Individual actors Books

Book SynopsisOlivia Newton-John exudes star power and timeless glamour. She has sold 60 million records around the world, topped the charts in the US and the UK four times, and is known all over the world for her role as Sandy opposite John Travolta in Grease. But behind the successful singing and film career lies the story of a remarkable survivor. Olivia''s life has been repeatedly touched by trauma, heartache, personal tragedy and her own life-threatening cancer. Tim Ewbank''s revealing biography charts the highs and lows of her career, and the personal crises that have affected her personal life - but never defeated her.

Read more less

Book SynopsisKiefer Sutherland has not always led the pampered life of a son of celebrity parents. He has carved his own path, made his own mistakes, as well as some unusual and surprising life decisions along the way. Kiefer Sutherland: The Biography traces the actor''s life from his childhood, through his parents'' divorce to his struggle to break into acting and the success he has achieved today. He has appeared in almost 60 films but his role as Jack Bauer in 24 has given him a new, international audience. This biography explores his versatility as an actor, his involvement with the Brat Pack when he became known as a hellraiser, and the years when he turned his back on Hollywood to travel on the rodeo circuit. In this first biography of the notorious actor, the author will explore the relationships in Kiefer''s life: the unique and enduring bond with his father, Donald Sutherland, and his chequered love life including the cancellation of his wedding to Julia Roberts. Bestselling writer Laura J

Read more less

Book SynopsisJudy Garland, the girl with the pigtails in THE WIZARD OF OZ, was an entertainer of almost magical power. The woman of half a dozen comebacks and a hundred heartbreaks. To tell her story, Gerald Clarke took ten years, travelled thousands of miles across two continents, conducted hundreds of interviews, and combed through mountains of documents, many of which were unavailable to other biographers. Combining a novelist''s skill and a movie director''s eye, Clarke re-creates the golden age of Hollywood with cinematic urgency: Louis B Mayer, the patriarch of MGM; sexy Lana Turner, Judy''s friend and idol, who had a habit of trying to snatch away any man Judy expressed interest in; clarinettist Artie Shaw, handsome Tyrone Power; boy genius Orson Welles and brilliant director Vincente Minnelli, who fathered her first child, Liza. Towards the end of her life, Garland tried to tell her own story. With access to her tape recordings - and her revelatory unfinished manuscript - Clarke is Trade Review[A] masterful biography. * SUNDAY TIMES *A Hollywood biography in the classic mould...[it is the] deep insecurity allied with greatness that Clarke explores so well. This is a sympathetic biography in that it seeks explanations, although Clarke properly makes no attempt to gloss over the Garland * GLASGOW HERALD *This biography carries us through Garland's show-stopping highs and pill-popping lows in high style, showing her considerable wit and glamour as well as the misery of a young performer manipulated by the studio...Clarke's biography whips smoothly through the years with minimal hyperbole and his subject emerges triumphant. * OBSERVER *There have been plenty of books on Judy, but Clarke is the only writer to have access to her 68 manuscript pages of her unfinished biography. Drawing on a remarkable number of sources, he has produced the definitive life. * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe number-one Sunday Times bestseller''Walters''s book - also well written - has moments of Alan Bennett warmth'' SUNDAY TIMES''This is a humorous and, at times, moving read from this much-loved actress'' WOMAN AND HOME''I was enthralled by her memoirs ... a celebrity memoir which is actually worth reading as a work of literature'' AN Wilson, READER''S DIGESTHer mum wanted her to be a nurse so that is what Julie did.But in her heart she had always wanted to be an actress and soon she was on stage at the local theatre in Liverpool. Her career snowballed with highlights that include Educating Rita, Billy Elliot, Harry Potter, Acorn Antiques, Dinner Ladies and Mamma Mia! She has been nominated for two Oscars, been awarded multiple BAFTAs and a Golden Globe, plus been honoured with a DBE. This is the heart-warming and funny story of that journey.Trade ReviewFunny, evocative... and underpinned throughout by an appealing sense of humanity * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *Walters's book - also well written - has moments of Alan Bennett warmth * SUNDAY TIMES *This is a humorous and, at times, moving read from this much-loved actress * WOMAN & HOME *I was enthralled by her memoirs ... a celebrity memoir which is actually worth reading as a work of literature -- A N Wilson * READER'S DIGEST *THAT'S ANOTHER STORY is funny, evocative, reasonably revealing and underpinned throughout by an appealing sense of humanity. * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *The Walters who emerges from THAT'S ANOTHER STORY is a mischievous Brummie whose childhood seems to belong to an earlier century, with its horse-drawn milkcart. * GUARDIAN *If you can imagine Julie Walters sitting down to tell you the story of her life...this earthy, moving, none too sentimental memoir...is just as you would imagine it. * INDEPENDENT *characteristically amusing and astute * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn inspiring story of following God’s voice, overcoming the odds, and ultimately experiencing true personal transformation.Trade Review'Transformed is a truly inspiring story of an abrupt transition to a new land, survival, and perseverance--the definition of the SEAL creed of never quit. A descendant of warriors and chieftains from Africa, Remi Adeleke became a warrior and a leader here.' -- Scott McEwen, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor, American Sniper 'It's sometimes easy to fall victim to the false narrative that we can't rise above our station. Yet Remi takes that premise to task in this powerful memoir. He takes the soldier's story and turns it inside out by looking at how his incredible past gave way to his present.' --Corey Hawkins, Lead actor, Straight Outta Compton, Kong Skull Island, and 6 Underground 'Transformed is a masterful display of the good, bad, and ugly that life tends to throw our way. In this book you see how overcoming adversity became a normal way of life for Remi Adeleke and, equally important, how you can mimic his attributes to overcome the odds in your life.' --Joe Kuhns, Navy SEAL Senior Chief, retired 'Remi Adeleke is truly transformed in the deepest sense of the word, and his book will have a lasting impact on many souls.' --Kathie Lee Gifford, Today cohost, New York Times bestselling author, and friend 'This book is more powerful than I could have imagined! Transformed is less about invincible, somewhat mysterious supersoldiers and more about very awed, vulnerable, yet courageous men, a strong story about the trial and error of the human spirit.' --Neil Brown, Jr., Lead actor, SEAL Team, CBS, and Insecure, HBO

Read more less

Book SynopsisWords of the Dragon is an anthology of newspaper and magazine interviews from 1958 to 1973 revealing Bruce Lee''s own fascinating words and explanations about Bruce himself, his art and philosophy.Interesting and insightful, Words of the Dragon provides the reader a means to understand the real Bruce Lee, offering us a unique keyhole through which to view the private life and personal struggles of the late martial arts superstar. These interviews provide us with Lee''s own interpretations of life, the martial arts, international stardom, and his cross-cultural marriage during a time of racism. This Bruce Lee book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features: Bruce Lee''s Striking Thoughts Bruce Lee''s The Tao of Gung Fu Bruce Lee Artist of Life Bruce Lee Letters of the Dragon Bruce Lee The Art of Expressing the Human Body Bruce Lee Jeet Kune Do Trade Review"The strength of this book, I felt, was in the interesting footnotes the editor provided at the end of each chapter. The footnotes shed more light and context…and include many interesting anecdotes themselves." --Man of la Book blog"If you know nothing of Bruce Lee, this book can work as a different introduction to his life. One thing many would find interesting as fans of Bruce Lee is the way the interviews highlight the world at that time. All the while you get a sense for the Lee family's goals and outlooks at the time each article is written as they look forward to a bright future. Overall, the book seems to connect the reader to the Lee family in total quite well, not just Bruce. It's pretty interesting to read" --Martial Arts & Action Movies blog

Read more less

Book SynopsisSteve Waters examines how the very idea of film has defined him as a playwright and a person in this book. Through the the lens of cinema, it provides a cultural and political snapshot of life in Britain from the 2nd part of the 20th century up to the present day. The films spanning almost a century, starting with The White Hell of Pitz Palu (1929) and moving most recently to Dark Waters (2019), each chapter examines aspects of Waters''s journey from his working-class Midlands upbringing to working in professional theatre to living through the Covid epidemic, through the prism of a particular film. From The Wizard of Oz to Code Unknown, from sci-fi to documentary, from queer cinema to world cinema, this honest, comic book offers a view of film as a way of thinking about how we live. In doing so, it illuminates culture and politics in the UK over half a century and provides an intimate insight into drama and writing.Trade ReviewPlaywright Steve Waters has come up with a brilliantly simple and original idea: a memoir built round the movies that have shaped his life. The result is partly autobiography, partly social history and partly a hymn of praise to the medium that made him. A jewel of a book: informative, moving, witty and compelling. -- David EdgarTable of ContentsIntroduction – Dark Waters (2019, Todd Haynes) Watching film in an age of Covid The Wizard of Oz (1939, Victor Fleming) Working-class cinema-going in the Midlands; children and adult film; the Western; film as an embodiment of maleness Logan’s Run (1976, Michael Anderson) Rural England and the appeal of horror and sci-fi; rural v city; class conflict Nosferatu The Vampyre (1979, Werner Herzog) Grammar school in the 80s; uncinematic nature of provincial Britain; discovery of art and European film Solaris (1972, Andrei Tarkovsky) Coming of age during Thatcher and punk; film and cycling; the rise of Channel 4 as a vector for film; second cold war; Solaris v Apocalypse Now Shoah (1985, Claude Lanzmann) Kibbutz Dalia, Israel; Film and internationalism; film and the Holocaust; travels in the Middle East; confirmation bias Vagabond (1985, Agnès Varda) Film and intellectualism at Oxford University; feminist and queer film; making film Comrades (1986, Bill Douglas) Film, work and radical politics; Communist and the city of Bristol; theatre and radical film-making; John Akomfrah and Julian Isaac The White Hell of Pitz Palu (1929, Arnold Fanck and GW Pabst) Becoming a teacher; film history and education; falling in love through film Reservoir Dogs (1992, Quentin Tarantino) Studying with playwrights Sarah Kane and David Edgar; Reservoir Dogs and Blasted; caught between film and theatre; influence of David Mamet, Quentin Tarantino and Sarah Kane Winter Light (1963, Ingmar Bergman) Film, marriage and faith; Bergman and Bresson; film as ritual; becoming a theatre director; becoming a playwright Code Unknown (2001, Michael Haneke) Film and London; residential playwright at Hampstead Theatre; writing and multi-culturalism; Haneke's pessimism versus 'Cool Britannia' The Wind Will Carry Us (2000, Abbas Kiarostami) After 9/11; film and the War on Terror; film and having children; writing World music; influence of Iranian film An Inconvenient Truth (2006, Davis Guggenheim) Film and ecology; climate change activism and writing The Contingency Plan; adapting theatre to film Hell or High Water (2016, David Mackenzie) Film and precarity; parents' death; illness; end of cinema; growth of populism Afterword - Girlhood (2019, Céline Sciamma) Watching films with my daughter Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis''A gold mine of gossip with a cast of thousands'' GUARDIANThe unexpurgated diaries of one of the greatest, most talented, and wittily flamboyant characters of the 20th century - with a new introduction by Stephen Fry''Compulsive reading'' SUNDAY TIMES''19th February 1956. A A Milne has died. Lord Beaverbrook has not ... Larry is going to make a movie of The Sleeping Prince with Marilyn Monroe, which might conceivably drive him round the bend''''28th February 1960 Princess Margaret has announced her engagement to Tony Armstrong-Jones ... He looks quite pretty, but whether or not the marriage is entirely suitable remains to be seen.''Noel Coward was a renowned actor, dramatist, director - and star. His incredible zest, versatility and unrivalled wit are revealed in these diaries, with a cast of characters ranging from The Beatles to the Queen, Churchill to Marilyn Monroe.Touching, funny and reveTrade ReviewA constant delight. A gold mine of gossip with a cast of thousands * GUARDIAN *Compulsive reading: a very clear portrait. What Coward has to say about other people is light-hearted, witty, often shrewd, totally without malice ... His final entertainment for everyone's pleasure is these diaries * SUNDAY TIMES *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''The stories, the gossip, the glamour! Discover it all and more'' Woman & Home''[A] hugely engaging and riveting memoir'' The Lady''Unstoppable, a veritable living legend'' Daily Mail''All you''d hope for from the stiletto-stamping diva'' The i paper*****''Some stories from my amazing adventures in life I''ve only ever shared with friends... Until now!''Dame Joan Collins has always believed one should retain some mystery in life, and hide a knowing smile behind one''s shoulder pads. Returning in dazzling form, she shares her most memorable moments from a vibrant life in the limelight. From her early years as a young star in the golden era of Hollywood to stamping her stilettos in Dynasty; from the glittering heights of Saint Tropez to the busy Oscars season, join Joan as she takes you on an incredible journey through a life well-lived!Filled

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe comic autobiography of 2014 A comedian''s autobiography? I wonder if he''s ever used humour to deflect from his insecurities? To avoid being bullied? Is there heartache behind the humour? I wonder if he''s a manic-depressive? Tears of a clown? Yes, all of that. Discover the hilarious life-story of one of Britain''s best-loved comedians in Kevin Bridges'' brilliant memoir. ''First of all, I have never written a book before, you probably haven''t either, so there we have it; a connection is established between reader and writer . . .'' Aged just 17, Kevin Bridges walked on stage for the first time in a Glasgow comedy club and brought the house down. He only had a five-minute set but in that short time he discovered that he really could earn a living from making people laugh. Kevin began life as a shy, nerve-ridden school-boy, whose weekTrade ReviewKevin Bridges might just become the best stand-up in the land . . . he will go and deliver a one-liner that you want to jot down and frame * The Times *The Best Scottish Stand up of his Generation. * The Scotsman *A wonderfully dry and deadpan Glaswegian comic . . . one the most exciting talents to have emerged from Scotland since Billy Connolly * Guardian *Wonderfully sharp, assured stand-up from the preternaturally gifted young comic * Independent *Scotland's young comedy prodigy * Guardian *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''A CINEMATIC RECORD OF HOW AN ACTOR SHAPES A CAREER'' Tom Hanks''FUNNY, SAD AND HEARTFELT'' Vince Gilligan''GRITTY, FUNNY AND SAD'' Entertainment Weekly''A SUPERB ANECDOTALIST'' Sunday Times Culture''RIVETING... ENGROSSING'' Huffington PostBRYAN CRANSTON maps his journey from abandoned son to beloved star, recalling the many odd parts he''s played in real life, and chronicles his evolution on camera. For the first time he shares the story of his early years, from his time as a soap opera regular to his recurring spots on Seinfeld and his role as bumbling father Hal on Malcolm in the Middle, along with an inspiring account of how he prepared for the award-winning role of President Lyndon Johnson.Of course, Cranston dives deep into the grittiest details of his greatest role, explaining how he searched inward for the personal darkness that would help him create one of thTrade ReviewBryan Cranston has created a cinematic record of how an actor shapes a career and an identity and a legacy all at the same time. -- Tom HanksI loved this book. It's just the right mixture of funny, sad and heartfelt. If I'd known Bryan could tell stories this well, I would have had him writing episodes of Breaking Bad. -- Vince GilliganThe highs here -and there are many -are meth-less but addictive. * KIRKUS REVIEWS *This splendid, moving, heartbreaking memoir is doubly triumphant. It regales and entertains while at the same time providing inspiration and practical wisdom. A truly gifted storyteller, Cranston captures the reader's imagination and emotions from beginning to end. -- Doris Kearns GoodwinBy turns gritty,funny, and sad, this fiercely intelligent book from the Breaking Bad star defies celebrity memoir tropes. -- Entertainment Weekly[A] substantial memoir from one of Hollywood's most introspective stars...anyone interested in acting will devour Cranston's savvy advice about honing one's craft and building one's career. -- BooklistIt's an engrossing first-person account by one of our finest actors and I couldn't put it down. -- Phil Simon * HUFFINGTON POST *Fans of Breaking Bad will be glued to this riveting memoir, which looks at how he worked to create such a dark and legendary character. But long before Walter White, Bryan Cranston's life story was fascinating and dramatic. * IRISH COUNTRY MAGAZINE *His memoir, A Life in Parts, shows him as a superb anecdotalist with an honest take on how he dealt with fame found later in life. * SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE *a fascinating read and a satisfying look into Cranston's life -- Pip Ellwood * ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS *A great guy reading his great book to you like you're both just downing session IPAs in some crack-in-the-wall bar no one else has found. Cranston's widely acclaimed memoir has been winning praise for its earnest account of a good man fighting to be the actor he always dreamed of, and his gentle, confessional honesty shines through all the more when spoken in his loveable folksy tones. * MR HYDE *Candid and richly entertaining memoir -- Jane Shilling * DAILY MAIL *

Read more less

Book SynopsisNot only is Al Pacino known as ''one of the greatest actors in all of film history'', he is also considered ''one of Hollywood''s most notorious bachelors'' (imdb.com) as well as being one of the most enigmatic and private celebrities in the world. For the first time, AL PACINO offers a deeply personal and revealing window into everything from his growing up in the South Bronx, where he shared three rooms with nine people, to his fabled studies with Charles Laughton and Lee Strasberg, his father''s absence, his mother''s early death, and how he bounced through a series of odd jobs until his first paid role at the age of 26. He reveals his childhood dream of becoming a professional baseball player, describes his first drink at 13, and admits his once ate Valium like popcorn at the Academy Awards. Though he has been involved with women like Diane Keaton and Beverly D''Angelo, the mother of his three children, he has never married and here reveals why, and how his feelings have changed. T

Read more less

Book Synopsis''[A] fascinating voyage round McKellen'' Simon Callow, Guardian''Surely the definitive McKellen biography'' Alexander Larman, Observer''A well-researched, eminently readable book'' Benedict Nightingale, The TimesFew actors achieve in their lifetime what Sir Ian McKellen has. A repertoire of vast commercial success coupled with critically acclaimed and authoritative Shakespearian roles. A man whose achievements inspire both admiration and affection. McKellen has been feted and admired in every country across the globe, and has been knighted by, and received the Companionship of Honour from Queen Elizabeth II. He is an icon of, and ardent campaigner in the cause for LGBT rights.Many of us know of McKellen through his depiction of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. Garry O''Connor''s definitive biography reveals the man behind McKellen the actor. The inside story of the person himself: a constantly developing drama aTrade Review[A] fascinating voyage round McKellen -- Simon Callow * Guardian *With his varied career and position as LGBT campaigner, icon Sir Ian McKellen's story is one that delights and inspires * WOMAN & HOME *A well-researched, eminently readable book * THE TIMES *There is serious analysis of McKellen's greatest performances - Iago, Richard III, Gandalf - and some of his less successful ones ... Yet O'Connor also has time for theatre lore and gossip ... It is as much a "voyage of discovery" around British theatre as it is around its subject's psyche, but unless McKellen rethinks his decision and writes his memoirs, this sprawling portrait might be as close as anyone gets. * THE SUNDAY TIMES *Sir Ian McKellen got cold feet about writing his memoirs, in the end returning a substantial advance to his publisher. In its stead his old friend Garry O'Connor has produced a fascinating account of the actor's life and career - his passions, his craft, his gay rights activism, not to mention his generosity ("Gandalf pays"' is his habitual cry at the end of a meal) ... This is surely the de?nitive McKellen biography. * THE OBSERVER *A revealing and in-depth look at [McKellen's] wide-ranging career and personal relationships * CHOICE magazine *[An] extensive new biography written by Garry O'Connor, whom [McKellen] met 60 years ago when they were students at Cambridge. The book deals with all areas of McKellen's eventful life, professional, personal and political: from his energetic campaigning for gay rights to the time he kissed Tony Blair; his acclaimed Shakespeare roles and his much-loved Gandalf in Lord of the Rings and Widow Twankey in panto; and his close friendships with Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi and Patrick Stewart * RADIO TIMES *A fascinating biographical study of a stellar acting career - including the secrets that lie behind it * Guardian *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWalking with Ghosts is the stunningly evocative memoir by Irish actor and Hollywood star, Gabriel Byrne.'Dreamy, lyrical and utterly unvarnished' – Colm TóibínAs a young boy growing up in the outskirts of Dublin, Gabriel Byrne sought refuge in a world of imagination among the fields and hills near his home, at the edge of a rapidly encroaching city. Born to working-class parents and the eldest of six children, he harboured a childhood desire to become a priest. When he was eleven years old, Byrne found himself crossing the Irish Sea to join a seminary in England. Four years later, Byrne had been expelled and he quickly returned to his native city. There he took odd jobs as a messenger boy and a factory labourer to get by. In his spare time he visited the cinema, where he could be alone and yet part of a crowd. It was here that he could begin to imagine a life beyond the grey world of ’60s Ireland.He revelled in the theatre and poetry of Dublin’s streets, populated by characters as eccentric and remarkable as any in fiction, those who spin a yarn with acuity and wit. It was a friend who suggested Byrne join an amateur drama group, a decision that would change his life forever and launch him on an extraordinary forty-year career in film and theatre. Moving between sensual recollection of childhood in a now almost vanished Ireland and reflections on stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway, Byrne also courageously recounts his battle with addiction and the ambivalence of fame.Walking with Ghosts is by turns hilarious and heartbreaking as well as a lyrical homage to the people and landscapes that ultimately shape our destinies.‘Make no mistake about it: this is a masterpiece . . . poetic, moving and very funny’ – Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World SpinTrade ReviewThe wonder of this memoir is its unembellished truth. It is written by a man whose amazing story is the stuff of literature -- Edna O'BrienSo beautiful, it seems extraordinary that [Byrne] has kept this light under a bushel all this time . . . Gorgeous -- Graham Norton, BBC Radio 2An absolutely marvellous book . . . beautifully written, poetic . . . it’s a really riveting read -- Colm TóibínGabriel Byrne has written the most beautiful memoir. This is haunting prose and wondrous, sad, uplifting, my book of the year -- Claire KeeganWalking With Ghosts is lavish with lyricism, but presents a pretty unvarnished version of its author . . . The book is also a conscious departure: stylistically ambitious, purposefully (and successfully) so * The Guardian *Thoughtful, moving and without a trace of self-indulgence, this honest and beautifully-written book reads more like a novel than a memoir, drawing the reader into a narrative that is full of courage, humour and above all, humanity. I really loved Walking with Ghosts and can't recommend it highly enough -- Christine Dwyer HickeyImagine Séamus Heaney's eye falling on Hollywood's glare . . . it really did remind me of Séamus Heaney, it seemed to have that very sharp focus and also that wonderfully lyrical way of expressing it -- Richard Coles, BBC Radio 4Make no mistake about it: this is a masterpiece. A book that will wring out our tired hearts. It is by turns poetic, moving and very funny. You will find it on the shelf alongside other great Irish memoirs including those by Frank McCourt, Nuala O'Faolain and Edna O’Brien -- Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World SpinThe allure of Gabriel Byrne's memoir is that it persuasively humanizes what it is to be a big deal movie star. Byrne is wonderfully without cant or bluster or phony humility. Instead he leads with felicity, candor, humor and empathy. In the end, he seems to be somebody you'd be glad to know -- Richard FordByrne arrives at a truth greater than an honest and sensitive memoir; he verges on a profoundly touching articulation of our short time on earth, time that will make of each of us nothing more or less than a ghost -- Mia Colleran * Irish Independent *A wry and warm, swirling poetic reverie of a memoir -- Colin BarrettA joy of a book - full of heart and humour, beautifully told -- Sinéad GleesonDestined to be a classic . . . What makes Gabriel Byrne a great writer is that he knows that whether we are wicked or good, few of us get what we deserve * Sunday Independent *Reading the book was a beautiful experience; it’s superb. It really is a very special book so if you love someone buy it for them for Christmas -- Eamon DunphyStructured around an imaginary, haunted visit to the Dublin of his youth, the book does offer sketches from the movie wonderland – John Boorman being bossy on Excalibur, testy encounters with Laurence Olivier in the 1980s – but it is more to do with conjuring up a now-vanished Ireland. The smell of the Guinness brewery. Early acting experiences in a nativity play. The church, everywhere the church * Irish Times *The writing is so vivid it’s as if we are by Gabriel Byrne’s shoulder through the sorrowful times and the joyous moments. He weaves an intimate and absorbing tapestry of the poignant and the funny -- Kirsty WarkA working-class family memoir as well as a meditation on fame and its discontents -- Sena O'Hagan * Observer *Walking with Ghosts is exquisite. This book feels like the culmination of a long literary career and not the debut of a famous actor. Byrne makes himself fully vulnerable while in total command of language and form. There is great truth and great beauty in this close examination of a life and the passage of time. I’ve never read a memoir so raw and honest and literary and absolutely, staggeringly brilliant -- Lily King[Byrne] writes with much more depth than the typical celebrity memoirist, accessing some of Seamus Heaney’s earthiness and James Joyce’s grasp of how Catholic guilt can shape an artist . . . A melancholy but gemlike memoir, elegantly written and rich in hard experience * Kirkus (starred review) *Mercurial, ferociously honest and moving . . . A poignant symphony of memories and dreams, longing and loss, in a search for the immigrants most elusive prize, home -- Karl Geary, author of MontpelierA poetic journey into those secret realms of memory which dominate our lives, but are rarely spoken about. By revealing himself with such courage, compassion, and exquisite poise, Gabriel Byrne gives readers that rare gift of being able to see themselves in the feelings of another person. This book is more than a memoir—it’s a mirror that reflects the deepest parts of us in exile -- Simon Van BooyA remembrance of the Ireland Byrne left behind, one which is no longer there * Hot Press, '2020 Books of the Year' *Dazzles with unflinching honesty, as it celebrates the exuberance of being alive to the world despite living through pain. [Byrne's] portrait of an artist as a young boy is steeped in nostalgia of the best sort, re-creating the pull of home . . . With this tender book — full of warm and often funny stories — Byrne shows us the depth of his true character * Washington Post *In emotional, evocative prose, Walking With Ghosts describes the town outside Dublin where [Byrne] grew up, the oldest of six children crammed into a small house, their father working as a barrel-maker for the Guinness brewery, everyone in each other’s business. They were steeped in Catholicism . . . In passages that are horrifying, then funny, then both, he describes, for instance, learning the story of Adam and Eve from a fire-and-brimstone nun, in a lesson that ends with God declaring to the fallen pair: 'And by the way, your children will be miserable as well.' ('That’s why the world is such an unhappy place,' the nun adds.) . . . Can you go home again? That is the tantalizing question raised by Walking With Ghosts -- Sarah Lyall * The New York Times *This is a book about grief, loss, the secrets that we keep and the joys of creativity. It's also about dealing with addiction and the vertigo of fame. We always knew Gabriel Byrne was an astonishing actor but now we also know what an elegant, intelligent and dignified writer he is -- Mariana Enríquez, author of Dangers of Smoking in BedByrne is very honest and interspersed with all of the beautifully evoked sadness [in Walking With Ghosts] are very funny moments . . . you know he has a very good sense of humour but he probably wouldn’t admit it -- Jane SmileyIn pared down prose both luminous and raw, Walking with Ghosts is about first things—parents, siblings, loves, heartbreaks, parts, failure, success, loss, but most of all it is a tender embrace of the past as Byrne discovers and accepts the truth of who he is in all his human struggle to be at peace with oneself and one’s imperfections. In a voice full of warmth, compassion, humor and wonder, Byrne steps into the role of writer with the same assurance, humility and intensity that he brings to his acting roles. More, this debut marks a welcome new voice that blends memory and imagination for an all-encompassing and wise memoir that reads like a novel -- Vanessa Manko, author of The Un-AmericanIt is at times a heartbreakingly tender excursion between the living and the dead. The actor is an artist of the written as well as the spoken word -- Tommy Condren * Sunday Independent *A beautifully judged blend of sparkling anecdotes spliced with the darkest of memories -- Sarah Halliwell * The Gloss Magazine *The diary of a poet who also happens to be a famous movie star -- Monique RoffeyActor Byrne channels his fellow countrymen and Ireland's literary masters - Beckett, Heaney, Joyce, Yeats - to create an exceptionally lyrical and expressive memoir about his childhood and early career . . . Bracingly revealing about his struggle with alcoholism, achingly passionate about the Ireland of his youth, and piercingly frank about his acting life, Byrne is a vivid, evocative, and sumptuously compelling memoirist * Booklist *

Read more less

Book SynopsisGet the kettle on, the biscuits out and settle in for a belting read.Let Paddy McGuinness take you back, far, far away from celebrity land, to a two-up, two-down terrace in 1970s Bolton, where he grew up. They were happy times, but money was tight. Paddy slept on a mattress he dragged in from the street, and at 17 he struggled severely with the stress of juggling a college course and two jobs to support his beloved mum.But while cash may have been short, grit and wit were in over-supply, and this is the improbable true story of the lad who went from kipping in abandoned cars in Bolton to racing supercars on Top Gear, via laying concrete floors in prisons, a lively career in a leisure centre, a showbiz intervention by school pal Peter Kay and eye-popping adventures in the world of teledom.There has been mischief and misadventure, joy and sorry, huge success and unexpected challenges. It's a lifey well lived, and an unforgettable personal memoir written from the heart.Trade Review'Many hilarious anecdotes' * The Sun *

Read more less

Book SynopsisKeanu Reeves: actor, musician, dog lover. He's the internet's boyfriend. The poetic petrolhead. The guru on a surfboard. Part samurai, part samaritan. He is, very simply, 'The One'.'James has been my movie guru for years and now he's my spiritual guru too! From now on I'm going to ask myself: 'What would Keanu do?'Jo WhileyIn this hilarious book of pocket philosophy, film critic and Keanu fan James King reveals what makes Mr Reeves so special. He unpacks iconic films from the Bill & Teds to the John Wicks, as well as the star's own free-spirited life, showing us why the great man with the great hair has all the answers.And how everyone can #bemorekeanu.'A handsome, cool, enigmatic Gen X'er who never seems to age, James King is the perfect man to write about Keanu Reeves.'Stephen MerchantTrade ReviewA handsome, cool, enigmatic Gen X’er who never seems to age, James King is the perfect man to write about Keanu Reeves. -- Stephen MerchantJames has been my movie guru for years and now he's my spiritual guru too! From now on I'm going to ask myself: 'What would Keanu do?' -- Jo WhileyHilarious! * HELLO! Magazine *With light-hearted as well as serious advice, expect chapters that cover each Keanu iteration, from The Guru to The Lover and The Pioneer. * The Scotsman Magazine *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Modern classics: elegantly written and breathtaking in their honesty' Daily ExpressSiân Phillips has a long and celebrated career on both stage and screen. For the first time, her two bestselling volumes of memoir Private Faces and Public Places will be available as a single volume with a brand new foreword by the author. With wonderful stories and unflinching candour, Private Faces and Public Places covers her life from its beginnings in the remote Welsh countryside, where life hadn't changed for centuries, to finding herself at the epicentre of the acting world at its most glamorous alongside husband Peter O'Toole, whose career was about to take off with the spellbinding Lawrence of Arabia. Siân describes the mad and wonderfully impulsive times with O'Toole alongside the tempestuous, insecure, and often lonely periods in their marriage. Incredibly, it endures over 20 years. When it ends, surprising even herself, she plunges straight into another marriage, with the much younger actor Robin Sachs. Emerging alone from her second marriage, triumphant and unrepentant, the story Siân tells ranks alongside the very best in show business.Trade Review'Magnificent' * Sunday Times *'A fascinating read, easily one of the best autobiographies of the year' -- Lynn Barber * Daily Telegraph *'A stimulating work of art . . . a rare bird indeed among "showbiz" books' -- Hugh Massingberd * Daily Telegraph *'A delightful memoir, written with great warmth and freshness' * Mail on Sunday *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this book my father dies. I almost die.*** My showbiz career winds down. And yet everyone keeps telling me it's the funniest book I've ever written. If I'd known that's what the public wanted, I'd have cancelled Pets Win Prizes and just got sick sooner. Along the way this time we encounter, among others, David Bowie, Kanye West (I think), John Cleese, Peter O'Toole, and have several adventures in the Fourth Dimension. Oh, and I can reveal the Man With The Foulest Mouth In All Show Business. Plus assorted high-kicking hoopla and a whole lot of rather stark stuff about what it's like to be told you could be On The Way Out. *** (SPOILER ALERT: I don't actually die.)Trade ReviewIf there were awards for laughs in non-fiction, Going On The Turn ... should win them all -- Olivia Cole * GQ *He is fantastically good company, a giddy, loquacious raconteur with brio to burn but rarely any malice -- Stuart Maconie * MAIL ON SUNDAY EVENT *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMicky Flanagan is one of Britain's best-loved cheeky-chappy comedians, thanks to his stand-up routines about how he's gone from growing up in London's East End in the 1970s to his life now in middle-class suburbia. To date he has two sell-out tours under his belt, nominations from the British Comedy Awards and the Edinburgh Fringe (for Best Comedy Newcomer), not to mention regular stints on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and The Last Leg, as well as guest appearances on The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan Carr: Chatty Man, The Graham Norton Show and The One Show. Yet a career as a professional comedian was not something that he had ever dreamed of when, as a troublesome teen, he left school aged 15 to work in a fish market. Abi Smith looks at how Micky, who was laughed at by his teachers when he said he wanted to be a vet, has triumphed from his early days working as a fish porter in the East End and as a dishwasher in New York. In this page-turning biography you'll also discover why his mum labelled him a drama queen, and how he tried his hand at various professions - including trainee teacher and painter and decorator - before having the last laugh by becoming one of the country's most popular funny men. So, pour yourself a cup of Rosie Lee, take the weight off your plates and prepare for a right giraffe as you read this engaging tale of 'an East Boy done good'.

Read more less

Book Synopsis"...I was pretty sure I had seen it all and would not find anything new in the book. I am delighted to report I was wrong." – Marion Fasel, The Adventurine "...a combination of excellent photographic professionalism and the infinite beauty of the star, who together gave birth to a real work of art." – Di Redazione, Harper's Bazaar Italia "An extraordinary collection of photographs that celebrates one of Hollywood's most iconic faces." – Donato D'Aprile, L'Officiel Italy "An intimate look at a Hollywood icon." – Closer "Bling, boobs & booze: She was famous for her diamonds, her tempestuous love for Richard Burton and her luminous acting. Now, a book of iconic images peels away the layers to reveal the woman behind the legend." – Roger Lewis, Daily Mail Elizabeth Taylor was the face of classic Hollywood. As one of the 20th century's most loved stars, her image is instantly recognisable the world over. ACC Art Books and Iconic Images proudly present the work of eight wonderful photographers — Douglas Kirkland, Milton Greene, Gered Mankowitz, Norman Parkinson, Eva Sereny, Terry O'Neill, Gary Bernstein and Greg Brennan — who were fortunate enough to capture the star at different moments of her life. Throughout the book, the photographers share their memories of working with the icon, from patient pursuits to charming persuasion, each enlightening us with an inside view of what it was like to work with such an icon. The book presents a mix of set, fashion, portrait and behind-the-scenes photographs, including some rare and never-before-seen images. Forever Elizabeth is a visual tribute from some of the world’s best-known photographers to a star who continues to captivate our hearts.Trade Review"Many of the images in this book are rare, some are never seen before, until now." - Nadja Sayej, Forbes"Now one of the most iconic faces of classic Hollywood returns to be the star in the photographic book Forever Elizabeth: Iconic Photographs on a Legendary Star published by ACC Art Books..." - Di Nicoletta Spolini, Vogue Italy"Unseen Liz Taylor: New book publishes rare photographs of film legend playing dominoes on set in Sardinia, cooing over her toddler son in 1954 and drinking in a Paris hotel with Richard Burton" - Jo Tweedy, Daily Mail"An extraordinary collection of photographs that celebrates one of Hollywood's most iconic faces." - Donato D'Aprile, L'Officiel Italy"An intimate look at a Hollywood icon." - Closer"The book features set, fashion, portrait and behind-the-scenes photographs from eight renowned photographers — all of whom were captivated by the iconic actress." - Sam Gillette, People Magazine"She was one of the most glamorous women of Hollywood’s golden age. Ten years after her death, eight photographers reflect on what it was like to play a part in the creation of her enduring image." - Eve Watling, Independent"She was Hollywood glamour personified and over the course of an astonishing six decade-long career, Elizabeth Taylor would continue to captivate audiences. In a new book, eight photographers reveal their memories of the woman who dazzled through their camera lenses." - Australian Women's Weekly"So when the publicist for ACC Art Books reached out to me and said she had a publication named Forever Elizabeth: Iconic Photographers on a Legendary Star, I was pretty sure I had seen it all and would not find anything new in the book. I am delighted to report I was wrong." - Marion Fasel, The Adventurine"Elizabeth Taylor may been married eight times (twice to Richard Burton), but her greatest love affair was with the camera. Proof positive is this splendid book by Robert Risko which features minimal text and hundreds of dazzling shots of the violet-eyed beauty." - Daniel Bubbeo, Newsday"This is a huge and luxurious book full of photographs of Elizabeth Taylor in her prime - and one has to say, what a prime it was. Eight photographers, including Norman Parkinson and Terry O’Neill, contribute pictures —some never before seen — and comment on how wonderful, marvellous, enigmatic and professional she was." - Marcus Berkmann, Mail Online"...as you spend more time with the book, you come to realize that you can’t tear your eyes away from the pages as easily as you might flit from one star’s Instagram account to another’s. Elizabeth Taylor, it turns out, may have been the inspiration for an entire generation, but she was an altogether singular actress, and woman." - Air Mail"Bling, boobs & booze: She was famous for her diamonds, her tempestuous love for Richard Burton and her luminous acting. Now, a book of iconic images peels away the layers to reveal the woman behind the legend." - Roger Lewis, Daily Mail"Dozens of equally brilliant images fill the pages of Forever Elizabeth: Iconic Photographers On A Legendary Star (ACC Books), a compilation of eight leading photographers’ work with Taylor through the years." - Hayley Maitland, Vogue UK"A refined actress throughout her career, this absorbing volume celebrates Taylor's achievements and undeniable star quality." - The Lady"Featuring a collection of never-before-seen images, Forever Elizabeth: Iconic Photographers on a Legendary Star offers an intimate glimpse into what it was like to work with Taylor." - Sabrina Park, Harpers Bazaar (US, Australia & Indonesia)"Taylor’s lasting magnetism is, in part, due to her undeniable beauty." - Tom & Lorenzo"...lavish book." - The Lady Magazine

Read more less

Book Synopsis"While there’s no shortage of incredibly chic photos from Hepburn’s time in the spotlight here, original sketches of Holly Golightly’s costumes and jewels truly can’t be missed." — Natural Diamonds "This entrancing book portrays Hepburn's majesty both on and off screen, giving us a refined and informed look at the actress's life." — The Lady An unrivalled icon of grace and femininity, Audrey Hepburn is perhaps the most beloved star in the history of cinema. She enchanted millions of people with the sweetness of her smile and her inimitable style and was able to renew her image throughout the decades, anticipating fashion trends and establishing a new ideal of beauty. This volume retraces Hepburn's incredible rise, from the early years to her worldwide fame. The book is divided into four sections: ‘A Star is Born’, which follows Audrey’s first steps into the spotlight as a doe-eyed dancer; ‘The Golden Age’, how Audrey became the muse of Hubert de Givenchy and gave Hollywood a new ideal of elegance; ‘A Diva’s Style’, which touches on Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where Holly Golighty went down in the history of cinema with her sunglasses and little black dress, along with many others of Audrey’s later film work; and ‘Saving the Children’. This final section of the book puts great emphasis on her humanitarian work as UNICEF ambassador, on the side of all the children of the world. Both on screen and in real life, Audrey has remained faithful to the elegance of understatement and kindness, hidden behind her unforgettable smile.Trade Review"impressive “Our Fair Lady: Audrey Hepburn’s Life in Pictures,” by Chiara Pasqualetti, which charts the rise and rise of the style icon, star, and humanitarian with plentiful illustrations; publisher ACC Art Books has also bestowed upon book-buyers". - The Playlist"A beautiful coffee table book for film and fashion lovers, this is a tribute to the style and iconography of the actor Audrey Hepburn." - Stylist"While there’s no shortage of incredibly chic photos from Hepburn’s time in the spotlight here, original sketches of Holly Golightly’s costumes and jewels truly can’t be missed." - Natural DiamondsPosted on Instagram stories by Influencer Ceri Jones - Instagram Ceri Jones"This entrancing book portrays Hepburn's majesty both on and off screen, giving us a refined and informed look at the actress's life." - The Lady"In an intimate new look at her life, author Chiara Pasqualetti Johnson charts Audrey's rise." - Lux Woman PortugalTable of ContentsIntroduction 8 A Star is Born (1929–1954) 16 The Golden Years (1954–1960) 56 The Style of a Diva (1960–1983) 132 The Children’s Ambassador (1983–1993) 202

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn all-access pass to the record-breaking star''s life and career.From her Nickelodeon years as Cat Valentine and subsequent teen idol status to her chart-topping music career, Ariana has marked herself as an all-round performer, solo super-talent and an artistic collaborator. With facts and stats on her childhood and family, her Broadway and TV appearances, her songs, albums and tours - as well as that incredible four-octave voice - this is a must-have purchase for all fans. Includes over 100 facts, trivia and quotes about Ariana?s life and career, drawn from her interviews and social media.An excellent gift or self-purchase pick-up for the superfan, the book is full of the singer?s inspirations, influences, beliefs and thoughts on everything from romance and self-empowerment to climate change and the tragedy of the Manchester Arena Bombing.Gemini PocketsFrom little guides to soothe your soul to all-access passes to the lives of pop icons, and from quizzes and puzzles for literature lovers to books on food, nature, fashion and more, Gemini Pockets are the perfect fit for your life and interests.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA bold and exciting new approach to Bertolt Brecht, making his theories and ideas about theatre accessible to a new generation of actors, directors, students and theatre-makers, and showing how they can be put into practice. Theatre practitioner and academic David Zoob demystifies Brecht’s theories, and offers an approach to study and performance that can be applied to a wide range of texts and theatre styles. With close analysis of texts by writers including Shakespeare, Chekhov, Miller, Pinter, and of course Brecht himself, the author demonstrates how Brechtian techniques can provide practical pathways to exploring plays across the canon, as well as non-traditional forms of theatre. Also included are dozens of exercises to help turn theory into practice, and explore what Brecht’s ideas mean for actors and directors, both in training and rehearsal. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, an actor or a theatre-maker, this book will change the way you view and work with Brecht. `Zoob has engaged with Brecht’s many and varied principles for a politicised theatre and channelled them into a wide range of novel and innovative exercises that are applicable to a great many dramas and can equally interrogate devised material… Excellent ’ --David Barnett, Professor of Theatre, University of York, and author of Brecht in PracticeTrade Review'Brilliant… a fresh, energised approach [with] comprehensive exercises, playful games, script interpretations and plentiful opportunities for learning' * Drama Magazine *'Where David Zoob makes his mark is in demystifying the terminology and the practice, turning the unintelligible into the practical and allowing readers to gain a really good and deep understanding of what Brecht was trying to achieve and how his ideas can be applied to theatrical performances today… such is the breadth of Zoob's knowledge that anyone wishing to gain a greater understanding of acting and/or directing would do well to pick up a copy since they are just about guaranteed to learn something that will help them to work more effectively in future' * British Theatre Guide *'Demystifies Brecht in a straight-talking, deeply informed way… a fresh, energised approach' * Teaching Drama *

Read more less

TWO MEN Tom Crean, the Kerryman, whose phenomenal feats of bravery in the unexplored Antarctic earned him a rare medal for valour, pinned on him by King George. Aidan Dooley, the Galway man, who rejected a job in the bank for a life on the stage. ONE STORY In this enthralling, funny and moving account, actor Aidan Dooley tells the story of his journey with Tom Crean. His one- man show about this unsung hero grew from an unknown play with an unknown actor into an award-winning hit that has been performed from Dublin to Dubai, and from Broadway to the Antarctic ice. This is a tale of fortitude and courage – on stage and in the savage beauty at the bottom of the world.

Read more less

Book SynopsisStanley Baxter delighted over 20 million viewers at a time with his television specials. His pantos became legendary. His divas and dames were so good they were beyond description. Baxter was a most brilliant cowboy Coward, a smouldering Dietrich. He found immense laughs as Formby and Liberace. And his sex-starved Tarzan swung in a way Hollywood could never have imagined. But who is the real Stanley Baxter? The comedy actor’s talents are matched only by his past reluctance to colour in the detail of his own character. Now, the man behind the mischievous grin, the twinkling eyes and the once- Brylcreemed coiffure is revealed. In a tale of triumphs and tragedies, of giant laughs and great falls from grace, we discover that while the enigmatic entertainer could play host to hundreds of different voices, the role he found most difficult to play was that of Stanley Baxter.Trade Review'I f**king love Stanley Baxter.' - Billy Connolly Praise for Stanley Baxter ‘Stanley Baxter is my comedy hero. He had big ideas and he fought for the money to do them. Then when he’d had enough he just walked away.’ – ALAN CUMMING ‘I don’t know anybody that doesn’t think Stanley Baxter is a genius.’ – JONATHAN ROSS ‘I really don’t think the phrase ‘out of this world’ fits anyone better than it does Stanley Baxter.’ – FORD KIERNAN

Read more less

Book SynopsisWinner of the Society for Theatre Research Theatre Book Prize 2023 The director Peter Dews prophesied: “You’ll be alright when you’re forty, and even better when you’re fifty.” It turns out that Peter Dews was right, almost to the month. In a study of British theatre through a varied acting career spanning over sixty years, Oliver Ford Davies explores the many changes within the performing arts scene through his experiences on various stages, in a variety of productions, across the country. Davies charts the ups and downs of British theatre in the last sixty years, while offering a unique perspective on life behind the curtain and the daring journey from leaving behind an academic career and into acting. From Shakespeare to Shaw, Chekhov to Pirandello, this is the story of an actor initially struggling to make a mark before making his breakthrough at fifty, winning the Olivier Best Actor award and being propelled into thirty years of leading roles.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the early 1930s, during his first years of exile and 20 years before the publication of his seminal work To the Actor, Michael Chekhov made his first incursion into the challenging task of writing about an actor's experience and his vision of the craft. This important, though largely forgotten, work (the so-called Paris Manuscript') was handwritten in German and in it we find Chekhov laying the groundwork for the canon of exercises and practices that, nearly a century later, has widely become known as the Michael Chekhov Technique. Although never completed, the manuscript affords a privileged fly-on-the-wall glimpse of the dawning of an artistic genius's creative vision. This manuscript was the result of Chekhov's rich collaboration with Swiss theatre director, painter and illustrator Georgette Boner, and the text itself is supplemented with facsimile scans of manuscript pages, photographs, correspondence and other material from Boner's personal archive.As the popul

Read more less

Book SynopsisMargaret Rutherford was without a doubt one of Britain’ s best-loved comic actresses. But behind the kindly, serene front Rutherford presented to the world lay a life of trauma and repeated nervous breakdown – the legacy of the legacy of family tragedy that saw her father murder her grandfather during a bout of mental illness and her depressive mother later kill herself. Andy Merriman’ s acclaimed biography intrigued and shocked readers with these revelations when it was published in hardback. Now out in paperback, it is also a portrait of one of our most individual actresses. Rutherford appeared in such thoroughly English classics as Blithe Spirit, The importance of Being Earnest, Passport to Pimlico and I’ m All Right, Jack! But above all she was Miss Marple, in four films – and entirely created for the screen the role of Agatha Christie’ s elderly and fearless private detective that subsequent actresses like Joan Hickson and Geraldine McEwan have continued. Rutherford first played Miss Marple at the age of 70, and insisted on wearing her own clothes to feel right in the part. Above all, this was a vulnerable woman whom no-one failed to like and respect, notable again and again for quiet acts of kindness, whose life story has great appeal to everyone who appreciates both classic English comedy and simple human decency.Trade Review‘...Madness, murder, suicide and odd sexual arrangements... An eccentric, delightful surprise.’`Merriman paints a fascinating picture of Margaret's emergence as a national treasure''[A] splendid biography'‘ ...Madness, murder, suicide and odd sexual arrangements... An eccentric, delightful surprise.’ `Merriman paints a fascinating picture of Margaret's emergence as a national treasure' '[A] splendid biography'

Read more less

Book SynopsisDISCOVER THE CHARMING MEMOIR FROM THE BELOVED WEST END LEGENDIn 1989, a young Michael Ball landed the lead role in the musical Aspects of Love. It was a moment that changed his life forever. It was the first time he worked with legends of the stage like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn; it was from that show that came his smash hit song, Love Changes Everything, which rode high in the charts for 15 weeks; it was then, also, that he first met his long-term partner Cathy McGowan and battled back against the stage fright that had threatened his career.Over three decades later, Michael returns to a new production of the same show where he made his name, definitely older, possibly wiser, and with a lifetime's worth of stories to tell. In Different Aspects, Michael takes us backstage inside the making of a West End hit, while diving back into memories to explore that moment in his twenties when the world was at his feet and his life chang

Read more less

Book SynopsisMaria Callas (1923–77) was the greatest opera diva of all time. Despite a career that remains unmatched by any prima donna, much of her life was overshadowed by her fiery relationship with Aristotle Onassis, who broke her heart when he left her for Jacqueline Kennedy, and her legendary tantrums on and off the stage.However, little is known about the woman behind the diva. She was a girl brought up between New York and Greece, who was forced to sing by her emotionally abusive mother and who left her family behind in Greece for an international career. Feted by royalty and Hollywood stars, she fought sexism to rise to the top, but there was one thing she wanted but could not have – a happy private life.In Cast a Diva, bestselling author Lyndsy Spence draws on previously unseen documents to reveal the raw, tragic story of a true icon.Trade Review"Lyndsy Spence presents an in-depth and sympathetic picture of the woman behind the legend."

Read more less

Book SynopsisBorn in the tough East End of Glasgow and married into one of the city’s most notorious criminal families, Janey Godley’s young life was far from ordinary. From the grim and far-from-swinging 60s, to the discos of the 70s, to the tidal wave of heroin addiction which engulfed Glasgow's East End during the 1980s, Janey was witness to an extraordinary underworld - as well as religious sectarianism, abject poverty and a frightening family of in-laws. Throughout it all, her indomitable spirit – and her vivid sense of humour – kept her alive.A vivid, intimate and darkly funny account of a life less ordinary, Handstands in the Dark tells the story of how one girl escaped a chaotic family and became one of the UK’s most popular comedic talents.Trade ReviewAn inspirational book * Daily Mail *A remarkably engaging and fluently written memoir -- Stephanie Merritt * The Observer *Genuinely compelling and very brave * Glasgow Herald *If the school of hard knocks handed out degrees, Janey Godley would have a PH by now... a harrowing memoir... Godley finds the irony and absurdity in the most godforsaken situations, yet unlike a lot of comics she's brave and honest enough to reveal her innermost emotions, and it's this sincerity that gives her streetwise revelations such bite * The Guardian *Powerful... passionate... poignant... a rising star of stand-up * The Scotsman *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFunny and deeply personal, Sorry Not Sorry recounts Glee star Naya Rivera's successes and missteps, urging young women to pursue their dreams and to refuse to let past mistakes define them.Navigating through youth and young adulthood isn't easy, and in Sorry Not Sorry, Naya Rivera shows us that we're not alone in the highs, lows, and in-betweens. Whether it's with love and dating, career and ambition, friends, or gossip, Naya inspires us to follow our own destiny and step over--or plod through--all the crap along the way. After her rise and fall from early childhood stardom, barely eking her way through high school, a brief stint as a Hooters waitress, going through thick and thin with her mom/manager, and resurrecting her acting career as Santana Lopez on Glee, Naya emerged from these experiences with some key life lessons:Sorry:-  All those times I scrawled I HATE MY MOM in my journal. So many moms and teenage daughters don'

Read more less

Book SynopsisDouble acts don''t come any closer than the The Two Ronnies. Messrs Barker and Corbett kept a nation laughing for two decades, and yet despite the rigorous work that went into writing, rehearsing and broadcasting almost a hundred episodes to millions of viewers each week, the pair never shared a cross word. In this memoir, the late Ronnie Corbett tells the story of their rise from theatre, through The Frost Report and into their own legendary show, as well as how some of their greatest sketches, including Mastermind and Fork Handles, came into being. This is the story of one of the great British institutions of the last thirty years, and a hilarious and moving look inside the working lives of two of our most-beloved comedians.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first full biography for more than forty years of Hollywood legend, Carole Lombard

Read more less

Book SynopsisWidely respected as a stage actor, he became a leading light in Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop until his life was changed by the television comedy Steptoe and Son. Overnight he became a household name as the series drew unparalleled viewing figures of over 28 million, with fans ranging from the working classes to the Royal Family.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlastair Sim was an enigmatic character both on and off the screen. His idiosyncratic style of acting in films such as The Belles of St Trinian''s endeared him to a cinema-going audience desperate to escape the day-to-day dreariness of an invasive, bureaucratic post-war Britain. In private, he was a curiously contradictory character, prejudiced and yet tolerant, thoughtful but sometimes inconsiderate. To examine the life of this extraordinary man, this biography contains original contributions from around thirty actors and actresses, including Sir Ian McKellen and Ronnie Corbett.It is supported by extensive research, including interviews with the playwright Christopher Fry, the television producer John Howard Davies and actors who appeared on stage with Alastair as far back as the 1940s. This book also explores Alastair''s life outside of films, including his marriage to Naomi Sim (whom he first met when she was twelve), his career as an elocution teacher, his extensive work on stage (including his theatrical endeavours with James Bridie), his championship of youth and his stalwart refusal to sign autographs.Alastair Sim offers a rare and fascinating insight into the life of one of Britain''s most respected and best-loved actors.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNow a major motion picture, The Disaster Artist, starring James Franco, Alison Brie, Zoey Deutch, Lizzy Caplan, Zac Efron, Bryan Cranston, Dave Franco, Kristen Bell, Seth Rogen, Sharon Stone, and Judd Apatow.In 2003, an independent film called The Room - starring and written, produced, and directed by a mysteriously wealthy social misfit named Tommy Wiseau - made its disastrous debut in Los Angeles. Described by one reviewer as ''like getting stabbed in the head'', the $6 million film earned a grand total of $1,800 at the box office and closed after two weeks. Over a decade later, The Room is an international cult phenomenon, whose legions of fans attend screenings featuring costumes, audience rituals, merchandising and thousands of plastic spoons. In The Disaster Artist, Greg Sestero, Tommy''s costar, recounts the film''s bizarre journey to infamy, explaining how the movie''s many nonsensical scenes and bits of dialogue came to be Trade ReviewFinally, a hilarious, delusional, and weirdly inspirational explanation for the most deliciously awful movie ever madeA great portrayal of hopefuls coming to Los Angeles to pursue their ambitions, and an even greater examination of what it means to be a creative person with a dream and trying to make it come true....In so many ways. Tommy c'est moiThe Disaster Artist is not only the terrifically engaging tale of a bad Hollywood movie, it's one of the most honest books about friendship I've read in years - Los Angeles TimesA book about a cinematic comedy of errors . . . sharply detailed . . . funny - New York TimesPossibly the most important piece of literature ever printed - The Huffington PostI laughed so hard reading The Disaster Artist that I cried - Rolling Stone

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the story of little me, from pudgy, awkward child to pudgy, slightly less awkward adult - via school musicals, adolescent angst, stand-up, Shooting Stars, Little Britain, Doctor Who, love, loss, wigs and giant pink babygros. And, in case your attention span is as short as mine, it comes in a handy A to Z format. So B is for Baldy! (yes, people did shout this at me in the playground), G is for Gay (because I'm an actual real life gay) and I is for Idiot (I was born a berk. I probably even stubbed my toe on the way out).It will warm your heart, make you snort out loud in public and there's even a catchy song in the middle. What I'm saying is, please buy this book. It is VERY good. I know I'm biased because I wrote it but it is.Trade ReviewTo be truly unique in this world is almost impossible to achieve; this book is about someone who achieved it. Raw, honest, funny and moving -- JAMES CORDENA great read . . . it contains a wit and an emotional acuity far above the norm -- DOMINIC MAXWELL * * The Times * *Classy [and] elegant * * Guardian * *Grief isn't the point here. Rather, the book is warmth and joy * * Sunday Times * *If you are looking for a celebrity biography that's honest, funny, cheeky and a really good read, I can recommend Little Me from A-Z * * Sunday Post * *Standing out can be tough, but Matt Lucas is used to that. Being slightly different is just one of the many topics he chats about in this book . . . all handily arranged in A-Z format. Oh, and it's hilarious, too * * Heat * *As you'd expect from the Little Britain creator, it's full of laughs, but it's also an honest, moving read about Matt's experiences of love and loss * * OK! * *Matt is not only hilarious and kind, he's probably the most generous person I know. All of which is wonderfully evident in this book -- REBEL WILSONBrutally honest and brilliantly funny, this book is as brave and warm as the man who wrote it -- GRAHAM NORTONFunny, surprising, sad, authentic, inspirational, honest, stupid -- BOB MORTIMER

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE TIMES #1 BESTSELLERTHE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLEROne of Vogue's Best Books to Read in 2021One of O Magazine's 55 Most Anticipated Books of 2021One of Marie Claire's 25 Best 2021 Memoirs to Pre-Order Now'Electrifying.' The Sunday Times'A glorious, rogue, raw account ... It is funny; it is shocking; it is good.' The Times'Dangerous, alluring and misunderstood: Sharon Stone remains one of our best ever movie stars ... Her new book serves as a spectacular reminder of the outrageous fun of her Nineties fame and why she is more than due for contemporary respect.' Independent'Brawler, hillbilly, misfit, thief - the actress's memoir of her hardscrabble life, The Beauty of Living Twice, is a feast of yarns and jokes.' Daily Telegraph'While [The Beauty of Living Twice] contains some startling personal revelations, equally affecting is Stone's warmth and grace, qualities that, by the end, feel quite miraculous . . . Writing with zeal and urgency, Stone argues for a stronger legal system, for rape kits on police shelves to be processed, for better training for teachers and paediatricians. Above all, she offers a hopeful glimpse of life beyond trauma . . . The Beauty of Living Twice promises the possibility of improvement or redemption, of compassion and understanding, of living honestly.' The Washington Post Sharon Stone, one of the most renowned actresses in the world, suffered a massive stroke that cost her not only her health, but her career, family, fortune, and global fame. In The Beauty of Living Twice, she chronicles her efforts to rebuild her life, and the slow road back to wholeness and health. In an industry that doesn't accept failure, in a world where too many voices are silenced, Stone found the power to return, the courage to speak up, and the will to make a difference in the lives of women and children around the globe. Over the course of these intimate pages, Stone talks about her pivotal roles, her life-changing friendships, her worst disappointments, and her greatest accomplishments. She reveals how she went from a childhood of trauma and violence to a business that in many ways echoed those same assaults, under cover of money and glamour. She describes the strength and meaning she found in her children, and in her humanitarian efforts. And ultimately, she shares how she fought her way back to find not only her truth, but her family's reconciliation and love. Stone made headlines not just for her talent and beauty, but for her candour and her refusal to "play nice," and it's those same qualities that make this memoir so powerful. The Beauty of Living Twice is a book for the wounded, and a book for the survivors; it's a celebration of women's strength and resilience, a reckoning, and a call to activism. It is proof that it's never too late to raise your voice, and speak out.Trade ReviewIn this courageous, daring and tender-hearted memoir, Sharon Stone interrogates her own trauma and a myriad of losses and discovers the gift of clear seeing. The Beauty of Living Twice is so much more than a celebrity tell-all. It is an act of reckoning, contrition, and above all, love. -- Dani Shapiro, author of INHERITANCEStone's memoir opens with a scene in a hospital bed, where the iconic actress is battling a brain bleed. That near-death experience and its aftermath is a jumping off point, an opportunity to reflect on the jagged, unlikely path that led her from a small town in Pennsylvania to becoming one of America's hottest stars. But this is not your typical Hollywood autobiography. Brutally honest, restless and questing, Stone bravely grapples with her own imperfections with courage and candor. * O Magazine, #33 of Top 55 Most Anticipated Books of 2021 *Elegantly written with her wicked sense of humour on full display, the memoir is catnip for fans who have never managed to crack the exterior of the elusive star. * US Vogue *Table of Contents1: Death Becomes Me 2: What Is Home 3: Style 4: Kitchen-Sink Irish 5: An Education 6: Work 7: Role Models 8: Basic 9: Invisible 10: Dreams 11: Dancing Lessons 12: Answered Prayers 13: Cages 14: Choices 15: Karma 16: Hope 17: The Bull 18: Me Too 19: The Beauty of Living Twice i: Acknowledgments ii: Resource Guide

Read more less

Book SynopsisMurders, suicides, unexplained deaths, scandalous romances, illegitimate children, cover-ups, and more, from the 1920s to Hollywood''s Golden Age in the 1960s and right up to the present day.It covers over 60 scandals including: The Roscoe ''Fatty'' Arbuckle Scandal; Clark Gable''s Baby Scandals; The Rape of Patricia Douglas; The Life and Death of Jean Harlow; The Sudden Death of James Dean; Marilyn Monroe''s Mysterious Death; John Belushi Dies at the Chateau Marmont; Madonna''s Hollywood Stalker; Hugh Grant''s Hollywood Scandal; Winona Ryder Is Arrested For Shoplifting; The Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie Love Triangle; The Tragic Life and Death of Anna Nicole Smith; The Life and Death of Michael Jackson; Arnold Schwarzenegger''s Love Child; The Very Public Melt-Down of Charlie Sheen; The Rise and Fall of Whitney Houston; The Marriage of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and many, many more.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe instant New York Times bestseller.Winner of 'Humour' – Goodreads Choice Awards, Best Books of 2023.Henry Winkler, launched into prominence by his role as 'The Fonz' in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is.Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s reveaTrade ReviewSmart and entertaining -- New York TimesYou want to brew him some tea, pat his arm. His tender memoir isn’t explicitly dishy. It’s an excavation of his challenges, pain and neuroses -- The Washington PostSharing memorable and funny behind-the-scenes moments, Being Henry entertains as an introspective, self-deprecating, and quite moving memoir from a versatile actor . . . The many, many fans Winkler has gathered over his 50 years in Hollywood won't be disappointed by this charming memoir -- BooklistThis charming autobiography of personal struggles during times of career success and challenge deserves a big thumbs-up -- Kirkus[An] inspirational story of one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures who became an unlikely TV screen icon and later a champion for those with dyslexia -- Associated Press

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhether it is the seaside postcard bubbly blondes of Barbara Windsor, the hysterically historical leading ladies of Joan Sims, the coquettish authoritarians of Hattie Jacques, or the statuesque confidence of Valerie Leon, the Carry On girls are stoic, sexy and fiercely independent.In this lavish celebration of a pioneering generation of comedy actresses who continue to radiate charm and contemporary relevance, a few home truths are revealed and some myths are debunked; but, above all, some of the best-loved icons of British entertainment are given fitting affection and respect.Trade ReviewFive of the female stars of the Carry On movies have reunite to relive their glory days on the set of pictures famed for their innuendo-laden gags and bawdy slapstick humour - The Sunday Mirror * The Sunday Mirror *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn exclusive look behind the scenes of the Academy Awards as top stars and filmmakers discuss their Oscar wins and tell never-before-told tales of Hollywood''s biggest night, in a collection of original interviews with Turner Classic Movies host and entertainment media journalist Dave Karger. For almost a century, movie fans have been riveted by the Academy Awards and the stars who have won Oscars. 50 Oscar Nights takes readers behind the scenes of Hollywood?s most storied awards show through new and exclusive interviews with dozens of A-list actors, filmmakers, and craftspeople spanning sixty years of the Oscars. Here these artists reflect on their winning work and recount all the details of how they got ready, how they felt when they heard their name and got up on stage to accept their award, what they wore, how the entire experience impacted their life, and more. Some interviews bring to light fun stories like why Hilary Swank decided to celebrate her Academy Award at the Astro Burger in West Hollywood, or insight into the work as Elton John explains why he was convinced he won his Best Original Song award for the wrong tune. Other interviews illuminate why for some honorees, such as Julia Roberts, John Legend, and Octavia Spencer, the day remains a life highlight to be treasured, while for Marlee Matlin, Mira Sorvino, and Barry Jenkins, complex emotions cloud what most think would be a purely celebratory moment. Filled with more than 150 photos of red-carpet moments, emotional acceptances, and after-party play, 50 Oscar Nights is both a stunning record of cinema glamour and a must-read for any movie lover. Full list of interviewees: Nicole Kidman, Elton John, Jennifer Hudson, Steven Spielberg, Jane Fonda, Barry Jenkins, Halle Berry, J. K. Simmons, Julia Roberts, John Legend, Rita Moreno, Martin Scorsese, Marlee Matlin, Dustin Hoffman, Hannah Beachler, Cameron Crowe, Mira Sorvino, Kevin O?Connell, Sally Field, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Eddie Redmayne, Lee Grant, Louis Gossett Jr., Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Jessica Yu, Michael Douglas, Catherine Martin, Francis Ford Coppola, Allison Janney, Mel Brooks, Emma Thompson, Peter Jackson, Marcia Gay Harden, Mark Bridges, Sofia Coppola, Joel Grey, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, Olivia Colman, Rob Epstein, Whoopi Goldberg, Alan Menken, Melissa Etheridge, Sissy Spacek, Keith Carradine, Estelle Parsons, Geoffrey Fletcher, Octavia Spencer, Aaron Sorkin, Meryl Streep

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten by a highly influential post-Stanislavskian practitioner, this book offers an accessible and contemporary interpretation of The Method, setting out techniques and exercises to train and develop actors today. Going back to the roots of Method Acting and the work of Lee Strasberg and Stanislavski, and using Barrouk''s own unique practice as a lens through which to view it, The Method here is refreshed as something nuanced, contemporary, safe and practical that will benefit all actors - even those most skeptical of it.Through making a case for the relevance of Method Acting to our modern times and preserving its essence while updating its notions, the book covers the full range of the acting process, including character analysis questions, active analysis, actions, individual and group exploration, identifying actions, and developing/creating a scene in rehearsal. Practical exercises and activities are woven throughout the text, offering a modern framewor

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdrian Charles Edmondson is an English actor, comedian, musician, writer and television presenter. He studied drama at Manchester University where he met his comedy partner Rik Mayall. The influence of the absurdist dramatists he studied and his early love for The Goon Show, The Muppets and Monty Python are all reflected in his comedy practice. He and Rik were part of the first wave of Alternative Comedy where their glorious pursuit of laughter and anarchic performances changed the comedic landscape forever.He starred as Vyvyan in The Young Ones, the series that blasted its way onto our screens tearing into our preconceptions of what television comedy could be. Adrian has since had a very significant career. A career that has taken him in later years into straight' acting as well, at the RSC, BBC TV's War and Peace and EastEnders, and as a writer of books for adults and children. He has also had an award-winning music career with hisTrade ReviewBoarding school, despair, love, music, Rik Mayall – everything Adrian Edmondson writes about makes you love him desperately -- Caitlin Moran, journalist and author of How to Be a WomanThe berserker from The Young Ones and Bottom tells his story with self-effacing charm and no end of backstage anecdotes * Ian Rankin *This is a bloody good book. Lots of people live interesting lives, but very few people can write genuinely interesting books about those lives. Adrian Edmondson has done both. And while it is incredibly funny, it is also a lot, lot more than that * Miles Jupp *The bravest, most affecting celebrity book of the year * Daily Express *Edmondson can be very funny and very poignant simultaneously * Daily Mirror *A hilarious romp through a golden era of comedy and a searingly honest and moving memoir * Red Magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom Shaun Micallef, beloved host of ABC TV’s news satire Mad as Hell, comes Tripping Over Myself – an insightful and funny memoir about comedy and life that takes us through uncharted waters to unexpected places.Comedy has been Shaun’s escape, his guiding light, his refuge, his passport, his lifebuoy, his drug, his mask, his means, his end, his lingua franca, his Self. But it’s not everything.From his early years as a gangly, bespectacled nerd in suburban Adelaide to the giddy heights of national TV stardom, Shaun regales us with his experiences and his continuous reinvention through humour with... well, humour. He writes with candour about his successes and failures, loves and losses, along with tales of wine, women, song, and eccentric dancing. Behind the persona of one of Australia’s best-loved comedians lurks, as you will discover, an idiot.Despite Shaun’s best efforts, Tripping Over Myself is sprinkled with thoughtful insights and observations and shows us how to persist in the face of adversity or even good fortune. You will laugh, you will dog-ear pages, you will wonder, you will Google ‘Jerry Lewis’, you may book a trip to India, and you will come away from this book reflecting on your own life in new and remarkable ways.Trade Review ‘As I was reading Tripping over Myself this morning I felt something funny was happening to my mouth. I touched it with my fingers. It was smiling.’ – BARRY HUMPHRIES ‘I had to teach this flog the absolute basics. Embarrassing.’ – KATE McCARTNEY ‘Shaun Micallef is an enigma, wrapped in a nerd, inside a truly brilliant comedian.’ – ANDREW DENTON ‘Working with Shaun was ‘the most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my life’. – DENISE SCOTT ‘Shaun Micallef is the most uniquely talented comedic performer Australia has ever seen. His unseen humility also means he would never use this quote to grotesquely self-promote himself.’ – ROVE McMANUS ‘I am forever grateful that Shaun Micallef hasn’t let being a complete genius get in the way of also being so stupid.’ – CELIA PACQUOLA ‘Everyone talks about Shaun’s washboard abs and pert buttocks, but he’s also very funny.’ – MARK HUMPHRIES ‘Who else, in this country, could possibly make a career that's lasted well over 30 years doing weirdo stuff on network television? We love Shaun and we couldn't be here without him. Also, he owes us 20 bucks.’ – AUNTY DONNAPRAISE FOR SHAUN MICALLEF’S PREVIOUS BOOKS ‘Shaun is a genius. In fact the worst written part of this entire book is this quote.’ – WIL ANDERSON ‘One of the greatest comic voices of our time.’ – MATT LUCAS ‘Shaun has a gift for the surreal. The English language is a sunlit garden. Shaun has a Harley-Davidson and a cast-iron alibi. He will be home by nightfall. You may hear some noise. It will be made by you. You will feel much better afterwards.’ – JOHN CLARKE ‘He’s a wonderful hybrid of Peter Cook and Stephen Fry with a touch of Graham Kennedy’s subversiveness.’ – THE AUSTRALIAN

Read more less