I HAVE THE SAME NAME AS A FAMOUS ENTREPRENEUR. IT TRANSFORMED MY LIFE

Have you ever wondered how many people share your name?

For Dr. Elizabeth Stein, a pediatrician in Colorado, the thought had never crossed her mind - until one day in 2009, when a curious email landed in her inbox.

The message, addressed simply to 'Elizabeth Stein,' referred to an unfamiliar 'editing project.' 

At the time, Dr. Stein had just graduated from medical school and was on a break to care for her infant daughter. Editing was not exactly on her radar.

The sender, non-fiction author Ted Anton, was seeking help copy-editing a manuscript on 'longevity gene research.'

Intrigued by the subject matter - and by the serendipitous nature of the mistake -Elizabeth decided to respond, letting Anton know he had reached the wrong person. 

Still, she saw an opportunity.

Considering her extensive science background and open availability to work she replied: 'If the other Elizabeth Stein isn't interested, I'd love the chance to work with you.' 

She then attached her CV and waited.

Just hours later, Anton replied with an enthusiastic yes. 

'What a funny mistaken email address…' he mused, before sending over the 120-page manuscript. 

Without meaning to, Dr. Elizabeth Stein had landed her first freelance editing gig - thanks to an email meant for someone else.

That one wrong message would be the first of many.

'I was an early email adopter, which won me the unexpected job of playing secretary to several Elizabeth Steins,' she later told the DailyMail.com. 

Over the years, her inbox filled with other people's messages - flight itineraries, Hebrew school updates, midwifery newsletters, condo notices, even bank statements. Most were mundane and easily deleted.

But in 2015, another misdirected message would lead to something far more meaningful.

This time, the email came from a representative for actor and comedian Darrell Hammond, referencing feedback on a 'session' related to an upcoming project. 

Once again, it had been meant for a different Elizabeth Stein - this one, Liz Stein, an executive editor at HarperCollins Publishers.

Dr. Stein quickly responded, letting the sender know they had the wrong person.

Soon after, she heard directly from Liz herself. 

What began as a brief, amused exchange turned into a regular correspondence. 

The two Elizabeths began emailing like old-fashioned pen pals, bonding over the bizarre way their paths had crossed.

They eventually met in person during a visit to New Jersey, where Liz was living at the time.

'I got away from my in-laws for a much-needed, fun night,' Dr. Stein recalled. 'We went to dinner, and my husband and I even stayed over at her house. She's lovely.'

Their friendship blossomed over the years, strengthened by shared stories, accidentally sent messages and even small favors. 

'Once, Liz edited my stepdad's memoir, which he just recently self-published. She was really helpful,' Dr. Stein said.

Other mix-ups have continued to pop up along the way.

In 2010, Dr. Stein received an invitation from Nancy Jarecki - wife of acclaimed film director Andrew Jarecki - inviting 'dearest friends' to the New York premiere of All Good Things, starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. 

The email contained private details about the exclusive New York City event and as tempting as it was, this sender wasn't as forgiving, and Dr. Stein respectfully stayed home.

Then in 2013, she was once again confused for editor Liz Stein when someone from the Savannah College of Art and Design inquired about professional editing services.

This time, Dr. Stein passed the opportunity along to the rightful recipient - her now friend and go-to editor.

For Dr. Elizabeth Stein, sharing a name with others turned out to be more than just an occasional email inconvenience.

It brought her unexpected work, a front-row seat to unique moments, and most importantly - a meaningful friendship, born from a digital case of mistaken identity.

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2025-04-20T17:14:13Z