Let's face it, I have an uncommon if not unusual name. Only once or twice in my life have I met another guy named Cary. So, when people meet me or see my name, they often want to try something else out first, not immediately accepting that I could have such a name. So, I have gotten used to answering to such names as Corey, Casey, Gary, Terry, and others. The worst I ever saw was a note from my high school office to "Karn McCalll" (notice the three L's). This is not to mention that there are about a dozen ways to spell this name: Carey, Kerri, Carrie, Karri, Keri, etc.

One thing I have done for years when I meet people is to say my name and then refer to Cary Grant. "Cary, like Cary Grant."


But what I am noticing more and more, especially since I am around college students so much, is that many have no idea who Cary Grant is. This is distressing to me, mainly because I really have no other point of reference. Come on, people! This guy was FAMOUS! He even has a spot in front of Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood!


But Dave Chisholm called me out the other day with a challege to name a Cary Grant movie. Crap. I got nuthin. So, maybe he is not quite the all-time superstar I would like him to be, but he was my best hope to bridge my appellation to someone notable. My only other option is Cary Elwes, a.k.a Mr. "Princess Bride" and "Robin Hood Men in Tights" himself.


Not bad, but few know his real name and this is what he looks like in real life.


So, looks like I am just going to have to continue to make due with the confusion until I become famous myself. Perhaps there will be another Cary, 50 years down the line, who, when he meets people, says "Cary, like Cary McCall."

"Cary who?"