Who is C. F. Frost, whose name appears on sample American Express cards?

Illustration by Slug Signorino

Cecil replies:

Charles Frost–or Chuck, as we like to call him–is a real person. He was an account executive for the advertising firm of Ogilvy & Mather, which put together the original “Do you know me?” ads for American Express. Ogilvy and Amex thought it would be convenient to use Frost’s name on the sample ads rather than some phony moniker, which would probably turn out to be the real name of some joker in Pocatello who would sue for privacy infringement. Luckily for Chuck, the number on the credit card was not his real American Express card number. Mr. Frost later left Ogilvy & Mather to establish his own ad agency in Manhattan, but he remained on good terms with the folks at American Express. He was an honored guest at a party Amex threw to kick off the fund-raising effort for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. He was featured in a “Do you know me?” skit during this event, and while it is probable that many of the attendees did in fact know him, he has remained pretty much a mystery to the world at large. We’re happy to do our part to give him wider fame.

Cecil Adams

Send questions to Cecil via cecil@straightdope.com.