Markup View

Author: CosmicRock

Jun 4th 2012 at 9:08:46 PM

Hmm, not sure George Washington is a good example. While he lived and worked with many similarly exceptional people, he is still well known for many accomplishments and achievements on his own. Washington may be thought of as part of the "Founding Fathers", but also without that context he is quite well known and respected.

I think the underlying trope idea is great, but the example is probably not the best. It may also draw unwanted controversy. John Adams, John Hancock, or Alexander Hamilton might be a better example from that set. Each of them led highly noteworthy lives, but are rarely spoken of outside of the their role as part of the revolutionary set.

I really do like the idea, so let me toss out an example or two:

Alex Lifeson of the Canadian prog rock band Rush is one of the most accomplished and influential guitarists in all of rock, but he's in a trio with philosopher and drumming legend Neal Peart and love or hate his voice soprano singer and bassist Geddy Lee.

Terry Jones of British comedy troupe "Monty Python's Flying Circus" was just as funny and talented as the other cast members. He's even had a successful post Monty Python career directing and writing. He didn't continue a visible acting career like Michael Palin, John Cleese, or Eric Idle, and he hasn't enjoyed quite the acclaim and cult following of fellow Python alumni director Terry Gilliam, but he's accomplished an impressive body of work by anyone's standards.