Met William Christopher years ago on a flight out of L.A. He was astonished when I addressed him by his real name. He told me that when people run into him anywhere, it’s: “You’re Father Mulcahy!”
In a similar vein: I and three others were standing outside, in line at a restaurant in Hollywood. One of the tables in the restaurant was right next to the window. Seated, facing the window was a character actor. One of those guys whose face you know, but not the name.
One of the guys in the group was doing the "Hey do you know who that is? What's his name?" He was not being shy about it and it was rather obvious to those seated with the actor.
I moved over next to my friend and said: "His name is William Windom" (Twighlight zone, To Kill a Mockingbird and many more).
As I said this, I looked over at Mr. Windom, who was looking at me, he then mouthed:
"Thank you" and nodded his head.
It was like: At least somebody knows my name.