The first time my name was associated with who I always referred to as “TV Mike O’Malley” was probably in the late 90’s or early 2000’s, when a kid working a Pizza Hut cash register looked at my debit card and informed me that a guy who used to be on Nickelodeon shared the same name as me. “That’s what I hear,” I said as I grabbed my pizza and headed back to a 13-inch television inside an apartment that had the design aesthetic of a federal prison cell.
Years later, our degrees of separation grew somewhat smaller, when I worked for Mike’s friend and my new boss, Court Crandall. On more than one occasion, Court would email Mike work revisions (meant for me) and fun things like invitations for drinks at the Crandall house to me, instead of Mike. Court was always quick to realize this mistake and I would get a polite disinvite in the form of “Hey Suge, ah, that invite was actually meant for my friend Mike O’Malley.” So much for margaritas and tacos at Court’s house. Damn.
The years went on and Mike O’Malley continued to be prevalent in my universe. Screenplays, intended for Mike, were sent to my personal email address and when I’d inform people that I’m not that “Mike O’Malley,” I was typically met with resistance and perseverance. “Funny, Mike! Anyhow, have a read.” I’d wish them luck and further reiterate that they got the wrong guy.
After more encounters, and the random person now and again asking me if I happened to be from New England, I began to secretly hope that maybe one day I could actually meet the more famous version of my namesake.
After all, we both knew Court, we evidently had similar email addresses and let’s face it, our entertainment careers were extremely impressive. Mike’s hosted “Guts” on Nickelodeon, starred in “Yes, Dear,” was ESPN’s iconic “The Rick” and even created “Survivor’s Remorse” (produced by LeBron James). I, of course, have worked on LeBron James/Kia commercials, write stupid shit on Facebook and have launched critically acclaimed pieces of art such as “Indiana Tax Time at Your Local Honda Dealer” ads (I mean, films.) Obviously, we have a lot in common beyond just a shared name.
So, one can only imagine my surprise this morning when I looked up from my seat in United’s Terminal 7 to find “TV Mike O’Malley” sitting right in front of me.
I cautiously introduced myself, not knowing whether or not my introduction to Mike would result in a great disturbance to the cosmos or send us flailing into alternate realities.
Mike was gracious with his time. I told him about the invites from Court, emails from strangers and instances of mistaken identity. We laughed at the advertising related emails that he had received that made little sense.
And in the end, we took a photo, shook hands and parted ways.
It made my day.
The best part is, now when people say “Hey, are you the same Mike O’Malley as that guy from....,” I can happily stop them and reply “No, but I’ve met him and he’s a great fucking dude!”