I share a name with a very famous professional athlete. I don't even think about it usually but as soon as I have to give my name to someone I can pretty much count on some remark about the athlete by the same name.
I've dealt with this in many ways over the years but my most recent method is to pretend to have never heard of that famous person by the same name. That makes the conversation awkward and they usually move on.
Also, if you meet someone who shares a name with a celebrity, keep these things in mind:
- There is nothing you can say about it that is funny or clever. We have heard it all before. Just don't.
- If you do have something to say about it that is truly original and absolutely hilarious, see the previous rule.
I think the most famous person that I share a name with is a very famous serial killer.
I already think the fascination with serial killers is incredibly weird (this is putting ut lightly), but the past 5-10 years has only seen it become even more mainstream. My response to anyone referencing the killer to me, because of my name, is very stern and very simple:
If you can't tell me who the victims were, then shut up about it. At least have the decency to pretend you actually care about the events and not just the "oh how weird and creepy" factor.
Ted Bundy or John Gacy
Joel Rifkin? Maybe you should change your name to OJ
Huh, I'll be honest I actually don't even know who that is. That's a new one to me.
But yeah, OJ sounds like a great name! I'll start the process ASAP. Absolutely nothing bad can come out of that
Here's some more context :) https://www.newsweek.com/resurfaced-seinfeld-bit-involving-oj-name-suggestion-stuns-internet-1755297
Oh this is absolutely incredible. Thank you ๐