Happy Days, The 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.
About the Author :
Ron Howard has made a lifelong career in television and film, winning numerous accolades and awards as actor, director, and producer. He is cochair with Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment, which has recently partnered with National Geographic on Breakthrough as well as Red Planet.
Ron Howard has made a lifelong career in television and film, winning numerous accolades and awards as actor, director, and producer. He is cochair with Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment, which has recently partnered with National Geographic on Breakthrough as well as Red Planet.
Clint Howard is a character actor and the younger brother of filmmaker Ron Howard. He began his acting career at the age of three when he played the role of Leon on The Andy Griffith Show. He starred opposite the titular bear in the popular late-'60s CBS television series Gentle Ben and has gone on to act in manyTV shows and films over the years. Among his credits are Star Trek in virtually all of its incarnations, Apollo 13, Seinfeld, Rock 'n' Roll High School, Arrested Development, The Waterboy, and many horror films.
Clint Howard is a character actor and the younger brother of filmmaker Ron Howard. He began his acting career at the age of three when he played the role of Leon on The Andy Griffith Show. He starred opposite the titular bear in the popular late-'60s CBS television series Gentle Ben and has gone on to act in manyTV shows and films over the years. Among his credits are Star Trek in virtually all of its incarnations, Apollo 13, Seinfeld, Rock 'n' Roll High School, Arrested Development, The Waterboy, and many horror films.
Review :
"[A] fascinating dual autobiography...Candid, humorous, and entertaining, this intimate account will be a hit with the brothers' fans."
-- "Publishers Weekly"
"[A] nostalgic coming-of-age story that examines life in showbiz, fun adventures, and, perhaps above all, the importance of family."
-- "CNN"
"A delightful, warm and fascinating story of a good life in show business."
-- "Malcolm Gladwell, #1 New York Times bestselling author"
"A Tinseltown childhood free of malice, regret, or self-pity...a picture of a family unencumbered by major neuroses, hang-ups, or rivalries...Refreshing [and] homespun."
-- "Wall Street Journal"
"Filled with delightful stories from [Hollywood] set...Fans of the Howards will greatly enjoy their teasing, loving banter, and evocation of a gentler era."
-- "Library Journal (starred review)"
"Ron and Clint's story of their remarkable coming-of-age in show business will thrill any reader."
-- "Steve Martin, actor, comedian, and New York Times bestselling author"
"This audiobook is simply a delight...[with] that special talent some actors have for making the conversation seem so intimate and direct...The shared narration works well, especially with each brother stating his first name each time the reins change hands...This is a must-listen. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award."
-- "AudioFile"
