I’ve watched Over the Edge probably more than 100 times and Claude Zachary is my favorite character. I used to look like him when I was his age–my hair was lighter and I wore overalls. Actually he looks like all my brothers. He could easily be a McGinley. Also, one time I took mescaline in Spanish class and had a very similar experience to his art-exam freakout.

Ever since high school I’ve used Claude’s name as an alias anytime I’ve ever gotten into trouble. About ten years ago I got caught jumping a subway turnstile and when they asked for ID I said I didn’t have any and that my name was Claude Zachary. I’ve told countless cops and highway patrolmen and park rangers I was Claude Zachary when I’ve been stopped during shoots on my road trips. Sometimes I’ll sign my name as Claude Zachary at Whole Foods just for the whatever of it–they don’t even look at the signature. Finally, Claude Zachary was the name of my wifi network for a while.

Meeting Claude Zachary that night was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I feel like now I’ve accomplished something real and meaningful. I can’t believe that he lives in New York and I could have theoretically walked by him on the street at some point. I just met Janet Jackson in London a few days ago but I was more starstruck by Claude. Over the Edge definitely wins out over Rhythm Nation. And I say that as a loyal citizen of said nation.

Ryan McGinley