DigeeBooks



The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family

The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family

by Ron Howard (Author)

Happy DaysThe Andy Griffith Show, Gentle Ben—these shows captivated millions of TV viewers in the ’60s and ’70s. Join award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and audience-favorite actor Clint Howard as they frankly and fondly share their unusual family story of navigating and surviving life as sibling child actors.

“What was it like to grow up on TV?” Ron Howard has been asked this question throughout his adult life. in The Boys, he and his younger brother, Clint, examine their childhoods in detail for the first time. For Ron, playing Opie on The Andy Griffith Show and Richie Cunningham on Happy Days offered fame, joy, and opportunity—but also invited stress and bullying. For Clint, a fast start on such programs as Gentle Ben and Star Trek petered out in adolescence, with some tough consequences and lessons.

With the perspective of time and success—Ron as a filmmaker, producer, and Hollywood A-lister, Clint as a busy character actor—the Howard brothers delve deep into an upbringing that seemed normal to them yet was anything but. Their Midwestern parents, Rance and Jean, moved to California to pursue their own showbiz dreams. But it was their young sons who found steady employment as actors. Rance put aside his ego and ambition to become Ron and Clint’s teacher, sage, and moral compass. Jean became their loving protector—sometimes over-protector—from the snares and traps of Hollywood.

By turns confessional, nostalgic, heartwarming, and harrowing, THE BOYS is a dual narrative that lifts the lid on the Howard brothers’ closely held lives. It’s the journey of a tight four-person family unit that held fast in an unforgiving business and of two brothers who survived “child-actor syndrome” to become fulfilled adults.

Journey through the fascinating life and career of Ron Howard, the acclaimed actor, director, and producer, in his captivating memoir, "The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family." Delve into the world of Hollywood through Howard's eyes as he shares intimate stories of his childhood, his rise to fame, and the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.

As a child, Howard found himself immersed in the magic of Hollywood, with his father, Rance Howard, being an actor and his mother, Jean Speegle Howard, a talented actress. Growing up on movie sets, he developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and filmmaking, which would later shape his illustrious career.

Howard's breakthrough came with the iconic sitcom "Happy Days," where he played the beloved character Richie Cunningham. This role catapulted him to stardom and made him a household name. However, it was his directorial debut with "Grand Theft Auto" that truly showcased his creative talent and vision.

Throughout the memoir, Howard takes readers on a nostalgic journey through his filmography, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights into some of his most celebrated works, including "Splash," "Cocoon," "Apollo 13," "A Beautiful Mind," and "The Da Vinci Code."

Beyond his professional achievements, "The Boys" also explores Howard's personal life, his relationships with family and friends, and the values that have guided him throughout his life. He reflects on the importance of family, the lessons he learned from his parents, and the impact they had on his own parenting style.

With his signature wit and charm, Howard weaves a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and inspiring. "The Boys" is a must-read for fans of Ron Howard, film enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the inner workings of Hollywood.

Rating:

Pages:
416 pages
Language:
English