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As
'Twilight' fans have long known, Edward Cullen is the sexy (if not a little pasty) hero of the mega-movie franchise based on
Stephenie Meyer's book series. Pale, strong, devoted and ready to save the moody Bella at any given second, Edward is a god -- or rather, a vampire -- among men who's awesomeness is matched only by 'Twilight''s resident werewolf, Jacob.
Since 'Twilight' made its debut in 2008, the movie's stars have themselves achieved cult status.
Taylor Lautner scored a
Rolling Stone cover and
Kristen Stewart's pouty pics have become all the more frequent in celebrity rags. But it's fluffy-haired
Robert Pattinson who leads the pack as the vampire heartthrob, garnering increasing numbers of lovelorn fans as he practically inhabits the ageless Edward, complete with inner torture, unwavering commitment, a cool, rock-star demeanor and alluring deep thoughts; Pattinson's portrayal is now synonymous with the fictional Edward Cullen.
It may come as a shock for some fans, but not every Edward Cullen can kill with his teeth, fly without a plane ticket or create such a fabulous coif. There's a whole pack of real-life guys who share the character's name -- and manage their parallel reputations. As the saga's third installment,
'Eclipse,' nears release (the film is set to arrive June 30), Moviefone looked to a handful of real Edward Cullens (via e-mail) to see what it's like to be a mere mortal with a world-famous vampire's name.
Edward Cullen, Beverly, Mass. (In school in Deerfield, Mass.)
Human Age: 16
Has being named Edward Cullen turned you on to 'Twilight'?
No. I read the first book just because my girlfriend got it for me for Christmas.
Are you happy to share the heartthrob's namesake, or wish he would go away?
I could really care less.
What is the biggest downside to sharing the character's name?
Random Facebook friend requests. You would be surprised if I told you how many I have had. The first couple I accepted, but then it just started getting out of hand. A minority [of those sending requests] speak English. So, sketchy messages (kind of like yours, but I couldn't read it).
Fictional Edward Cullen's best asset?
He sparkles. People are really disappointed when I don't.
Real-life Edward Cullen's best asset?
My personality. [It's] like Rocco in 'The Boondock Saints,' but not stupid, not Italian and I couldn't grow out a full beard.
Has the on-screen Edward Cullen's look had any influence on yours?
No.
Be honest: Since 'Twilight' came out, have you had more luck with the ladies?
Well, there's never a lack of a conversation starter ... or pick-up line.
Eddie Cullen, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
Human Age: 63
Has being named Edward Cullen turned you on to 'Twilight'?
Nope.
Are you happy to share the heartthrob's namesake, or wish he would go away?
Not bothered. It caused a bit of mirth with the 8-10-year-olds at school.
What is the biggest downside to sharing the character's name?
None.
Fictional Edward Cullen's best asset?
Unknown.
Real-life Edward Cullen's best asset?
[My] sense of humour.
Has the on-screen Edward Cullen's look had any influence on yours?
[That would be] difficult, as he isn't bald and overweight.
Be honest: Since 'Twilight' came out, have you had more luck with the ladies?
See penultimate and first answers. What do you think? ... I hope your other respondents meet the demographic more than I do!
Eddie Cullen, Farmingdale, N.Y.
Human Age: 26
Has being named Edward Cullen turned you on to 'Twilight'?
To be honest, I've never seen the movie(s) or read the books ... So I guess no.
Are you happy to share the heartthrob's namesake, or wish he would go away?
I don't really know, I don't watch much TV or anything like that, so it's never really in my face. Just [when I'm] meeting new people, everyone I guess is shocked that they're meeting someone with that name.
What is the biggest downside to sharing the character's name?
Using debit or credit cards for sure. "Do you know your name is Edward Cullen?" Yes I do. It's been my name for 26 years.
Fictional Edward Cullen's best asset?
I wouldn't really know. Maybe having my name?
Real-life Edward Cullen's best asset?
It's a three-way tie between an easy-going lifestyle, my reverse-camber snowboard and my Subaru WRX.
Has the on-screen Edward Cullen's look had any influence on yours?
Again, I wouldn't really know. But I'm going to go with definitely not.
Be honest: Since 'Twilight' came out, have you had more luck with the ladies?
I haven't been using the name to it's full potential, but I could probably work some magic with it.
Eddie Cullen, Milwaukee, Wis.
Human Age: 19
Has being named Edward Cullen turned you on to 'Twilight'?
Nope. The opposite, actually.
Are you happy to share the heartthrob's namesake, or wish he would go away?
It's fine, but annoying at times. [My] Facebook profile got deleted once people didn't think I was real.
What is the biggest downside to sharing the character's name?
(See above).
Fictional Edward Cullen's best asset?
I don't know -- being good-looking or something. Maybe sparkling?
Real-life Edward Cullen's best asset?
People skills.
Has the on-screen Edward Cullen's look had any influence on yours?
Nope! I stay away from looking like him, if anything.
Be honest: Since 'Twilight' came out, have you had more luck with the ladies?
[I've had] more luck, yes, I guess. It's a good convo-starter.
