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Michael Phelps, Michael Phelps, Michael Phelps, that’s all everyone is talking about these days. And, okay, with good reason. But let’s not forget about the other notable Phelps—especially the following 6, who are some of my Phavorite Phelps.
1 and 2: Identical twins James Andrew Eric Phelps and Oliver Martyn John Phelps (b. 1986)
You know them from: All those great Harry Potter films. Yes, they are Fred and George Weasly.
Phunny Phelps Phactoid: According to IMDB, the twins switched places on the set once, only to be caught and forced to redo all the scenes over again.
Favorite HP books: James: Prisoner of Azkaban Oliver: Goblet of Fire
The long and short of it: While not as tall as Michael Phelps (6’4”), the Phelps twins stand an impressive 6’3” each.
3. Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes (b. 1867 d. 1944)
You know him from: This great John Singer Sargent painting of him and his wife, which Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes commissioned.
You also know him as: the architect of St. Paul’s Chapel up at Columbia University.
The other Isaac Newton: No, this Isaac Newton did not pen Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, but he is the author of the gigantic, 6-volume work: The Iconography of Manhattan Island, one of the best, most comprehensive illustrated histories of Manhattan.
4. Charles Phelps Taft II (b. 1897 d. 1983)
You know him as: President William Howard Taft’s son
You also know him as: “Mr. Cincinnati”—a nickname he received when he was mayor of Cincinnati (supposedly one of the city’s best ever).
This Phelps was wed to: Eleanor Kellogg Chase… thrown in the surname Taft, and that’s just an embarrassment of riches.
5. Jim Phelps (fictional character)
You know him from: Mission Impossible, the original director of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF)
On TV, he was played by: Peter Graves
In the first MI film, he was played by: Jon Voight
Curious Phelps Phactoid: In the original TV series, Phelps was the man. In the first movie, Ethan Hunt was the man, and Phelps the IMF traitor. As one reviewer once wrote: “That’s like killing off Mr. Brady 10 minutes into The Brady Bunch Movie.”
6. William Wines Phelps (b. 1792 d. 1872)
You know him as: the author of numerous Latter Day Saint hymns like “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning.”
He’s also well known for: helping to print the first Latter Day Saint hymnal as well as an early edition of the church’s Doctrine and Covenants.
Curious Phelps Phactoids: W.W. was excommunicated by the church at least three times during the course of his life, two less than the number of wives he had.
Gives a whole new meaning to Phelps Phan.
Very clever!
posted by Beth on 8-19-2008 at 8:49 am
What about Fred Phelps???
posted by Brett on 8-19-2008 at 8:56 am
I love the Phelps/Weasley twins! They definitely make repeated viewings of the HP movies worth it.
(shallow like a raindrop, yes I am)
posted by Rachel on 8-19-2008 at 9:53 am
No Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church?
posted by Tonberry2k on 8-19-2008 at 9:57 am
How can you forget Fred Phelps???
posted by Amanda on 8-19-2008 at 10:52 am
Fred Phelps on my favorite list? Wouldn’t that be like putting Mussolini on the list? No thanks guys.
posted by David K. Israel on 8-19-2008 at 10:58 am
The less I have to hear about Fred Phelps, the better.
posted by Lynn on 8-19-2008 at 11:11 am
EXACTLY, David! That “man” is neither a favorite nor is he “worth knowing”.
In the (sorta) words of Bon Jovi, “He gives Phelps, a bad name.”
posted by Josh on 8-19-2008 at 11:16 am
Thanks for all the Phelps! (I figured we needed a pun.)
And the less said about Fred, the better.
posted by Sillstaw on 8-19-2008 at 4:46 pm
In the original MI tv series Mr. Phelps was the guy who replaced the other guy.
posted by PartiallyDeflected on 8-19-2008 at 8:30 pm
Doesn’t anybody remember Michael Phelps and his drunk driving in 2004, underage at that? Everybody is so happy that he won the gold medals and all, but is he the best role model?
posted by Linda on 8-19-2008 at 10:36 pm
The first name I thought of is former Notre Dame basketball coach-turned-ESPN analyst Richard “Digger” Phelps…
posted by Chris on 8-19-2008 at 10:38 pm
@ Linda: who said he was a role model? He’s an athlete, and an exceptional one at that. Does that mean he has to lead a perfect example for everyone? No, he’s human. Anyone who looks at a famous athlete (any celebrity, really) as an example of how to live their life is a moron.
posted by Jessica on 8-20-2008 at 1:03 pm
Jim Phelps was not the original IMF director. Dan Briggs (played by Steven Hill) was the director in the first season.
posted by bene on 8-22-2008 at 12:44 am