Individual actors Books

Book SynopsisDaily Mail Showbiz Memoir of the Year''A beautiful book'' Chris Evans''Terrifically entertaining'' Mail on Sunday''An arresting photographic voyage through the life and loves of this enigmatic English star'' S magazine''Though not a conventional autobiography, we learn what makes the national treasure tick'' Daily ExpressIn the early days of my career, I didn''t think I stood a hope in hell. Look at me: I''m short, stocky, slightly overweight, deep of voice, passionate, dark haired, olive skinned, hardly your typical Englishman. What chance did I have, going into the world of British theatre?David Suchet has been a stalwart of British stage and screen for fifty years. From Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde, Freud to Poirot, Edward Teller to Doctor Who, Harold Pinter to Terence Rattigan, Questions of Faith to Decline and Fall, right up to 2Trade ReviewTerrifically entertaining . . . Behind the Lens sees the real David Suchet step forward at last -- Cole Moreton * Mail on Sunday *His career is fascinating, with tales of mortifying sex scenes and obsessive perfectionism. This unconventional book still shows us what makes this national treasure tick -- Sharon Wright * Daily Mirror *A clear impression of a man who knows exactly who he is . . . Suchet proves charming company . . . his reflections on life are gentle, good-natured and generous * TLS *Most fascinating is his relationship with the Poirot role. This is a series of intense scenes from an extraordinarycareer. Though not a conventional autobiography, we learn what makes the national treasure tick * Daily Express *A very unique autobiography . . . stunning . . . a beautiful book -- Chris Evans * Virgin Radio *An arresting photographic voyage through the life and loves of this enigmatic English star -- Sharon Wright * S magazine *Bursts with images . . . with which any working photographer would be delighted . . . the book offers more insight into the mind and philosophy of this remarkable man than a more conventional biographical approach could have achieved -- Jack Watkins * Country Life *Beautifully packaged memoir -- Hannah Stephenson * Press Association *A beautiful and engaging read * Woman's Way *Beautiful . . . revealing * Radio Times *A series of autobiographical sketches, written in an amiably informal style . . . generously illustrated * Spectator *David Suchet's book Behind the Lens reveals his considerable talent as a photographer and takes an interesting path, seeking to show us his life and experience through his eyes. The correspondence between his words and his pictures (the book is lavishly illustrated) is never less than interesting and often revealing. He has a seriously good eye for an image, which reflects back on his feeling for character and situation. He takes us through his career and life and world view * Graham Cowley *

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Wayne died more than thirty years ago, but he remains one of today''s five favorite movie stars. The celebrated Hollywood icon comes fully to life in this complex portrait by noted film historian and master biographer Scott Eyman. Exploring Wayne''s early life with a difficult mother and a feckless father, Eyman gets at the details that the bean-counters and myth-spinners miss…Wayne''s intimates have told things here that they''ve never told anyone else (Los Angeles Times). Eyman makes startling connections to Wayne''s later days as an anti-Communist conservative, his stormy marriages to Latina women, and his notorious-and surprisingly long-lived-passionate affair with Marlene Dietrich. He also draws on the actor''s own business records and, of course, his storied film career. We all think we know John Wayne, in part because he seemed to be playing himself in movie after movie. Yet as Eyman carefully lays out, ''John Wayne'' was an invention, a persona createTrade Review“[An] authoritative and enormously engaging new biography. . . . [Eyman] takes you through Wayne’s life, his death and his legend in a detailed, remarkably knowledgeable yet extremely readable way.” -- Peter Bogdanovich * The New York Times Book Review *“A spirited portrait of John Wayne and the Hollywood he worked in. . . . Traces his transition from the eager, boyish roles he played in early movies to confident leading man.” -- Michiko Kakutani * The New York Times *“No Wayne biography until now has ridden the defile between the reverential and the tendentious with quite the graceful equilibrium of this one. . . . Eyman gets at the details that the bean-counters and myth-spinners miss. . . . Wayne's intimates have told Eyman things here that they've never told anyone else.” -- David Kipen * The Los Angeles Times *“Deeply researched and totally absorbing.” -- Clive Sinclair * The Wall Street Journal *“We all think we know John Wayne, in part because he seemed to be playing himself in movie after movie. Yet as Eyman carefully lays out, ‘John Wayne’ was an invention, a persona created layer by layer by an ambitious young actor.” -- Glenn Frankel * The Washington Post *“Scott Eyman has taken a legend and a statue and given us an odd, decent, muddled but deeply likeable man. That’s what makes this book so readable and so touching.” -- David Thomson, author of The New Biographical Dictionary of Film and Moments That Made the Movies“[An] exemplary biography. . . . Eyman appears to have had broad access to Wayne’s business and family life, and the result is a book with a compelling claim to being definitive.” -- Robert Horton * Film Comment *“In comprehensive detail, this new biography chronicles a great star at work. . . . Like a cinematographer, Mr. Eyman offers readers Wayne from many angles, in his own words and the words of those who worked with him. . . . An engrossing record of how the Duke stayed top dog for so long.“ * The Economist *“One of the greatest movie star biographies ever written.” -- Allen Barra * Salon.com *“A comprehensive and compelling examination of The Duke. . . . Insightful, exhaustive and engrossing—a definitive portrait of the man and the legend.” * Kirkus Reviews *“Drawing deeply on interviews with family and friends, acclaimed biographer Eyman colorfully chronicles Wayne’s life and work. . . . Compulsively readable.” * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *“Eyman’s exhaustively informative biography is, in essence, a tribute. One ends it liking Duke a lot more.” -- John Sutherland * The Times (London) *"Full of historical detail and fan facts, John Wayne tracks shy Marion Robert Morrison's path to the screen hero who got scant credit for his own craft in creating the John Wayne that rallied audiences." -- David D'Arcy * The San Francisco Chronicle *“It would be hard to find a more complete picture of a public figure’s life and legend than Eyman gives us of the Duke.” -- Larry Thornberry * The American Spectator *

Read more less

Book SynopsisCome along backstage and peek inside the spectacular and sometimes scandalous world of musical theatre.See the world''s most-loved musical productions come to life in this lavishly illustrated book!This show-stopping reference book includes:- A chronological structure that makes the book work as a history of musicals- Includes a 20-page reference section with key details on over 100 additional musicals- Neat timelines summarise the plot, characters, and songs for 20 top musicalsFrom The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music to Mamma Mia and Les Misérables, fall in love all over again with the songs, stories, characters, creators, and legendary stars from every era of musical theatre. Take a journey through the years and immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes world of musical theatre! From the dance halls and vaudeville to the silver screen and sensational Broadway shows, this go-to musical guide has all the glitter and glamour of the West End. It''s Showtime! Delve into profiles of successful creators such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Packed with profiles of musical icons and fun infographics that summarise the plot, characters and songs, Musicals: The Definitive Visual Guide is the perfect way to embrace your inner theatre geek. With a foreword by Elaine Paige, this updated edition gives greater coverage on the smash-hit Hamilton and includes mention of new and popular stage and movie musicals. It''s a must-have or the ultimate gift for musical theatre fans.Complete the Series:If you enjoyed this illustrated celebration of musicals, look out for more titles in this series from DK. Uncover the most mesmerising moments in ballet history in Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story.

Read more less

Book Synopsis''As brutal, withering and funny as you''d expect'' Julian Clary''A rollicking read, packed with wit and old-school glamour'' Sunday Telegraph''Fabulously entertaining, impossibly glamorous and utterly irresistible'' Piers Morgan''Packed with insight and fun'' Red***A keen diarist from the age of twelve, Joan Collins is finally spilling the beans - well, nearly all of them. Taking us on a dazzling tour around the globe - from exclusive restaurants in Los Angeles to the glittering beaches of St Tropez, from dinner parties in London to galas in New York City - some of the characters you will meet in these pages include Rod Stewart, Princess Margaret, Donald Trump, Michael Caine, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Rupert Everett, Roger Moore, Shirley MacLaine, Andrew Lloyd Webber and many more. Her diaries are intimate and witty, and they pull no punches, with NO apologies to anyone mentioned in them!Trade ReviewOutrageously wonderful . . . hilarious . . . it is nice to read a book where someone truly enjoys being themselves. She has promised us 'unapologetic' but woo-eee, it is savage. -- Camilla Long * The Sunday Times *These diaries are like their author - fabulously entertaining, impossibly glamorous, and utterly irresistible -- Piers MorganEven with a life as packed as this, can there be anything left to say? Plenty, it turns out, and with great style and an enormous dash of acid. This is a book to read while sipping a stiff drink, ideally with a gorgeous companion on hand to whom you can read out the choicest bits. She puts on a hell of a show * The Times *A fascinating glimpse into a fabulous life. Dame Joan's private thoughts are as brutal, withering and funny as you'd expect -- Julian ClaryThe inimitable Dame Joan shares her views on the world and her showbiz chums without deference to political correctness * Daily Telegraph *From encounters with the Royal Family to experiences at star-studded parties, this is a book packed with insight and fun * Red *A wonderfully rich and mesmerising diary. Full of insight and revelation -- William BoydThese diary entries are brilliantly candid, with name-dropping aplenty. A rollicking read, packed with wit and old-school glamour * Sunday Telegraph - Stella Magazine *Unapologetic to say the least. Alexis Carrington hasn't got anything on Dame Joan -- Tracey Emin CBE RACombative and gloriously indiscreet, Dame Joan Collins leaves a trail of walking wounded in her wake with her waspish observations of Hollywood, theatre-land and monarchy. It's why she is showbusiness royalty -- Andrew PierceWhat a treat to delve into Joan Collins's diaries; a treat from start to finish -- Elizabeth Hurley

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisLegendary British comic actor John Inman broke down many boundaries by playing the camp Mr Humphries in the long-running sitcom Are You Being Served? The show ran for thirteen years, had a spin-off movie and attracted millions of viewers in the UK. Inman's character, whose innuendos were adored by viewers, invariably got the biggest laughs and this at a time when being gay was largely frowned upon.Away from television, he soon became one of the most in-demand pantomime actors, making a small fortune over several decades. Yet it was as Mr Humphries that he was best loved and the reason he was regarded as a national treasure.In his private life, Inman was secretive about his sexuality until he married his long-term partner Ron Lynch in a civil ceremony in London in 2005. He died two years later following a long battle with hepatitis.Featuring revealing interviews with many of Inman's surviving cast mates and colleagues, I'm Free!

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn his first full-length autobiography, comedy legend and national treasure Billy Connolly reveals the truth behind his windswept and interesting life.Born in a tenement flat in Glasgow in 1942, orphaned by the age of 4, and a survivor of appalling abuse at the hands of his own family, Billy's life is a remarkable story of success against all the odds.Billy found his escape first as an apprentice welder in the shipyards of the River Clyde. Later he became a folk musician - a 'rambling man' - with a genuine talent for playing the banjo. But it was his ability to spin stories, tell jokes and hold an audience in the palm of his hand that truly set him apart.As a young comedian Billy broke all the rules. He was fearless and outspoken - willing to call out hypocrisy wherever he saw it. But his stand-up was full of warmth, humility and silliness too. His startling, hairy 'glam-rock' stage appearance - wearing leotards, scissor suits and banana boots - only added to his appeal.It was an appearance on Michael Parkinson's chat show in 1975 - and one outrageous story in particular - that catapulted Billy from cult hero to national star. TV shows, documentaries, international fame and award-winning Hollywood movies followed. Billy's pitch-perfect stand-up comedy kept coming too - for over 50 years, in fact - until a double diagnosis of cancer and Parkinson's Disease brought his remarkable live performances to an end. Since then he has continued making TV shows, creating extraordinary drawings... and writing.Windswept and Interesting is Billy's story in his own words. It is joyfully funny - stuffed full of hard-earned wisdom as well as countless digressions on fishing, farting and the joys of dancing naked. It is an unforgettable, life-affirming story of a true comedy legend.'I didn't know I was Windswept and Interesting until somebody told me. It was a friend who was startlingly exotic himself. He'd just come back from Kashmir and was all billowy shirt and Indian beads. I had long hair and a beard and was swishing around in electric blue flairs.He said: "Look at you - all windswept and interesting!"I just said: "Exactly!"After that, I simply had to maintain my reputation...'Trade ReviewBilly Connolly's long and vivid life makes for a joyous memoir * The Big Issue *There are a lot of laughs and love in the book, but a great grimness to it as well. * The I *This is everything a celebrity autobiography should be and more. * Scottish Mail on Sunday *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe #1 New York Times Bestseller * Named one of Variety''s Best Music Books of 2021 * Included in Audible''s Best of The Year list * A Business Insider Best Memoirs of 2021 * One of NME''s Best Music Books of 2021So, I''ve written a book.Having entertained the idea for years, and even offered a few questionable opportunities (It''s a piece of cake! Just do 4 hours of interviews, find someone else to write it, put your face on the cover, and voila!) I have decided to write these stories just as I have always done, in my own hand. The joy that I have felt from chronicling these tales is not unlike listening back to a song that I''ve recorded and can''t wait to share with the world, or reading a primitive journal entry from a stained notebook, or even hearing my voice bounce between the Kiss posters on my wall as a child. This certainly doesn''t mean that I''m quitting my day job, but it does give me a place to shed a little light on what it''s like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, walking through life while living out the crazy dreams I had as young musician. From hitting the road with Scream at 18 years old, to my time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, jamming with Iggy Pop or playing at the Academy Awards or dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, drumming for Tom Petty or meeting Sir Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall, bedtime stories with Joan Jett or a chance meeting with Little Richard, to flying halfway around the world for one epic night with my daughters…the list goes on. I look forward to focusing the lens through which I see these memories a little sharper for you with much excitement. 

Read more less

Book SynopsisHe was one of the world's true superstars, and the silver screen's most beloved James Bond. Sir Sean Connery - a proud Scotsman born in 1930 to a working-class family - died at home in the Bahamas on 31 October 2020. He left behind him a legacy to rival any actor. Connery bestrode Hollywood like a Colossus. He commanded some of the highest fees in the industry and was lauded by critics and the public alike. In July 2000, his unique contribution to the world of film was recognised when he was accorded a knighthood. John Parker traces the astonishing rise to stardom of a tough street kid from Edinburgh. The part of 007 became a monster that threatened to kill Connery as an actor; he escaped to establish himself as one of the world's most magnetic and commanding character actors, winning an Oscar for his role in iconic crime drama The Untouchables. The author has drawn on reminiscences of famous friends and colleagues, including Honor Blackman, Robert Hardy and Eric Sykes, to create an authoritative and entertaining portrait of a talented, complex actor - and, above all else, a magnificent man.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the Academy Award-winning actor, an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.I''ve been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel, and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. How to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me.Recently, I worked up the courage to sit down with those diaries. I found stories I experienced, lessons I learned and forgot, poems, prayers, prescriptions, beliefs about what matters, some great photographs, and a whole bunch of bumper stickers. I found a reliable theme, an approach to living that gave me more satisfaction, at thTrade ReviewUnflinchingly honest and remarkably candid, Matthew McConaughey's book invites us to grapple with the lessons of his life as he did - and to see that the point was never to win, but to understand. * Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck *McConaughey is a talented actor and a fine writer, but a total genius at living. He attacks life with an exhilarating ferocity. This is a wildly unexpected and delightful book you can't just read, you have to experience. * Lawrence Wright, author of The End of October *It shouldn't surprise you that this book is good, but it will surprise you just how good it is. Wise and entertaining, this is an inspiring memoir and how-to from one of the great outlaw philosophers and artists of our time. * Ryan Holiday, author of The Daily Stoic *A Renaissance man on the big screen, McConaughey shows he is the same on the page. Mystical and spiritual but mostly just wonderful, Greenlights is an inspired memoir that celebrates the idea that it's the journey rather than the destination that will fulfill us. * Michael Connelly, author of Fair Warning *Written with great intensity and rare candor, Greenlights is a whirlwind of wisdom that's as singular and fervent as its author. Read the book, experience the behind-the-scenes adventures, then pursue your own greenlights full throttle. * Shaka Smart, head coach, men’s basketball, The University of Texas at Austin *Greenlights is many different books at once: an entertaining autobiography, a delightful adventure story, a very funny comedy, a wise self-help guide, an inspiring argument for love and family, and a candid tale of spiritual and personal discovery. I cannot recommend it highly enough. * John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, co-author of Conscious Leadership *A brilliant memoir that lays bare everything * The Times *A rollicking, contemplative trip * Financial Times *Greenlights is not a memoir, though it tells true stories from his life in chronological order. Nor is it 'an advice book'. It is 'an approach book', bringing together McConaughey's insights from 35 years of writing journals, and more of collecting bumper stickers. * Guardian *Mixing philosophy, 'teachable moments', self-help and Kerouac-inspired memoir, [Greenlights] takes in his remarkable career, finding love and stardom. * Sunday Independent *The Hollywood Star interprets himself. There is derring-do, dope, mayhem and mishaps. * The Times - The Perfect Audiobooks for Lockdown *Enjoyably quirky * Hello! *Gloriously bonkers * Guardian - Best Autobiographies and Memoirs of 2020 *a wild ride through his memories * Evening Standard *His not-quite-memoir offers a smörgåsbord of life lessons, anecdotes . . . It would be hard to finish the book and not warm to its author. * The Observer *

Read more less

Book SynopsisMost Hollywood biographies are little more than 500-page musings on the ‘ when-I-met… ’ theme, filled with famous names, love affairs and cliché s of a ‘ meteoric rise’ or ‘ tragic fall’ . Bruce Campbell’ s If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor is the boisterous antidote to such convention. Campbell is the ultimate ‘ B’ Movie actor. Star of the cult Evil Dead trilogy, with a CV that ranges from buddy Sam Raimi’ s Spider-Man, through The X-Files and Xena: Warrior Princess, to the less-than-glamorous Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters, you’ ve probably never heard of him. But his is one heck of a story! The popularity of Bruce, the cult hero of cable TV and Hollywood’ s second rung, is burning brighter than ever, his legion of fans undiminished after over thirty years. Insightful, encouraging and brilliantly funny, If Chins Could Kill! is a brilliant place to start for those unfamiliar with his work. For everyone else, it acts as a wonderful reminder for just why they fell in love with him in the first place.Trade Review‘An insightful and rant-filled guide to being almost famous'‘[an] entertaining and witty Hollywood memoir…[with] enough insights and smarts to appeal to readers with a serious interest in popular culture.’‘This engaging memoir offers much more than the standard, glamorous "and then I did..." show business autobiography… it succeeds as an evocative memoir that allows the reader to know Campbell. High recommended’‘ An insightful and rant-filled guide to being almost famous' ‘ [an] entertaining and witty Hollywood memoir… [with] enough insights and smarts to appeal to readers with a serious interest in popular culture.’ ‘ This engaging memoir offers much more than the standard, glamorous "and then I did..." show business autobiography… it succeeds as an evocative memoir that allows the reader to know Campbell. High recommended’

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Destined to be a classic' Sunday Independent'Gabriel Byrne tells his story brilliantly' - Edna O'Brien'Dazzles with unflinching honesty' Washington Post'An absolutely marvellous book' - Colm TóibínBorn to working-class parents and the eldest of six children, Gabriel Byrne harboured a childhood desire to become a priest. Four years later, Byrne had been expelled from an English seminary and he quickly returned to his native Dublin. 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.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, often through the lens of addiction. Hilarious and heartbreaking Walking With Ghosts is a lyrical homage to the people and landscapes that ultimately shape our destinies.Trade 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 SynopsisLife advice from a screen legend Arguably one of the most recognisable actresses of all time, this unauthorised collection of inspirational quotes demonstrates the spirit of a true style icon, and reflects on fashion, elegance, success, beauty and beyond. ---'All little girls should be told they are pretty, even if they aren't.''Who said nights were for sleep?''I don't mind making jokes, but I don't want to look like one.''I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.'

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 SynopsisLife advice from a screen legend Arguably one of the most recognisable actresses of all time, this unauthorised collection of inspirational quotes demonstrates the spirit of a true style icon, and reflects on charity, fashion, elegance, humanity, beauty and beyond. ---'Every day, you should have one exquisite moment.''Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.''You have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.''Life is a party. Dress for it.'

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe remarkable true story of a young immigrant from Venezuela who had a dream to change the world, a talent for entertaining, and a determined spirit to build a new life, taking as many as possible with him on the journey.An American Story is the stirring memoir by actor, producer, and activist Wilmer Valderrama, delving into his upbringing in Venezuela where he was raised by two hard working parents as they navigated their family through a rapidly changing country and the rise of Hugo Chavez. With the economy crashing around them and their livelihood disappearing, the family decides to flee the country. Suddenly, the young boy who had loved riding his horse and dreaming of being Zorro from his favorite black and white tv show had to grow up quickly, journeying as a teenager from a tiny little pueblo in Venezuela to the big city of Los Angeles.After being cast in a school theatre production, Valderrama knew he had found his calling, and b

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 SynopsisPaul Darrow's career has encompassed theatre, television and film. Famed for his portrayal of Kerr Avon, a ruthless and calculating computer expert, in Terry Nation's science fiction series Blake's 7, Darrow has also appeared in Coronation Street, Emergency Ward 10 and many other productions - including two guest appearances in Doctor Who. Populated by familiar names and productions, You're Him, Aren't You? is Paul's own story of his life and career. It tells of his association with Blake's 7 - how he was cast, his experiences of making the show, what has happened since and his memories of Terry Nation, the cast and the crew. It also tells of his childhood, his time playing Elvis Presley and his near miss with James Bond.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Wishful Drinking is a touching and incisive account of bipolarity, addiction and motherhood.' Independent ‘No motive is pure. No one is good or bad – but a hearty mix of both. And sometimes life actually gives to you by taking away.' Carrie Fisher in Wishful DrinkingIn Wishful Drinking, Carrie Fisher told the true and intoxicating story of her life with inimitable wit. Born to celebrity parents, she was picked to play a princess in a little movie called Star Wars when only 19 years old. "But it isn't all sweetness and light sabres." Alas, aside from a demanding career and her role as a single mother (not to mention the hyperspace hairdo), Carrie also spends her free time battling addiction and weathering the wild ride of manic depression. It's an incredible tale: from having Elizabeth Taylor as a stepmother, to marrying (and divorcing) Paul Simon, and from having the father of her daughter leave her for a man, to ultimately waking up one morning and finding a friend dead beside her in bed. Carrie Fisher's star-studded career included roles in numerous films such as The Blues Brothers and When Harry Met Sally. She was the author of four bestselling novels, Surrender in the Pink, Delusions of Grandma, The Best Awful and Postcards from the Edge, which was made into a hit film starring Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep. Carrie's experience with addiction and mental illness – and her willingness to talk honestly about them – made her a sought-after speaker and respected advocate. She was truly one of the most magical people to walk among us.Further praise for Carrie Fisher:-[Shockaholic] is the finest, funniest chronicler of the maddest celebrity mores.' Sunday Times'Fisher has a talent for lacerating insight that masquerades as carefree self-deprecation' Los Angeles Times'She is one of the rare inhabitants of La-La Land who can actually write' New York Times

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 SynopsisTrade Review“Marlon Brando reigned over Hollywood in an era before it was possible to know every little thing about an actor’s life — but this biography [changes] that. Mann went through Brando’s personal archives to craft a story that covers not only his behind-the-scenes persona but the way in which he led the charge for a merging of Hollywood and protest culture.” — Entertainment Weekly, Big Books of Fall Preview “ Big, sprawling, meticulously researched…Tells us everything we ever wanted to know about the man and then some.” — Washington Post “An insightful and well-researched portrait of Marlon Brando. Taking a cinematic approach, Mann swoops in on pivotal moments in Brando’s life. Though sympathetic to Brando, Mann doesn’t shy away from his flaws, such as his often callous treatment of women. The result is a thoughtfully considered study of a supremely talented, observant, and imaginative man who became a reluctant cultural icon.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Structuring his biography like a film, Mann jumps from one key moment in Brando’s life to another—the dysfunctional family life, the great movie roles, the tempestuous and often callous relationships with lovers, the tragedies that befell his children—and, while the book brings something new and often revelatory to all of these familiar aspects of the Brando saga, Mann is at his best when he digs into Brando’s tortured relationship with acting itself… A compelling biography, rich in complexity and irony.” — Booklist (starred review) “Remarkably ambitious … Mann’s book is continuously fascinating, vivid, and full of new information; for anyone interested in Brando, it is indispensable.” — Air Mail “[THE CONTENDER] is a humanizing portrait that doesn't shy away from the complexity of one of Hollywood's greatest stars.” — AARP Magazine “ Deeply engaging and perceptive from page one…A thoroughly enjoyable, illuminating read." — Library Journal (starred review) “ William J. Mann masterfully captures Brando’s allure, his psychological complexity and the epic arc of his career…From Mann, Brando receives a biography every bit as compelling and powerful as his own stage presence.” — BookPage "Mann uses painstaking years of research, conversations with those who knew Brando best, and his own knack for delving into the lives of Hollywood luminaries to offer fans up a staggeringly comprehensive tale of Brando’s life." — Entertainment Weekly "William J. Mann sets out in The Contender: The Story of Marlon Brando to give the actor the dominant voice in his own story, serving as the advocate Brando is often denied in articles and books… Mann’s book presents a necessary re-examination of Brando and his tumultuous life…The Contender is a standout biography, providing an empathetic look at Brando’s struggle with himself." — Associated Press "Mann is a dogged investigator who is fixed on establishing truths. Over and over again in his long book he dispels fantastic stories, unstitches embroidered truths and pins Brando down. Mann is an experienced writer about Tinseltown….His research is exhaustive. His tone is agreeably respectful. As Hollywood biographies go, this is as nice and as intelligent as can be." — The Times (UK)

Read more less

Book Synopsis***'A wonderful document of the last great gathering of the pre-internet age. No camera phones, no social media, just a band and its fans as one' -NOEL GALLAGHER On 10th and 11th August 1996, Oasis played the concerts that would define them, a band at the height of their powers playing to over 250,000 people.Twenty-five years on, this is the inside story of those nights, told through the breathtaking photographs of Jill Furmanovsky, granted unprecedented access to Oasis throughout that summer. Also includes newly obtained first-hand accounts from the people who were there - including Noel Gallagher and Alan McGee - in text by award-winning author Daniel Rachel. From relaxed rehearsals and warm-up concerts to Knebworth itself - backstage, onstage, flying high above the site - many of the stunning photographs in this book have never been seen anywhere before.This the definitive account of two nights that a generation will never forget.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA candid, honest memoir from one of the most recognisable, influential, and beloved cinematic personalities in the world.Trade Review"The legendary action star gets candid telling his life story – in particular, recounting his many brushes with death both on and off screen. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a Hollywood memoir with this much blood and (broken) bone. Chan’s stories are too fascinating to ignore." —Entertainment Weekly"This life story, as told in the star's impossibly colorful memoir Never Grow Up, (Gallery Books, 333 pp., 3 stars out of four), would have Charles Dickens speed-dialing Chan's film agent for movie rights—with tales of Chan's impoverished youth (from age 6, enrolled in the abusive China Drama Academy), lost loves, undying ambition fueled by his insecurity over his upbringing, true bravery and eventual glory." —USA Today"Like Chan's best films, his memoir is engaging and entertaining." —Shelf Awareness"The book is definitively warts (and cracked skulls and broken bones and gallons of blood) and all… but Chan also reveals a soulful, thoughtful side—just one you wouldn't want to mess with." —Kirkus Reviews"Undeniably fun... winningly upbeat... it provides a heck of a lot of entertainment." —Publishers Weekly"This is a worthy addition to library collections not only because of Chan’s worldwide fame but also for the value of a non-Western Hollywood success story." —Booklist"With 200-plus films, an honorary Oscar, and countless mind-blowing stunts to his credit, the martial arts master reflects here on his remarkable acting career. Chan shares how through the ups and downs, he was able to keep his grace, poise, and humility." —CBS Watch! Magazine"A legendary life, with many fascinating stories waiting for you to discover." —Jet Li"I was always a big fan of Jackie and working with him was like a dream come true. His innovative and creative ability was unmatched." —Chris Tucker"Jackie reminds me to make every summer count and to think with my heart, he leads by example and lights the way." —Adrien Brody"Working with Jackie Chan is maybe the most fun I've ever had working on movies." —Owen Wilson"Jackie Chan is one of the great and iconic movie stars of our time." —Jeffrey Katzenberg"Jackie Chan is my favorite person to duet with." —Kenny G"If you’re a fan of Jackie and even if you’re not, it’s a great look at the man’s life and the entertainment industry. And he is brutally honest, which is refreshing from someone in his field." —Red Carpet Crash

Read more less

Book SynopsisThere is a man blazing a trail across the silver screen, delivering performances of such electric intensity that he has united critics and casual movie goers alike. That man is Tom Hardy. Starring roles as Britain's most dangerous prisoner in Bronson, both Kray twins in Legend and the villainous brute Bane in The Dark Knight Rises have showcased his raw talent, edginess and ability to utterly inhabit his characters. He has also cemented his status as that rare thing: the man that women want and men want to be. His appeal is endless. But things weren't always so promising. Cloistered in a life of suburban predictability, a teenage Tom began getting his thrills from drugs and petty crime. He made his first mark in the award-winning series Band of Brothers but, in 2003, Tom collapsed on the streets of Soho, brought low by drug abuse. Yet, with the single-minded commitment that has come to characterise his acting performances, Tom banished his demons once and for all. Now, with the title role in the long-awaited Mad Max: Fury Road under his belt, and Hollywood at his feet, there is just no stopping this magnetic figure.This affectionate and in-depth biography reveals all the faces of Tom Hardy: the wayward boy he was, the driven professional he now is and the all-time legend he is sure to become.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMusicals are the most popular form of stage entertainment today, with the West End and Broadway dominated by numerous long-running hits. But for every Wicked or Phantom of the Opera, there are dozens of casualties that didn't fare quite so well. In this book, Julian Woolford explores the musical-theatre canon to explain why and how some musicals work, why some don't, and what you should (and shouldn’t) do if you're thinking of writing your own. Drawing on his experience as a successful writer and director of musicals, and as a lecturer in writing musicals at the University of London, Woolford outlines every step of the creative process, from hatching the initial idea and developing a structure for the work, through creating the book, the music and the lyrics, and on to the crucial process of rewriting. He then guides the reader through getting a musical produced, with invaluable advice about generating future productions and sustaining a career. The book includes dozens of exercises to assist the novice writer in developing their craft, and detailed case studies of well-known musicals such as Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, Miss Saigon, Little Shop of Horrors, Godspell and Evita. An essential guide for any writers (or would-be writers) of musicals, How Musicals Work is a fascinating insight for anyone interested in the art form or who has ever wondered what it takes to get from first idea to first night. ‘A comprehensive and thoughtful guide to everything one must consider in order to write a successful musical. It would take at least a decade to learn all of this on one’s own. Invaluable.’ David Zippel (lyricist of City of Angels and The Woman in White) ‘If anyone knows how musicals work (I’m not sure I do), this highly entertaining dissection of every aspect of that bewildering art form reveals that Julian Woolford does.’ Tim RiceTrade Review'Excellent... a useful source of information' * The Stage *'Extraordinarily informative... always practical and always readable... a seminal examination' * ReviewsGate.com *'There is plenty here of interest to anyone wishing to analyse or create musicals or even with a general interest in the subject' * British Theatre Guide *

Read more less

Book SynopsisElvis: Still Taking Care of Business is arguably the most authentic, no-holds-barred depiction of the greatest entertainer who ever lived. This is the book that the estate doesn't want you to read--it's a balanced, respectful, and insightful look by a true Presley insider and carter member of the infamous Memphis Mafia. Sonny West, Presley's close friend and bodyguard for nearly two decades, provides a firsthand account of the King's lavish spending sprees and many charitable acts, as well as the many affairs Presley conducted with his costars. Among all of Elvis Presley's close associates, no one tells stories that are more entertaining than Sonny West--he can mesmerize audiences for hours with his Elvis tidbits.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNamed a Best Book of 2022 by The New Yorker, Publishers Weekly, and NPR In this genre-defying “new kind of history” (The New Yorker), the chief film critic of Slate places comedy legend and acclaimed filmmaker Buster Keaton’s unique creative genius in the context of his time.Born the same year as the film industry in 1895, Buster Keaton began his career as the child star of a family slapstick act reputed to be the most violent in vaudeville. Beginning in his early twenties, he enjoyed a decade-long stretch as the director, star, stuntman, editor, and all-around mastermind of some of the greatest silent comedies ever made, including Sherlock Jr., The General, and The Cameraman. Even through his dark middle years as a severely depressed alcoholic finding work on the margins of show business, Keaton’s life had a way of reflecting the changes going on in the world around him. H

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the Hollywood''s first-ever million-copy bestseller, another riotous look at the golden age of Hollywood from a quintessential English gentleman.''Might easily be the best book ever written about Hollywood.'' New York TimesWidely acknowledged as one of the greatest memoirists of all time, David Niven''s eye for an anecdote and memory for a bon mot is still unmatched. In Bring on the Empty Horses , David immerses the reader in the heady glamour and glory of 1950s Hollywood, from Casino Royale to filming with Errol Flynn. Get ready to laugh, cry, and pour a stiff drink.Trade ReviewWere David Niven not a famous actor, he would be thought a brilliant writer. And after this book he will surely be thought a brilliant writer * J.K. Galbraith *Hilariously readable * Sunday Telegraph *So bring on the empty horses and fill their saddles with shades of Cooper, Gable, Fairbanks and Flynn. This time David Niven is riding a winner * Irish Times *The best book buy available at the moment * West Lancashire Evening Gazette *Some very funny stories indeed, well told * The Scotsman *He is nothing if not an individualist: a raconteur of style and sophistication and a writer with imagination and a sense of pace . . . It adds to his stature * Coventry Evening Telegraph *David Niven has done it again! * Boston Globe *BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES is a delight from start to finish. With shrewdness and warmth . . . Niven brings us to Hollywood in its golden prime, from the early '30s to the age of TV. Above all, he brings us them - the outstanding stars, producers, directors, writers, tycoons and oddballs, many of whom were his friends . . . An inspired mix of descriptions, impressions, and anecdotes. * Publishers Weekly *Might easily be the best book ever written about Hollywood. * New York Times Book Review *BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES is a delight from start to finish. With shrewdness and warmth ... Niven brings us to Hollywood in its golden prime, from the early '30s to the age of TV. Above all, he brings us them - the outstanding stars, producers, directors, writers, tycoons and oddballs, many of whom were his friends ... An inspired mix of descriptions, impressions, and anecdotes. * Publishers Weekly *Might easily be the best book ever written about Hollywood. * New York Times Book Review *Hilariously readable * Sunday Telegraph *A big name-dropping bitch of a book written with a wit as sharp as a dagger - and more than one famous personality gets it right between the shoulder blades ... Niven continues to weave the spell he cast on us with his autobiography * Belfast Telegraph *His charm and twinkling sense of humour are rarely completely suppressed * Sunday Express *So bring on the empty horses and fill their saddles with shades of Cooper, Gable, Fairbanks and Flynn. This time David Niven is riding a winner * Irish Times *BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES surpasses his first book. It is fun personified, hilarious in parts, highly entertaining and provides excellent reading * Evening Post, Port Elizabeth *BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES has star quality * Christchurch Star, New Zealand *A really glamorous autobiography * Woman *David Niven gives a marvellously readable account of his contacts with Hollywood * Birmingham Post *Niven still tells a good tale * The Observer *One of the most illuminating books yet to come out about Hollywood * Press and Journal *He is nothing if not an individualist: a raconteur of style and sophistication and a writer with imagination and a sense of pace ... It adds to his stature * Coventry Evening Telegraph *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERIn this collection of personal essays, the beloved star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood reveals stories about life, love, and working as a woman in Hollywood, along with behind-the-scenes dispatches from the set of the new Gilmore Girls, where she plays the fast-talking Lorelai Gilmore once again.In Talking As Fast As I Can, Lauren Graham hits pause for a moment and looks back on her life, sharing laugh-out-loud stories about growing up, starting out as an actress, and, years later, sitting in her trailer on the Parenthood set and asking herself, Did you, um, make it? She opens up about the challenges of being single in Hollywood (Strangers were worried about me; that''s how long I was single!), the time she was asked to audition her butt for a role, and her experience being a judge onProject Runway (It''s like I had a fashion-induced blackout).In What It Was Like, Part One, Graham sits down for an epic Gilmore Girls marathon and reflects on being cast as the fast-talking Lorelai Gilmore. The essay What It Was Like, Part Two reveals how it felt to pick up the role again nine years later, and what doing so has meant to her.Some more things you will learn about Lauren: She once tried to go vegan just to bond with Ellen DeGeneres, she''s aware that meeting guys at awards shows has its pitfalls (If you''re meeting someone for the first time after three hours of hair, makeup, and styling, you''ve already set the bar too high), and she''s a card-carrying REI shopper (My bungee cords now earn points!).Including photos and excerpts from the diary Graham kept during the filming of the recent Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, this book is like a cozy night in, catching up with your best friend, laughing and swapping stories, and-of course-talking as fast as you can.Don''t miss Lauren Graham''s book of advice for graduates and reflections on staying true to yourself , IN CONCLUSION, DON''T WORRY ABOUT IT.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Powerhouse delivers a chronicle of vaunting ambition, immense wealth and power, and personal betrayal all the more astonishing in a business ostensibly built on loyalty and trust... Even more impressive is Miller's ability to get nearly everyone involved not only to talk but also go on the record." -- New York Times Book Review "Magisterial. ... One of the two most important books about the business of entertainment to come out in 2016. ... A must read for anyone who wants to work in Hollywood or just know how Hollywood works." -- The Hollywood Reporter "It's dishy. It's like People Magazine meets 'The Godfather.' It's like nothing else. I ate it up." -- New York Post "Eminently readable and moves at a fast pace thanks to dozens of fascinating celebrity stories." -- Mashable "The year's hottest Hollywood tell-all." -- New York Daily News "Probably the most hotly anticipated book since Julia Phillips's tell-all YOU'LL NEVER EAT LUNCH IN THIS TOWN AGAIN dropped more than two decades ago." -- Variety "[F]un to read both for the boldface names - including agency founders Michael Ovitz and Ron Meyer, and clients like Magic Johnson and Ali MacGraw - and for a glimpse into a largely unseen world of cultural influencers." -- The National Book Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisCo-authored by the resident dramaturg at Shakespeare Theatre Company and a long-time scholarly consultant, this book chronicles how a small repertory troupe at the Folger Theatre on Capitol Hill became an internationally renowned company performing in a lavish, multi-venue performing arts centre in downtown Washington, D.C. The artistic vision and business acumen of Michael Kahn, the founding Artistic Director, largely catalyzed this transformation, but so too did the forces of neoliberalism and, more recently, globalization and new media. Accordingly, Shakespeare in the Theatre: Shakespeare Theatre Company not only examines directorial decision-making but also 3 decades of social and economic change in the nation's capital, from the complexities of gentrification to the arts policies of successive administrations. In addition to discussions of directorial practice, this book examines the ambivalence of American theatre artists toward their British cult

Read more less

Book SynopsisBritain''s Got Talent is BACK . . . so it''s time to get serious with Britain''s favourite funny man.Famous comedian and actor, funniest judge on Britain''s Got Talent, high-achieving sportsman and BESTSELLING AUTHOR of The World''s Worst Children series, David Walliams is a man of many talents . . . Launched to fame with the record-breaking Little Britain, his characters - Lou, Florence, Emily, amongst others - became embedded in our shared popular culture. You couldn''t enter a playground for a long while without hearing eh, eh, eh or computer says no.And Walliams is a mystery. Often described as a bundle of contradictions, he is disarming and enigmatic, playing up his campness one minute and hinting about his depression the next.To read Camp David is to be truly shocked, as well as tickled pink: David Walliams bares his soul like never before and reveals a fascinating and complex mind.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe moving, gripping and tell all autobiography of Traci Lords, a former child porn queen, electronica maven and cult movie and TV star.Trade Review"Frank, opinionated, intelligent, drenched in emotion...Will have readers cheering Lords on as they speed through its gritty, big-souled pages." -- Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow the smile and fortitude of a child actress revived a nation.Trade Review"Fascinating biography..." -- The Bookseller"Compelling... This isn't a traditional biography; Kasson is more interested in the context in which Temple became such an icon..." -- The Boston Globe"Kasson's fascinating biography…" -- The Sunday Herald

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 Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWinner of the National Book Awards Autobiography of the YearThe long-awaited autobiography of one of Britain''s best-loved actors*As seen in David and Jay's Touring Toolshed on BBC Two*Born the son of a Billingsgate market porter at the height of the Second World War, David Jason spent his early life dodging bombs and bullies, both with impish good timing. Giving up on an unloved career as an electrician, he turned his attention to acting and soon, through a natural talent for making people laugh, found himself working with the leading lights of British comedy in the 1960s and ''70s: Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Bob Monkhouse and Ronnie Barker. Barker would become a mentor to David, leading to hugely successful stints in Porridge and Open All Hours.It wasn''t until 1981, kitted out with a sheepskin jacket, a flat cap, and a clapped-out Reliant Regal, that David found the part that would capture the nation''s hearts: the beloved Derek ''Del Boy'' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses. Never a one-trick pony, he had an award-winning spell as TV''s favourite detective Jack Frost, took a country jaunt as Pop Larkin in the Darling Buds of May, and even voiced a crime-fighting cartoon rodent in the much-loved children''s show Danger Mouse.But life hasn''t all been so easy: from missing out on a key role in Dad''s Army to nearly drowning in a freak diving accident, David has had his fair share of ups and downs, and has lost some of his nearest and dearest along the way.David''s is a touching, funny and warm-hearted story, which charts the course of his incredible five decades at the top of the entertainment business. He''s been a shopkeeper and a detective inspector, a crime-fighter and a market trader, and he ain''t finished yet. As Del Boy would say, it''s all cushty.Trade ReviewAs good as it gets ... so much on every page ... a great, great book. * Chris Evans *It's a romp of a chronicle, a life according to Del Boy, the ultimate cheeky chappy. * Daily Telegraph *Jason's account of his 'busy and fulfilling life' is as genuinely genial as the man himself ... his hugely likeable memoirs reveal he's had the last laugh. * Daily Mail - Book of the Week *The book is terrific. * Richard Bacon *How the son of a market porter gave up a career as an electrician to become one of Britain's most successful and best loved actors ... the long awaited story... * Independent *

Read more less