Famous Dons Quiz | Thematic Names

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. I was a song-and-dance man in my childhood days. I talked to mules, danced with Gene Kelly, hosted the "Colgate Comedy Hour", sang with Ethel Merman, and romanced Marilyn Monroe (on film). Which Don was I?

Answer: Donald O'Connor

O'Connor starred in a series of low budget musicals and worked his way to top of musical/comedy films. He overcame alcoholism to continue to be a well-regarded performer. His performance in "Singing in the Rain" (1952) contained one of the classic numbers, "Make 'em Laugh".

2. I earned my fortune as a real estate developer with my father as a role model. My lifestyle has often been in the headlines, as has my hair, and my television ventures. I am a pro, not an apprentice. Which Don am I?

Answer: Donald Trump

Often just referred to as "The Donald", Trump has gone both boom and bust in the real estate development game. His television show, "The Apprentice", has many loyal viewers and his catchphrase "You're fired" has come into the American lexicon. In 2016 he was elected the 45th president of the US.

3. As a cartoon character I am known for a short fuse on my temper and the fact I wear no pants. Mickey and Goofy are my friends and I have three rambunctious nephews. Name me.

Answer: Donald Duck

Donald Duck was created by the Disney Studio in 1934 by Dick Lunde and is regarded as one of the most popular cartoon characters, along with Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny. Donald was originally voiced by Clarence 'Duck' Nash for nearly fifty years. Under agreement with Disney, the University of Oregon made Donald Duck the official mascot and awarded Donald an honorary degree. Donald wears a swimming suit when at the beach.

4. I was portrayed by both Marlon Brando and Robert DeNiro. Each had a turn in playing a 'Don' on the screen. In this context, 'Don' is used as title for a mafia leader. Which Don was I?

Answer: Don Corleone

Brando won the Academy Award in 1972 for playing Don Vito Corleone in "The Godfather". DeNiro won in 1974 playing the same character as a young man in "The Godfather Part Two".

5. People come to see me to hear me insult them and just about anyone else that becomes a target, particularly hecklers. Do any of you hockey pucks know my name?

Answer: Don Rickles

Called the Master of Venom, Rickles is an equal opportunity for insults to all people. Here are a few directed to David Letterman when Rickles was a 'guest' on his late night show:

10. Do yourself a favor, Letterman -- make an appointment with a brain surgeon.
9. Who picks your clothes -- Stevie Wonder?
8. Why are you always speeding, Letterman? It's not like you've got people holding their breath 'til you get there.
7. Personally, I liked you better when you were on the cover of "Mad Magazine".
6. Don't look now, but something died on your head.
5. This is the part of the show where I always say to myself, 'I wonder what Koppel's doing tonight'.
4. Ball State -- now there's a real hotbed of rocket scientists.
3. If Drew Barrymore hadn't flashed you, you wouldn't have had any sex life at all.
2. Hey, Dave, I'm having an Oscar party this year. I hope you won't be working that night.
1. Letterman, let's face it -- you put the 'suck' in success.

6. Moliere wrote a play about me; Byron wrote an epic poem; Mozart wrote an opera. But was I, Don Juan, a real or fictional character?

Answer: Fictional

Don Juan is fictional, but there is a Spanish legend. In brief, Don Juan impregnates a woman whose father returns as a ghost and drags him into hell. Legend builds on legend. One source listed over ninety songs, novels, plays, poems based on the character. Don Juan has become a synonym for a libertine and womanizer.

7. I did not let a prison record slow me down. I became the most recognizable boxing promoter in the world. I am known for being controversial and for my flamboyant hair style. Which Don am I?

Answer: Don King

For seventeen years, King was a numbers runner and ran gambling operations. During this time he shot one man, but it was ruled justifiable homicide. Another man he beat to death on a public street for which he was imprisoned for four years claiming self-defense.

When he was released he became a boxing promoter. He has assisted over a hundred boxers to earn over a million dollars in the ring. He has been constantly in the headlines for the many law suits filed against him and for his alleged underworld associations.

He was a firm backer of George W. Bush.

8. I had a long show business career. I started out in vaudeville in the 1920s and became a featured leading man in films in the 1930s and 1940s as well as being a regular voice on radio. After a period of semi-retirement I returned to the screen in "Cocoon" (1985) and remained active in films. Which Don am I?

Answer: Don Ameche

Ameche's film career was highlighted by "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell" in which Ameche 'invented' the telephone. A slang word for telephone for many years was an 'ameche'. Ameche came back strong in his later years with performances in "Cocoon"(1985), "Cocoon, the Return" (1988), "Trading Places" (1983), and "Folks" (1992), a very funny and much under-rated film.

9. I have been credited with producing probably the most successful news magazine television program. My creation yielded nine Peabody Awards for Broadcasting. Which Don am I?

Answer: Don Hewitt

The show "60 Minutes" first aired in 1968. It has won at least 78 Emmy Awards. Hewitt is credited with being the guiding genius of the long-running news program which, according to one source, was like herding cats. Such strong personalities as Mike Wallace, Harry Reasoner, Andy Rooney, and Morley Safer, Meredith Vieira, Ed Bradley, and Charles Kuralt, to mention a few, have made it 'must watch TV' for many Americans.

10. I was called a 'shock jock', a disc jockey who pushed the envelope on radio regulations, humor, political correctness, and satire. However, my cunning wit has continued on radio. I am often the center of controversy and have had my program canceled due to intemperate and inappropriate remarks. Still, many news-makers and political types continue to appear on my programs. Which Don am I?

Answer: Don Imus

"Imus in the Morning" is a staple of early morning radio in many areas of the US. Imus runs a summer camp for children with cancer in New Mexico to which he both donates and raises funds. In 2007, he was fired after making inappropriate remarks about the Rutgers women's basketball team.

He has received three Marconi Awards for excellence in broadcasting. In 1997, "Time" magazine listed him as one of the twenty-five most influential Americans.

Source: Author Rehaberpro

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Pagiedamon before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Famous Dons Trivia Quiz

'Don' is the thirteenth most common name for men in English speaking countries. How many of these do you know?

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