Posted by Duke_of_Fluke at 194.129.43.14 on February 21, 2000 at 00:11:12:
So, there's this thing I was thinking about on the last board. To recap: In the Xena and Hercules TV shows, there's a guy from New Zealand (where Xena/Herc is filmed) called Kevin Smith (I think he plays Ares from time to time) who's been in TV since the late 80s. I was wondering what the rules were concerning famous people sharing a name - I can't think of any other examples of celebs with the same name other than Kevin and Kevin.
For example, there's Michael Keaton, who's real name is Michael Douglas, who changed his name either for legal reasons or just to save on confusion - not sure which. There are other examples, like UK bands who have to change their names cos a US band got there first (eg, the Chemical Brothers used to be the Dust Brothers, until the original Dust Brothers made em change it).
The IMDB apparently have the WRONG Kevin Smith listed as appearing in Scream 3. If there are rules (something to do with Equity? I don't know what), presumably it's possible that the New Zealand Kevin (the "original", given that he was in the business first) could force Kevin to change his name?
Enquiring minds want to know. Cheers.