Mistaken Identity

Early last week, a florist called up to inquire about a delivery of flowers paid for on my credit card. I hadn't ordered any flowers—nor had I made any of the payments to Match.com that showed up on my credit card statement. I was the victim of identity theft. It was strange to think that someone was out there using me to get a date. Meanwhile, I occasionally get friend requests on Facebook from complete strangers who are undoubtedly attempting to befriend a different Rob Hardy. Here are some of the people I'm not.

Not me

Robert Hardy (born October 29, 1925, in Cheltenham, England). Best known to my generation as Siegfried in the 1970s television adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small, and to my children's generation as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter movies, this Robert Hardy is, according to the Internet Movie Database, "one of England's most enduringly successful character actors." According to Wikipedia, his full name is Timothy Sydney Robert Hardy. Click here to see him wooing Judi Dench in an old BBC production of Shakespeare's Henry V.

Not me

Rob Hardy. Young African-American director and cinematographer, and co-founder of Rainforest Films. His films—either as writer, director, or producer—include Trois, The Gospel and Stomp the Yard. He's also directed episodes of ER and Heroes.

Not me

Bob Hardy (born August 16, 1980, in Dewbury, England). The bassist for Franz Ferdinand. Click here for a YouTube video of their song "Ulysses," which happens to be the name of the town where I grew up.

Not me

Rob Hardy. A psychiatrist from Columbus, Mississippi, and a top 50 Amazon.com reviewer.