Not every TV show character is referred to by their actual name, andsome of them you’ve probably forgotten. Some ofthe best TV characters of all timeare called something other than their actual names. For example,South Park’s Eric Cartman typically goes by his last name, but his first name is still common knowledge. However, some characters’ real names aren’t as prominent.
This can be for several reasons.Some simply use their surname, or a nickname that is used so frequently that their real name slowly disappears. Others, however, fight hard to ensure those around them call them by the correct name, but are annoyingly denied that right. There are loads like this, but how many of these TV show characters’ real names do you remember?
8Jerry (Garry)
Parks And Recreation
Jerry’s real name inParks and Recreationis often forgotten about because the character changes name several times throughout the show’s run.While he is primarily known as Jerry, at least for the first 4 seasons, he also goes by Lenny, Larry, and even Terry at various points. However, much to his dismay, Jerry only gets to be called his real name of Garry towards the end ofParks and Recreation. Hilariously, the others forget this is his real name, and they believe it is yet another title they’ve mockingly created themselves.
What’s strange about this, however, is that Jerry’s wife, Gayle, never corrects anyone.However, it’s likely that Jerry’s desire to keep attention away from him plays a part in this. Although he brings up the fact his name is Garry several times, and it’s also visible on his work ID, Jerry is still forever remembered as Jerry.
7Mac (Ronald)
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Throughout the first six seasons ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob McElhenney’s Mac is only ever referred to as simply Mac.In fact, it’s a bit of a surprise when, in the season 7 episode “The High School Reunion,” the show reveals that Mac is actually short for something. It makes sense whyMac’s real name inIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiais hidden for such a long time, especially as the character is named after a famous fast food mascot, Ronald McDonald.
Initially, it would seem that the rest of the gang forgot Mac’s real name, especially as they have all known him for decades at this point.
This joke is even more comical considering Mac’s mom is only ever called Mrs. Mac, too.Initially, it would seem that the rest of the gang forgot Mac’s real name, especially as they have all known him for decades at this point. However, this isn’t the case whatsoever, and they’re keen to see Mac embarrass himself. It’s odd the gang doesn’t take every given opportunity to mock the name Ronald McDonald, but maybe this is something we’ll see more of in the upcomingIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 17.
6Danny (Jack)
30 Rock
30 Rockloves a name change.In fact, there is a running gag throughout the show that the names of several of Liz Lemon’s love interests are a play on words or the same as well-known celebrities, including the likes of Criss Chros, Carol Burnett, and Wesley Snipes. One of Liz’s past lovers who doesn’t fit into this category, however, is Danny Baker. Except, his name isn’t Danny - it’s actually Jack.
Danny is a later addition to the30 Rockcast, and after the Canadian actor joins TGS in season 4, Jack Donaghy takes issue with there being two Jacks.The high-powered executive takes matters into his own hands, though, and gives Danny a new name without blinking an eye. Hilariously, everyone else also goes along with it, and Danny himself seemingly gives up arguing about his name change almost immediately, too.
5Erin (Kelly)
The Office
What’s interesting about Erin Hannon is that we wouldn’t know her as that without Charles Miner,Idris Elba’s character inThe Officeseason 5.When Pam leaves to join Michael at the Michael Scott Paper Company, Miner is forced to employ a new receptionist, Kelly. However, due to her sharing a name with Mindy Kaling’s Kelly Kapoor, there is immediate confusion. Kelly ridiculously lingers outside Charles’ office so that she can rush in every time he calls for (who is later known as Erin).
Of course, this frustrates Miner, who suggests they use their surnames.Pam’s replacement inThe Officesuggests using her middle name of Erin, and we learn that Kelly Kapoor’s middle name is Rajanigandha, which she absolutely hates. It’s weird to remember that Erin is ever called anything but Erin, but considering her name is changed so quickly after her introduction, it’s no surprise many forget this piece of information.
4Annyong (Hel-loh)
Arrested Development
Annyong, the youngest member ofthe Bluth family inArrested Development, has one of the best name gags in the world of TV.The Korean adoptee initially can only say “Annyong,” which translates to “Hello” in his native language. The ignorant Bluths, especially matriarch Lucille, are unaware of this, and so they just assume his name is Annyong. However, when the boy returns at the end of season 3 and reveals his true identity, he announces his real name is actually Hel-loh.
Annyong’s lengthy plot to destroy the Bluths is incredible, and the running gag about his name is fantastically funny.
This is a great play on words, but the joke has more layers than this.“Hel-oh” in Korean translates to “One day,” which is a nod to Annyong’s biological grandfather, a man that the Bluths scammed decades prior by stealing the idea of the frozen banana stand and getting him deported. Annyong’s lengthy plot to destroy the Bluths is incredible, and the running gag about his name is fantastically funny. However, considering Annyong is absent for good chunks ofArrested Development, it’s easy to forget this.
3Coach (Willis) Beard
Ted Lasso
One thing I hopeTed Lassoseason 4discusses more is Coach Beard’s real name.Throughout the show, his first name is never mentioned. So, when it is eventually revealed in the last episode of season 3, it’s quite jarring. If you’re not paying attention, it’s common not to realize that Beard’s first name is never actually uttered on-screen. In fact, many question whether it was mentioned before this point, and they simply missed it.
It isn’t until Beard tells Ted he wants to stay in Richmond and be with Jane that his name is heard.Ted casually calls him Willis in a moment that is easy to miss, especially as the context of this scene is so emotional. I’m still surprised that Ted isn’t present for Beard’s wedding to Jane, and this would’ve been a great moment to drop the name Willis, but at the same time, it only makes sense that it’s Ted who reveals this bit of knowledge.
2(Petronella) Osgood
Doctor Who
Osgood is an iconic part ofDoctor Who’s UNIT, and I’m disappointed we haven’t seen more of her in recent installments. The former scientific advisor (presumably) can be spotted in any crowd almost immediately, especially as she tends to sport some part of a past Doctor’s notable appearance, such as the Fourth Doctor’s scarf or the Fifth and Sixth Doctor’s question mark shirt collar. Osgood is only ever referred to by her surname, and because of the oddness of it, it’s not unusual for others to think that it is her first name.
Osgood is introduced in the 50th anniversary special “The Day of the Doctor,”but it isn’t until season 9’s “The Zygon Inversion” that we find out her first name is Petronella. Osgood herself is hesitant to give up this information, but the Doctor’s reaction to it is even better, and he simply tells her to stick with “What [they] had.” Sadly, Osgood doesn’t return toDoctor Whoafter this, at least not on-screen, but there are references to her name being Petronella in other extended media.
1The Janitor (Glenn Matthews)
Scrubs
The confirmation ofthe Janitor’s real name inScrubsis absolutely brilliant.Throughout the show, the Janitor constantly pulls pranks on J.D. and frequently makesScrubs’ lead character question his sense of reality. One thing that is never known about him, however, is his name. Neil Flynn’s character is simply called the Janitor and nothing else, at least, he is up until the season 8 episode “My Finale.” With J.D. leaving Sacred Heart, the Janitor reveals his actual name - Glenn Matthews.
However, with theScrubsrevivalon the way, I won’t be surprised if the Janitor backtracks on this in the upcoming episodes. It’s such a standard name, and after all that time, it’s odd that the Janitor’s real name doesn’t have more of a connection to the show. For example, if he was secretly named John Dorian, too. At the same time, the simplicity and mundaneness of his name makes this joke even funnier. Because the Janitor only makes a brief appearance at the start of season 9, it’s easy to forget that his real name is Glenn Matthews.
