find it so. my turn? **Jennifer Lopez** - ubiquitous singer, unconvincing movie actress (a psychiatrist?!) **Rosie Perez** - shrill-voiced shrewish movie actress, married to Nicholas Cage (Or was it John Cage?) in that movie where he got a million dollars because she slept with the guy who played Butch Cassidy (or was it David Cassidy? You know, the one who dated the woman playing his mother on TV, Shirley Jones (or was it Jennifer Jones, who was in _Love is a Many Splendoured Thing_or was it _Splendour in the Dust_?)). And I think I’ve figured out that neither of them was in _My Cousin Vinnie_. Was that Harissa Tomez? Clarissa Gomez? No - **he** was married to Patty Duke, whose identical cousin was once taught by Mel Brooks’ wife, who later had an affair with Dustin Hoffman before he got famous. Wait - this belongs in a whole 'nother thread! Roadbumps ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_Rhosis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@Sir\_Rhosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_Rhosis)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2001, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/26 "2001-05-31T05:40:47Z")
Years and decades ago when SNL was a funny show, they did a skit along these lines. Fernando Lamas, Ricardo Montalban and Cesar Romero were going on a triple date with Susan Saint James, Eva Marie Saint and (damn, I forget the other “Saint”). IIRC, the gist of the bit was the confusion over who was who, even going so far as to individual identity, i. e. “You’re Susan Saint James and I’m Cesar–no, I’m Fernando Lamas.” Etc. Sir Rhosis ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_Rhosis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@Sir\_Rhosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_Rhosis)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2001, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/27 "2001-05-31T05:56:50Z")
And, yes, it’s uncalled for and unkind, but the way I tell Dermott Mulroney from Dylan McDermott is by remembering that Mr. Mulroney actually has more than ONE facial expression unlike the star of “The Practice.” And don’t forget the star of “Touched By An Angel,” Roma Downey, Jr. Claude Akins was not in “Casablanca.” Claude Rains was not the voice of HAL in “2001.” That was an actor named Douglas Rain(s), IIRC. Vincent Van Patten is not (AFAIK) at this moment falling down drunk, getting the crap beat out of him in some dive bar, that would be Jan Michael Vincent. Michael York and Michael Sarrazin shared the same hair in the 70s. Does anyone remember the 90s group Blind Mellencamp? And how many former child actors are named Corey/Cory? Sir Rhosis ---
**Author:** ![exchicagoan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/0ea827/32.png) [@exchicagoan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/exchicagoan)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2001, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/28 "2001-05-31T06:50:50Z")
KIM HUNTER and KIM STANLEY----Stanley’s the one from STREETCAR, REQUIEM and was on MAD ABOUT YOU–right? CHRIS SARANDON and MICHAEL SARRAZIN, and I have to say Chris’ complete name before I can say SUSAN’S last name correctly. MIRANDA and NATASHA RICHARDSON-----meaning NATASHA, I called MIRANDA AMANDA. Yeeesh! So now I just say “ya know, Vanessa Redgrave’s daughter; the one that’s married to, ah, whatsisname.” And HIM—I come up with IVAN and I KNOW that’s not gonna take me anyplace. I STILL don’t know which is the correct pronunciation for KIM BASINGER’S last name. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/29 "2001-06-01T02:18:07Z")
Avant-garde art musician **John Cage** Avant-garde rock musician **John Cale**. One letter’s difference out of 8. ---
**Author:** ![Redboss](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8baadc/32.png) [@Redboss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Redboss)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/30 "2001-06-01T04:45:27Z")
And **Nicholas Cage** who’s married to **Cesar Chavez** in that film where he wins a million dollars and shares it with the waitress played by **Michelle Pfeiffer** or is it **Michelle Phillips** , who used to be one of the Mamas and the Papas and had that plump daughter who sang …etc etc ---
**Author:** ![BigGiantHead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b4bc9f/32.png) [@BigGiantHead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigGiantHead)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/31 "2001-06-01T05:12:25Z")
BTW, in case I haven’t said it lately, you people are some funny m\*\*_ **f** _ing folks. **Silky Threat** , your post made this go through my head: [Jon Lovitz/Tommy Flanagan voice] “My wife, **Morgan Freeman** , WHOM I’ve seen naked…” [/voice] AAAcckkckck!!! Of course, to the whole **Carolyn Keene/Carole King/Carole Lombard** mess, you have to add **Carol Kane** - you know, nasally Simka Gravas actress. **missdavis** , I like this thing you’ve got going… make a new game out of it, maybe? Anthony Hopkins Anthony Perkins Marlon Perkins Marlon Brando Christian Brando (OK, a stretch) Christian Slater Helen Slater Helen Hunt Linda Hunt Lynda Carter… etc., etc. ---
**Author:** ![delphica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9a140/32.png) [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/32 "2001-06-01T05:17:28Z")
I have found my kindred! I, too, cannot keep people sorted out to save my life. I am endlessly confused by that string of actresses who use three names, and sound like they escaped from a convent school. **Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio** and **Mary Stuart Masterson** come to mind. **Jim Cameron** , **Cameron Crowe** , **Cameron Diaz** , what’s up with that? And it’s not just names. **Cameron Diaz** also blends together in my mind with other blonde actresses who all have this wobbly mouthed look about them. I get worried their mouths are going to slide off their faces someday, it seems like their lips are not attached properly. This includes **Gwyneth Paltrow** , **Mira Sorvino** and **Laura Dern**. I believe Ms. Dern perfected this look in _Blue Velvet_. Of course, for many years, I thought **Laura Dern** was named **Lorna Doone**. And I thought **Lorna Doone** was the same person as **Dolly Madison** , because they’re both associated with snack cakes, right? ---
**Author:** ![BigGiantHead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b4bc9f/32.png) [@BigGiantHead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigGiantHead)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/33 "2001-06-01T05:22:52Z")
Ooh! OOoh! And how can we overlook **Biggirl, hardygrrrl, pepperlandgirl,** and a few others I’m sure I’m overlooking (just for good measure I’m throwing you in there, **drpepper** ). 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Sylkyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/da6949/32.png) [@Sylkyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylkyn)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/34 "2001-06-01T18:21:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dantheman \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by SilkyThreat \* > > \*\*There is also my problem with Carole Keene and Carol King. But that was from a different era. > > > > \*\* > > Isn’t it Carole King (with an “e”)? Or am I now thinking of Carole Lombard? > > 🙂 \*\* See?? I told ya’ll it was confusing as hell! I was thinking (something I obviously need to refrain from doing) that there were two singers/songwriters from the 70’s named **Carole Keene** (don’t know about the “e”) and **Carol King** , but a quick google search just informed me that it is, indeed, only the second Carol ( to “e” or not to “e”???) that there was just one. _sigh_ Maybe all those years of reading **Carolyn Keene** ’s books did some damage. Nancy Drew Drew Barrymore Drew Carey Cary Grant Lee Grant Ulysses S. Grant I’m getting dizzy here. (Like that’s news, right?) ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/35 "2001-06-01T18:23:25Z")
That reminds me, I sometimes confuse **Silky Threat** , **Silly Rabbit** , and **Swimming Riddles**. Why, if all three jumped me at once, I don’t know what I’d do! ---
**Author:** ![SterlingNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@SterlingNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SterlingNorth)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/36 "2001-06-01T19:02:00Z")
Since **Spoofe** had his Bodiddlyectomy, I always want to call him **Spooje** (who clearly can’t spell). Small comfort that he decided to keep what remains capitalized. There was no way in hell I was going to admit this it the Pit thread by **LNO** , but I too thought the Jerry Lewis and Jerry Lee Lewis was the same man. And I always tell people that one of my favorite characters from “Homicide” is Richard Lewis’s character. ("…Don’t you mean Richard _Belzer_?" “Yeah, what did I say?”) ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/37 "2001-06-01T19:04:19Z")
The names _Foxhall_ and _Vauxhall_ always bleed together in my mind. Especially when I drive on Foxhall Road in Washington DC, as I was just now. ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/38 "2001-06-01T19:09:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BigGiantHead \* > \*\ ***missdavis** , I like this thing you’ve got going… make a new game out of it, maybe? > > Anthony Hopkins > Anthony Perkins > Marlon Perkins > Marlon Brando > Christian Brando (OK, a stretch) > Christian Slater > Helen Slater > Helen Hunt > Linda Hunt > Lynda Carter… etc., etc. > \*\* I was thinking about this a few years ago in relation to baseball players: Ken Griffey, Junior Junior Felix Felix Jose Jose Canseco Putemtogetherandwhaddyaget Ken Griffey Junior Felix Jose Canseco ---
**Author:** ![Beadalin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/39 "2001-06-01T19:11:06Z")
For me, it’s the posters around here who I get mixed up the most. **Needs2know** and **KneadToKnow** **andygirl** and **AndYrAStar** As far as celebrities go, I am always mixing up these actresses: **Jennifer Jason Leigh** and **Jodi Foster**. **Sarah Michelle Gellar** , **Sarah Jessica Parker** , **Jennifer Love Hewitt**. ---
**Author:** ![missdavis102](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@missdavis102](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missdavis102)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2001, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961/40 "2001-06-01T19:23:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SterlingNorth \* > \*\* > > There was no way in hell I was going to admit this it the Pit thread by **LNO** , but I too thought the Jerry Lewis and Jerry Lee Lewis was the same man. > > \*\* You mean, they’re not the same person?!? ::slaps forehead:: Well, that explains a lot, then. I’ve always hated to think of that goofy Jerry Lewis in bed with his cousin. Can we say EEEwwwwwww!! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-similar-names-it-gets-confusing/65961.md?page=3)