Choosing the right name

A good-looking man walked into an agent’s office in Hollywood and announced “I want to be a movie star.” Tall, handsome and experienced on Broadway, he had the right credentials.

The agent asked, “What’s your name?”

The guy said, “Penis van Lesbian.”

The agent said, “Sir, I hate to tell you, but in order to make it in Hollywood, you’ll have to change your name.”

“Oh, no, I will NOT change my name! The van Lesbian name is centuries old, and I will not disrespect my ancestors by changing my name, never.”

The agent said, “Sir, I have worked in Hollywood for years, You will NEVER get anywhere in Hollywood with a name like that. You WILL change your name, or I won’t represent you.”

“So be it! I’ll go to someone else with an open mind”, the guy said, and he left the agent’s office.

Five years later, the agent opened an envelope sent to his office. Inside was a letter and a check for $50,000. The agent was awe-struck. Who would possibly send him $50,000?

He read the letter enclosed:

“Dear Sir: Five years ago, I came into your office wanting to become an actor in Hollywood and you said I had to change my name. Determined to make it with my God-given birth name,I refused. You told me I would never make it in Hollywood with a name like Penis van Lesbian.

After I left your office, I thought about what you said and decided you were right. I had to change my name. I had too much pride to return to your office, so I signed with another agent.

I would never have made it without the name change, so the enclosed check is a token of my appreciation for your good advice. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dick van Dyke