I'D LOVE SOME FEEDBACK / ADVICE FROM YOU GUYS

Not gonna lie, I legit thought your real name was Curtis :P

Simon Ovesen

What I mean on the first paragraph, is that I wouldn't worry about the violent past. You don't have to bring it up if it isn't relevant to the show. But having that backstory can be good to draw on for inspiration and furthering of the role into the future.

Darkstar

After much thought, I'd say Real = Rusty, Made up material/fables, Curtis Candy. I have two little nephews of my own, and they wouldn't care either way as long as the show was fun. But as far as a violent past and such, I wouldn't use that. If it isn't real stories it will mean that even the seemingly violent can have a soft side, also, what little kid doesn't enjoy seeing a chair slapping or a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire. Kids like things that shake the comfort zone, they'll scream the loudest in a horror movie and drag you to watch part two, three and four as well as the spin off. They're sensationalists trying to enjoy their life and a bit of a bad past can add depth to a persona. Violence can become an important life lesson without ever being evoked. If however your content is major drops of real life stuff, if it consists of stories that are non-fiction beginning with "Well no shit, there I was;" then I'd advise your real name. But for showmanship spruce it up. Russell, average. Rusty, amazing. Russell Williams could easily become Rusty Willy... (Actually, wait, that sounds just as family unfriendly as a man named Candy.)

Darkstar

BIG BRUH MOMENTS but actually, curtis knows about the deathnote. he's obviously the real L trying to draw out the kira, which is one of us o.o

astherphoenixxx96

Haha, meant to say “creepy”.

SilversLyfe

I think Curtis Candy is fine, just shows the name can be multi dimensional.

Russell Williams isn't as catchy as Curtis Candy on a superficial level. The Rusty name has good potential, but the question is about how much power you give to those names and if you connect certain personality aspects to them like different characters in your head... If not consider what level you're willing to rebrand for other mediums. We may never stop addressing you as Curtis, but we are a different crowd than the ones you'll face.

Jyiber

I think you should go for either your real name or a combination like what others have suggested. This seems to be more about who you are as a family man and less about the performance persona, so using your real name might make you seem more genuine.

Miklar Sihn

I think a mix of both names sound great, PS had no idea Curtis wasn't your real nam been watching you for years now lol

I agree to both maybe Rusty Candy which is kinda funny? Curtis Williams? Lots of options! Either way Ill support you fully ^^

Rusty/Curtis or whatever you want to call yourself, you are absolutely fantastic and I want you to know that whatever you do or say, we as a fan base and me as a fanboy of yours will always respect and adore you. You are hilarious, smart, and interesting, I’m so excited to see what you decide to do with yourself! Good luck and know that I will always support you.

In times like this I like to think: What would Jotaro do?

Vortex

Why not both? They are both big parts of you.

Godhand5

Honestly, I say stick with Curtis Candy. I don't see any problem with a family friendly show host's persona having a less than family friendly reputation. Look at Mr. T, a good portion of his career was pointed toward kids. He had action figures, he starred in anti-drug PSA's, and hell, he even had his face on a Captain Crunch box. If anything, I think this would be good for your Curtis persona. It'll add some depth, and help show that violence isn't all there is to him.

Sirkylelenn

How about combing your your ring name and your real name. I think Rusty Curtis has a nice ring to it.

Hmmm, not sure exactly what you would choose but I'd say perhaps a combination of your real name, and Curtis Candy, as they're both an integral part of you.

Travis Knopps

I'd go Rusty Williams. And hey I cant speak for everyone but I'd be super interested in a youtube series with some stories from your life

Moosedog

Curtis Candy and Rusty Candy sound a little too creamy. What about Curtis Williams?

SilversLyfe

First of of that was foolish to reveal your real name since someone could own a real DeathNote. Secondly it would be great to have 2 personas.

Ivan Dragneel

😄

Spaz Boys Comedy

I think using you real name would be best though I did think Curtis was your real first name

Tony Gilbert King

Rusty C.C. Williams lol new people see the name old fans see the reference

Sean Nelson

Honestly, Rusty Williams already sounds like a great stage name, so you've got an advantage there. And yeah, think of a great show name and some good material, and you're pretty set. Just stay true to yourself and read the audience, things I'm sure you're used to!

Saioshi Kurogane

I had no idea Curtis wasn't your real name. But yeah, if the show is meant to be more real and down to earth, it makes sense to use your real name.

Hmm, they are all real, and that’s something I hadn’t considered... Thank you!

Spaz Boys Comedy

If the stories you tell on stage are real, I would go for your real name. If I'm to a show for "curtis candy " and he tells story I will just think "yeah those are just made up story to be funny" so it won't have the same impact.

LireKlein

I think Curtis candy is nice especially because it ties in with your original violent persona because it shows just how much depth of character you have and if parents are worried about kids associating Curtis with something violent then this can show them that that's not the case and even rougher people can be good, kind and friendly which to me would make you a much better role model than any old one track type of person.

Mighty Snake

Go for the Rusty Williams show I say, you got nothing to lose by trying out ideas that you’re happy to try out. So my personal opinion is a simple go for it, but I’m sure many others have more specific opinions on your unique plan. Although your show almost sounds like a podcast not gonna lie, podcasts are also pretty great where the show is as long as you want it and can include any topic you desire :).

Wishmaker007

Hmm, lots of good food (I like food!) for thought already... Thanks, Gang; keep 'em coming.

Spaz Boys Comedy

I dont know if using your real name could turn out to be the wrong choice, just putting it out there: you could also just use another alias like "Goosh Curtis"or something.

Jojoekage

Honestly, I'd go with your real name. Especially since its more of things you experienced in your life. Rusty is the man that knows how to be around kids and the elderly and how to handle family friendly activities. If I remember correctly you were also a part of Braxs school experience with theater? You did that under your real name, correct? Curtis Candy is the man that just does what he wants and like you said is violent. That's not part of who you're going to be while you're up there telling the story. So, to me, it wouldn't make sense to unleash Curtis on those little kids haha.

Jake from SF

Also your old name could tie to your crude humor / violence if someone searches online for info on your kid friendly show.

PKKite

Why not just Curtis. Or Curtis Williams, or.......RUSTY CANDY

Willie Playz

I mean if you look at professional wrestlers like Mick Foley, Dolph Ziggler & the late great Roddy Piper. They all kept their wrestling names and continued doing some stand up material that is completely separate from their wrestling gimmicks. So I’d say stick with Curtis Candy.

Brother E

Being honest i could see some people see a man using the last name Candy for a child friendly show could be seen creepy clown like. Rusty sounds unique yet rustic/easy to approach. Pesonally i wouldnt care but I could see some people saying a old man putting on a show with the name Candy might be off putting.

PKKite

Curtis. Or should I say rusty? Haha whoever you are you're very funny and talented and I've followed your channel for about 3 or years now. You can make anything hilarious or captivating. Go with your instincts :) I'll be here always ti support!!

Holy shit your name is not Curtis? I have been here for two years and have just now found this out.

Biggie Cheese