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 | A news item involving Nicholas Parsons was featured on Wikipedia's Main Page in the In the news section on 28 January 2020. |  |
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When did he drop first name?
editHave not read article in close detail but his full three names are used prominently in first two paras. Skimmed rest and no obvious mention. Would have appreciated a clear reference as to when and why he dropped the Christopher in the intro. Dakinijones (talk) 18:32, 28 January 2020 (UTC)
- Good question. Actors often need to do this if there is already an actor with the same name registered with Equity? Martinevans123 (talk) 09:43, 29 January 2020 (UTC)
- You may well be right. There could have been a Christopher Parsons already registered. However, I think it might be simpler than that. I have two cousins called Shirley Ann and Barbara Jane. They have always been known in the family as Ann and Jane. And I mean always – they are younger than I am. LynwoodF (talk) 10:07, 29 January 2020 (UTC)
- Yes, for those born in that period and later, I think it was very common for the second name to be used as the given name. The first name would often be an inherited family name, more so for men I think. Martinevans123 (talk) 10:12, 29 January 2020 (UTC)
- The British actors' union Equity does indeed prevent new members using a name if someone else with the same name (or a similar sounding one) is already registered. see: Professional Name Protection The rule famously explains why David Walliams changed his name, as well as the "H" in Harry H. Corbett. The link above relates to a change in the rules in 1986, but this only tweaked an existing and much older regulation along the same lines. JezGrove (talk) 11:47, 29 January 2020 (UTC)
- Yes, for those born in that period and later, I think it was very common for the second name to be used as the given name. The first name would often be an inherited family name, more so for men I think. Martinevans123 (talk) 10:12, 29 January 2020 (UTC)
- You may well be right. There could have been a Christopher Parsons already registered. However, I think it might be simpler than that. I have two cousins called Shirley Ann and Barbara Jane. They have always been known in the family as Ann and Jane. And I mean always – they are younger than I am. LynwoodF (talk) 10:07, 29 January 2020 (UTC)
- In the first chapter of his 2010 book "With Just a Touch" he says that, when he performed in "Paddy the Next Best Thing" at the Lyric Theatre, and was hoping to become "a serious actor", he deliberately put the "C." at the start of his "more usual name". But, he says: "The habit did not last long": Martinevans123 (talk) 13:43, 29 January 2020 (UTC)
Is it just me?
editIs it just me, or is there something odd about the section heading 'Early career and on as a theatre comedian'? JezGrove (talk) 23:58, 28 January 2020 (UTC)
- Have tweaked. Please adjust further is necessary. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:41, 29 January 2020 (UTC)
Images
editIt would be nice to see some more images of Nicholas. I uploaded
on Flickr if someone wants to tidy it up and add it to the article.