Synopses & Reviews
If it can happen in show business, its happened to Jon Cryer. Now hes opening up for the first time and sharing his behind-the-scenes stories in a warmly endearing, sharply observed, and frankly funny look at life in Hollywood.
In 1986, Jon Cryer won over America as Molly Ringwalds loyal and lovable best friend, Duckie, in the cult classic Pretty in Pink in a role that set the tone for his three-decade-long career in Hollywood. He went on to establish himself as one of the most talented comedic actors in the business, ultimately culminating in his current turn as Alan Harper on the massively popular sitcom Two and a Half Men.
With the instincts of a natural storyteller, Cryer charts his extraordinary journey in show business, illuminating his many triumphs and some missteps along the way. Filled with exclusive behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Cryer offers his own endearing perspective on Hollywood, the business at large, and the art of acting.
Cryer has worked with some of the biggest and most provocative names in the business, and here, for the first time, he details his experiences with Charlie Sheen, John Hughes, Robert Altman, Molly Ringwald, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, and Christopher Reeve, among many others. He shares the intimate details of his friendships and relationships, pays tribute to his mentors, and explores the peculiar combination of heart, talent, and wisdom it takes to survive not just the bad times in a notoriously fickle industry but even the good times.
In this revealing, humorous, and introspective memoir, Cryer offers readers a front-row seat as he reminisces about his life and experiences in showbiz over the past thirty years.
Review
"Bob Newhart is a great comedian and a great American." David Hyde Pierce
Review
"More of a routine than a memoir, but full of the wry, understated self-deprecation that Newhart has perfected." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"The sitcom icon spins out anecdotes from his life pre-fame (as a Chicago accountant, he'd cheat to balance the books) and post- (boozing during the Catch-22 shoot), peppering them with bits from his best-selling 1960 album, The Button-Down Mind. (Grade: A-)" Entertainment Weekly
Synopsis
The first book ever from an icon of American comedy a hilarious combination of stories from his career and observations about life.
That stammer. Those basset-hound eyes. That bone-dry wit. There has never been another comedian like Bob Newhart. His comedy albums, movies, and two hit television series have made him a national treasure and placed him firmly in the pantheon of comedy legends. Who else has a drinking game named after him? And now, at last, Newhart puts his brilliant and hysterical world view on paper.
Never a punch-line comic, always more of a storyteller, he tells anecdotes from throughout his life and career, including his beginnings as an accountant and the groundbreaking success of his comedy albums and The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, which gave him fifteen years on primetime television. And he also gives his wry, comedic twist to a multitude of topics, including golf, drinking, and family holidays.
Today, Newhart appears on Desperate Housewives, in hit movies such as Elf, and in theaters around the country. Reruns of his shows air constantly on Nick at Nite have recently been released with great success for the first time ever on DVD. With this book, Bob Newhart gives his millions of fans a first ever opportunity to sample his unique brand of humor including excerpts from some of his classic routines on the printed page.
About the Author
Bob Newhart is one of America's best-loved comedians. His career highlights include The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, and ten major films including Catch-22, Legally Blonde 2, and Elf. He guest hosted The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson 87 times and more recently earned an Emmy nomination for a guest-starring role on ER. He has been married to Virginia Quinn since 1963; they have four children and several grandchildren. He lives in Southern California.