In the 1998 December issue of Frederick Magazine Bette W. of Urbana "Asked Fred" a question.  Here's what you'll find on page 61.

Q. I've noticed that at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, one of the directors on its board (one of its actors as well) is named Trent.  That's it: Trent.  No last name, and all I can think of is, is he like Cher or Englebert?   It's bugging me!  What's his last name?  Does he have a last name?   Why does he go just by his first name?

Bette W.
Urbana

A. "Well, it's not like Cher," says Trent, the man with only one name.  "I can't sing, and I'm not a woman, and I'm not like Englebert, either, though he is a man.  As to what my last name is, well, it's Trent."  So the real question is what's his first name?  Fred (it can be said) now knows Trent's first name, but he's also been sworn to secrecy ... until the proper number of $20 bills arrives into the magazine's office.  "I've gone by my last name since I was 12, and it's something that I've always enjoyed hearing.  At the same time, being an actor, having just a last name keeps it different, and it's something that people always ask about ... it's not an ego thing, either.  If I can make one person smile each day, I'll die a happy man, and maybe --- having just one name --- maybe they won't forget me."

Do you have questions for Fred?

There's nothing he can't handle.  Send your queries to "Ask Fred" at Frederick Magazine, 6 East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701 or send email: Fred@frederickmagazine.com