why did most television and film villains in the 1970s have the surname "Devereaux?"

[datasuspect]

i dunno.

[EstimatedProphet]

1. It was because of the Great Deveraux Conspiracy of 1972.

[Richardo]

2. I know you're not looking for a real answer here, but:

One of the heroin smugglers in 'The French Connection' (1971) was named Devereaux. He was the hapless TV host.

Perhaps the popularity of the movie started a trend. :shrug:

[datasuspect]

3. actually, i have often wondered this

one of the many useless things that seem utterly serious to me.

abner devereaux was the villain in "kiss meets the phantom of the park"

a mr. devereaux was the villain in "silver streak"

but your answer gives me more context.

alas, the search continues.

[terrya]

12. But why did they name Rue McClanahan's character in "The Golden Girls"...

Devereaux? :cry:

[Richardo]

14. She wasn't a villian but she was bad, wasn't she?

That's all I got. :shrug:

[Tommy_Carcetti]

4. They were preparing the way for Mike Devereraux, outfield for the Orioles 1988-94

Also had brief stints with the Dodgers, Braves, White Sox and Rangers.

[Cant trust em]

5. Franco-phobia?

Gives the villains some kind of classy European feel. Good name for a highly skilled jewel thief.

[AngryAmish]

8. only Devereuxs I know are Irish

[Cant trust em]

11. You piqued my curiosity.

Here's what I found.

http://www.zelo.com/firstnames/findresults.asp?name=DEVEREAUX

[KamaAina]

6. As it happens, I know a real-life villain with that surname

I think he would have been around college age back then...

[mitchum]

7. Followed closely by Falconetti

I blame it on America's prejudice against Mediterranean culture

[ghostsofgiants]

9. Falconetti is just badass.

Villains should have badass names.

[mitchum]

10. The Falconetti from the Rich Man/Poor Man miniseries was indeed a badass...

he even had a freakin' eye patch

[Blue_Tires]

13. it was all part of the massive french connection.....