[Dave Samson]

A strikingly handsome young man walked into

the office

of a Hollywood agent with his resume and portfolio in

hand. The agent reviewed the young man's slim resume

and small portfolio with the care that was deserving

of his fine young specimen.



"You have the very obvious good looks and excellent

demeanor of an actor. "Tell me, have you had any

roles that I might be aware of."



"Other than the requisite high school and college

plays, no sir," said the handsome young man.



"I dare say I know the reason why, with a name like

yours," said the agent.



"Sir?"

"Your name. Penus Van Lesbian. That's not a name

that will go far in Hollywood. I'd love to represent

you, but you'll have to change your name."



"Sir," the handsome young man protested. "The Van

Lesbian name was my father's, my grandfather's and his

father's name. We have carried this name for

generations and I will not change it for Hollywood or

any other reason."



"If you won't change your name, I cannot represent you

young man."



"Then I bid you farewell-my name will not change."

With that, Penus Van Lesbian left the agents office

never to return.



Five Years Later...The Hollywood agent returned to his

office after lunch with some producers and shuffled

through his mail.



Mostly junk mail, trade journals and the like. There

was one letter. He opened the envelope and removed

the letter. As he unfolded the fine linen paper, a

check dropped from the folds and onto his desk. He

looked at the check. It was for 50,000 dollars! He

read the letter:



Dear Sir:

Several years ago, I entered your office determined to

become an actor.



You refused to represent me unless I changed my name.

I objected, saying the Penus Van Lesbian name had been

carried for generations and left your office.



However, upon leaving, I chanced to reconsider my

hastiness and after considerable reflection, I decided

to heed your advise and endeavored to change my name.





Now I am a famous actor with many roles and known to

millions worldwide.



Having achieved this fame and fortune, it is often

that I think back to my meeting with you and your

insistence that I change my name. I owe you a debt

of gratitude, so please accept this check with my

humble thanks.



Very Sincerely Yours,



Dick Van Dyke