Author: Jenna Fischer
Publisher: BenBella Books
ISBN: 1944648232
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 223
Book Description
Jenna Fischer's Hollywood journey began at the age of 22 when she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined, she was confident, she was ready to work hard. So, what could go wrong? Uh, basically everything. The path to being a professional actor was so much more vast and competitive than she'd imagined. It would be eight long years before she landed her iconic role on The Office, nearly a decade of frustration, struggle, rejection and doubt. If only she'd had a handbook for the aspiring actor. Or, better yet, someone to show her the way—an established actor who could educate her about the business, manage her expectations, and reassure her in those moments of despair. Jenna wants to be that person for you. With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy's apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you're looking for!). Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who's made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you, pointing out the pitfalls as you blaze your own path towards the life of a professional actor.
The Actor's Life
Author: Jenna Fischer
Publisher: BenBella Books
ISBN: 1944648232
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 223
Book Description
Jenna Fischer's Hollywood journey began at the age of 22 when she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined, she was confident, she was ready to work hard. So, what could go wrong? Uh, basically everything. The path to being a professional actor was so much more vast and competitive than she'd imagined. It would be eight long years before she landed her iconic role on The Office, nearly a decade of frustration, struggle, rejection and doubt. If only she'd had a handbook for the aspiring actor. Or, better yet, someone to show her the way—an established actor who could educate her about the business, manage her expectations, and reassure her in those moments of despair. Jenna wants to be that person for you. With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy's apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you're looking for!). Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who's made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you, pointing out the pitfalls as you blaze your own path towards the life of a professional actor.
Publisher: BenBella Books
ISBN: 1944648232
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 223
Book Description
Jenna Fischer's Hollywood journey began at the age of 22 when she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined, she was confident, she was ready to work hard. So, what could go wrong? Uh, basically everything. The path to being a professional actor was so much more vast and competitive than she'd imagined. It would be eight long years before she landed her iconic role on The Office, nearly a decade of frustration, struggle, rejection and doubt. If only she'd had a handbook for the aspiring actor. Or, better yet, someone to show her the way—an established actor who could educate her about the business, manage her expectations, and reassure her in those moments of despair. Jenna wants to be that person for you. With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy's apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you're looking for!). Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who's made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you, pointing out the pitfalls as you blaze your own path towards the life of a professional actor.
The Girl who Wanted to be an Actress
Author: Chris Van Wyk
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780636027923
Category : Children's literature, African
Languages : en
Pages : 62
Book Description
This volume is part of a series of stories featuring a group of friends who have all sorts of exciting adventures. Suitable for the intermediate phase, the stories are written at different levels of ability.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780636027923
Category : Children's literature, African
Languages : en
Pages : 62
Book Description
This volume is part of a series of stories featuring a group of friends who have all sorts of exciting adventures. Suitable for the intermediate phase, the stories are written at different levels of ability.
A Challenge for the Actor
Author: Uta Hagen
Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
ISBN:
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
"I held onto this book for dear life throughout my twenties, and still thumb through it when I need a tune up. If I lose my car keys and I’m frantically turning my house upside down trying to find them I look up at the heavens and hope she’s having a good laugh." - Amanda Peet "I was extraordinarily privileged to work with Uta Hagen in Circle in the Square’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s play, You Never Can Tell. She was committed to revealing the truth and we are the beneficiaries of her brilliant observations." - Victor Garber "CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR, written by one of the most important actors of the 20th Century, is a remarkable source of practical principles on how to be a human being in your work and to not just “act." Uta's purpose for this book is to clarify and update the articulation of her technique as stated in RESPECT FOR ACTING. In "Chapter 8" of this book particularly, she provides a self-empowering approach to acting that is an invaluable resource for achieving the art of acting for stage, film, and television at its highest level." - Ted Brunetti "Uta Hagen changed my life. She changed the lives of thousands and thousands of other people as well. To have Uta’s books and to be able to look through them at the drop of a hat keeps me going and keeps me inspired to keep going." - Austin Pendleton "Uta Hagen’s A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR is simply the bible for any acting student serious about their craft. Even as a professional I refer to it time and again for the basics. It is a touchstone." - Laila Robins “'Cynicism leads to mental illness and insanity.' Words of warning Uta Hagen spoke often to her students. Here in lies the difference between Ms. Hagen’s classic RESPECT FOR ACTING and its companion A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR. She meets head on the soul killing demon that threatens the art and craft of all actors, cynicism. The challenge is to remain curious, caring, innocent, disciplined, educated, and life-loving amid dark times. To have the courage to fight the forces of apathy and disbelief in order to serve with all one’s heart the profession that one loves.” - Victor Slezak Uta Hagen, one of the world's most renowned stage actresses, also taught acting for more than 40 years at the HB Studio in New York. Her first book, Respect for Acting, published in 1973, remains a best seller in print. In this edition of her second classic book, A Challenge for the Actor, she greatly expands her thinking about acting in a work that brings the full flowering of her artistry, both as an actor and as a teacher. She raises the issue of the actor's goals and examines the specifics of the actor's techniques. She goes on to consider the actor's relationship to the physical and psychological senses. There is a brilliantly conceived section on the animation of the body and mind, of listening and talking, and the concept of expectation. But perhaps the most useful are the exercises that Uta Hagen has created and elaborated to help the actor learn his craft. The exercises deal with developing the actor's physical destination in a role; making changes in the self serviceable in the creation of a character; recreating physical sensations; bringing the outdoors on stage; finding occupation while waiting; talking to oneself and the audience; and employing historical imagination. The scope and range of Uta Hagen here is extraordinary. Her years of acting and teaching have made her as finely seasoned an artist as the theatre has produced.
Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
ISBN:
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
"I held onto this book for dear life throughout my twenties, and still thumb through it when I need a tune up. If I lose my car keys and I’m frantically turning my house upside down trying to find them I look up at the heavens and hope she’s having a good laugh." - Amanda Peet "I was extraordinarily privileged to work with Uta Hagen in Circle in the Square’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s play, You Never Can Tell. She was committed to revealing the truth and we are the beneficiaries of her brilliant observations." - Victor Garber "CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR, written by one of the most important actors of the 20th Century, is a remarkable source of practical principles on how to be a human being in your work and to not just “act." Uta's purpose for this book is to clarify and update the articulation of her technique as stated in RESPECT FOR ACTING. In "Chapter 8" of this book particularly, she provides a self-empowering approach to acting that is an invaluable resource for achieving the art of acting for stage, film, and television at its highest level." - Ted Brunetti "Uta Hagen changed my life. She changed the lives of thousands and thousands of other people as well. To have Uta’s books and to be able to look through them at the drop of a hat keeps me going and keeps me inspired to keep going." - Austin Pendleton "Uta Hagen’s A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR is simply the bible for any acting student serious about their craft. Even as a professional I refer to it time and again for the basics. It is a touchstone." - Laila Robins “'Cynicism leads to mental illness and insanity.' Words of warning Uta Hagen spoke often to her students. Here in lies the difference between Ms. Hagen’s classic RESPECT FOR ACTING and its companion A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR. She meets head on the soul killing demon that threatens the art and craft of all actors, cynicism. The challenge is to remain curious, caring, innocent, disciplined, educated, and life-loving amid dark times. To have the courage to fight the forces of apathy and disbelief in order to serve with all one’s heart the profession that one loves.” - Victor Slezak Uta Hagen, one of the world's most renowned stage actresses, also taught acting for more than 40 years at the HB Studio in New York. Her first book, Respect for Acting, published in 1973, remains a best seller in print. In this edition of her second classic book, A Challenge for the Actor, she greatly expands her thinking about acting in a work that brings the full flowering of her artistry, both as an actor and as a teacher. She raises the issue of the actor's goals and examines the specifics of the actor's techniques. She goes on to consider the actor's relationship to the physical and psychological senses. There is a brilliantly conceived section on the animation of the body and mind, of listening and talking, and the concept of expectation. But perhaps the most useful are the exercises that Uta Hagen has created and elaborated to help the actor learn his craft. The exercises deal with developing the actor's physical destination in a role; making changes in the self serviceable in the creation of a character; recreating physical sensations; bringing the outdoors on stage; finding occupation while waiting; talking to oneself and the audience; and employing historical imagination. The scope and range of Uta Hagen here is extraordinary. Her years of acting and teaching have made her as finely seasoned an artist as the theatre has produced.
So You Want to Be a Film Or TV Actor?
Author: Lisa Rondinelli Albert
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 9780766027411
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 132
Book Description
"Details how to become an actor for film and television"--Provided by publisher.
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 9780766027411
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 132
Book Description
"Details how to become an actor for film and television"--Provided by publisher.
Acting in Film
Author: Michael Caine
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
ISBN: 1476842752
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 153
Book Description
(Applause Books). A master actor who's appeared in an enormous number of films, starring with everyone from Nicholson to Kermit the Frog, Michael Caine is uniquely qualified to provide his view of making movies. This revised and expanded edition features great photos, with chapters on: Preparation, In Front of the Camera Before You Shoot, The Take, Characters, Directors, On Being a Star, and much more. "Remarkable material ... A treasure ... I'm not going to be looking at performances quite the same way ... FASCINATING!" Gene Siskel
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
ISBN: 1476842752
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 153
Book Description
(Applause Books). A master actor who's appeared in an enormous number of films, starring with everyone from Nicholson to Kermit the Frog, Michael Caine is uniquely qualified to provide his view of making movies. This revised and expanded edition features great photos, with chapters on: Preparation, In Front of the Camera Before You Shoot, The Take, Characters, Directors, On Being a Star, and much more. "Remarkable material ... A treasure ... I'm not going to be looking at performances quite the same way ... FASCINATING!" Gene Siskel
I Wanted to Be an Actress - The Autobiography of Katharine Cornell
Author: Katharine Cornell
Publisher: Spargo Press
ISBN: 1406721565
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 420
Book Description
PREFACE. THE Author of this very practical treatise on Scotch Loch - Fishing desires clearly that it may be of use to all who had it. He does not pretend to have written anything new, but to have attempted to put what he has to say in as readable a form as possible. Everything in the way of the history and habits of fish has been studiously avoided, and technicalities have been used as sparingly as possible. The writing of this book has afforded him pleasure in his leisure moments, and that pleasure would be much increased if he knew that the perusal of it would create any bond of sympathy between himself and the angling community in general. This section is interleaved with blank shects for the readers notes. The Author need hardly say that any suggestions addressed to the case of the publishers, will meet with consideration in a future edition. We do not pretend to write or enlarge upon a new subject. Much has been said and written-and well said and written too on the art of fishing but loch-fishing has been rather looked upon as a second-rate performance, and to dispel this idea is one of the objects for which this present treatise has been written. Far be it from us to say anything against fishing, lawfully practised in any form but many pent up in our large towns will bear us out when me say that, on the whole, a days loch-fishing is the most convenient. One great matter is, that the loch-fisher is depend- ent on nothing but enough wind to curl the water, -and on a large loch it is very seldom that a dead calm prevails all day, -and can make his arrangements for a day, weeks beforehand whereas the stream- fisher is dependent for a good take on the state of the water and however pleasant and easy it may be for one living near the banks of a good trout stream or river, it is quite another matter to arrange for a days river-fishing, if one is looking forward to a holiday at a date some weeks ahead. Providence may favour the expectant angler with a good day, and the water in order but experience has taught most of us that the good days are in the minority, and that, as is the case with our rapid running streams, -such as many of our northern streams are, -the water is either too large or too small, unless, as previously remarked, you live near at hand, and can catch it at its best. A common belief in regard to loch-fishing is, that the tyro and the experienced angler have nearly the same chance in fishing, -the one from the stern and the other from the bow of the same boat. Of all the absurd beliefs as to loch-fishing, this is one of the most absurd. Try it. Give the tyro either end of the boat he likes give him a cast of ally flies he may fancy, or even a cast similar to those which a crack may be using and if he catches one for every three the other has, he may consider himself very lucky. Of course there are lochs where the fish are not abundant, and a beginner may come across as many as an older fisher but we speak of lochs where there are fish to be caught, and where each has a fair chance. Again, it is said that the boatman has as much to do with catching trout in a loch as the angler. Well, we dont deny that. In an untried loch it is necessary to have the guidance of a good boatman but the same argument holds good as to stream-fishing...
Publisher: Spargo Press
ISBN: 1406721565
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 420
Book Description
PREFACE. THE Author of this very practical treatise on Scotch Loch - Fishing desires clearly that it may be of use to all who had it. He does not pretend to have written anything new, but to have attempted to put what he has to say in as readable a form as possible. Everything in the way of the history and habits of fish has been studiously avoided, and technicalities have been used as sparingly as possible. The writing of this book has afforded him pleasure in his leisure moments, and that pleasure would be much increased if he knew that the perusal of it would create any bond of sympathy between himself and the angling community in general. This section is interleaved with blank shects for the readers notes. The Author need hardly say that any suggestions addressed to the case of the publishers, will meet with consideration in a future edition. We do not pretend to write or enlarge upon a new subject. Much has been said and written-and well said and written too on the art of fishing but loch-fishing has been rather looked upon as a second-rate performance, and to dispel this idea is one of the objects for which this present treatise has been written. Far be it from us to say anything against fishing, lawfully practised in any form but many pent up in our large towns will bear us out when me say that, on the whole, a days loch-fishing is the most convenient. One great matter is, that the loch-fisher is depend- ent on nothing but enough wind to curl the water, -and on a large loch it is very seldom that a dead calm prevails all day, -and can make his arrangements for a day, weeks beforehand whereas the stream- fisher is dependent for a good take on the state of the water and however pleasant and easy it may be for one living near the banks of a good trout stream or river, it is quite another matter to arrange for a days river-fishing, if one is looking forward to a holiday at a date some weeks ahead. Providence may favour the expectant angler with a good day, and the water in order but experience has taught most of us that the good days are in the minority, and that, as is the case with our rapid running streams, -such as many of our northern streams are, -the water is either too large or too small, unless, as previously remarked, you live near at hand, and can catch it at its best. A common belief in regard to loch-fishing is, that the tyro and the experienced angler have nearly the same chance in fishing, -the one from the stern and the other from the bow of the same boat. Of all the absurd beliefs as to loch-fishing, this is one of the most absurd. Try it. Give the tyro either end of the boat he likes give him a cast of ally flies he may fancy, or even a cast similar to those which a crack may be using and if he catches one for every three the other has, he may consider himself very lucky. Of course there are lochs where the fish are not abundant, and a beginner may come across as many as an older fisher but we speak of lochs where there are fish to be caught, and where each has a fair chance. Again, it is said that the boatman has as much to do with catching trout in a loch as the angler. Well, we dont deny that. In an untried loch it is necessary to have the guidance of a good boatman but the same argument holds good as to stream-fishing...
Auditioning
Author: Joanna Merlin
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0375725377
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
Theater veteran and acting teacher Joanna Merlin has written the definitive guide to auditioning for stage and screen, bringing to it a valuable dual perspective. She has spent her career on both sides of the auditioning process, both as an award-winning casting director who has worked with Harold Prince, Bernard Bertolucci, and James Ivory, and as an accomplished actor herself. In this highly informative and accessible book, Merlin provides everything the actor needs to achieve self-confidence and artistic honesty–from the most basic practical tips to an in-depth framework for preparing a part. Filled with advice from the most esteemed people in the business, such as James Lapine, Nora Ephron, and Stephen Sondheim, and charged with tremendous wisdom and compassion, this indispensable resource will arm the reader to face an actor's greatest challenge: getting the part.
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0375725377
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
Theater veteran and acting teacher Joanna Merlin has written the definitive guide to auditioning for stage and screen, bringing to it a valuable dual perspective. She has spent her career on both sides of the auditioning process, both as an award-winning casting director who has worked with Harold Prince, Bernard Bertolucci, and James Ivory, and as an accomplished actor herself. In this highly informative and accessible book, Merlin provides everything the actor needs to achieve self-confidence and artistic honesty–from the most basic practical tips to an in-depth framework for preparing a part. Filled with advice from the most esteemed people in the business, such as James Lapine, Nora Ephron, and Stephen Sondheim, and charged with tremendous wisdom and compassion, this indispensable resource will arm the reader to face an actor's greatest challenge: getting the part.
Bravo, Anjali!
Author: Sheetal Sheth
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0593651189
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 41
Book Description
Anjali is back for an encore in this follow-up to Always Anjali! And she isn't going to let anyone make her feel bad for being good at something, especially something she loves. For Anjali, playing the tabla is something that comes naturally--she loves feeling the drum beneath her fingers and getting lost in the music. She doesn't care that some people say it's an instrument for boys. But she does care when her skills make others treat her differently. Anjali starts downplaying her talent, and even messes up on purpose. When her teacher announces a music contest, Anjali can’t deny her dreams of playing the tabla. From actor, author, and activist Sheetal Sheth, this second book in the Anjali series is an important message about never dimming your light.
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0593651189
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 41
Book Description
Anjali is back for an encore in this follow-up to Always Anjali! And she isn't going to let anyone make her feel bad for being good at something, especially something she loves. For Anjali, playing the tabla is something that comes naturally--she loves feeling the drum beneath her fingers and getting lost in the music. She doesn't care that some people say it's an instrument for boys. But she does care when her skills make others treat her differently. Anjali starts downplaying her talent, and even messes up on purpose. When her teacher announces a music contest, Anjali can’t deny her dreams of playing the tabla. From actor, author, and activist Sheetal Sheth, this second book in the Anjali series is an important message about never dimming your light.
Actress: A Novel
Author: Anne Enright
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 1324005637
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
Longlisted for the 2020 Women's Prize for Fiction One of Time's 100 Must-Read Books of 2020 “A critique, a confession, a love letter—and another brilliant novel from Anne Enright.” —Ron Charles, Washington Post Katherine O’Dell is an Irish theater legend. Every moment of her life is a performance, with her daughter, Norah, standing in the wings. With age, alcohol, and dimming stardom, however, Katherine’s grip on reality grows fitful. Fueled by a proud and long-simmering rage, she commits a bizarre crime. As Norah’s role gradually changes to Katherine’s protector, caregiver, and finally legacy-keeper, she revisits her mother’s life of fiercely kept secrets; and Norah confronts in turn the secrets of her own sexual and emotional coming-of-age. With virtuosic storytelling, Actress weaves together two generations of women with difficult sexual histories, touching a raw and timely nerve.
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 1324005637
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
Longlisted for the 2020 Women's Prize for Fiction One of Time's 100 Must-Read Books of 2020 “A critique, a confession, a love letter—and another brilliant novel from Anne Enright.” —Ron Charles, Washington Post Katherine O’Dell is an Irish theater legend. Every moment of her life is a performance, with her daughter, Norah, standing in the wings. With age, alcohol, and dimming stardom, however, Katherine’s grip on reality grows fitful. Fueled by a proud and long-simmering rage, she commits a bizarre crime. As Norah’s role gradually changes to Katherine’s protector, caregiver, and finally legacy-keeper, she revisits her mother’s life of fiercely kept secrets; and Norah confronts in turn the secrets of her own sexual and emotional coming-of-age. With virtuosic storytelling, Actress weaves together two generations of women with difficult sexual histories, touching a raw and timely nerve.
You Can't Be Serious
Author: Kal Penn
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982171405
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
The star of the Harold and Kumar franchise, House, and Designated Survivor recounts why he rejected the advice of his aunties and guidance counselors and, instead of becoming a doctor or “something practical,” embarked on a surprising journey that has included confronting racism in Hollywood, meeting his future husband, and working in the Obama administration, in this “incredibly joyful and insightful” (Kiefer Sutherland) memoir. You Can’t Be Serious is a series of funny, consequential, awkward, and ridiculous stories from Kal Penn’s idiosyncratic life. It’s about being the grandson of Gandhian freedom fighters, and the son of immigrant parents: people who came to this country with very little and went very far—and whose vision of the American dream probably never included their son sliding off an oiled-up naked woman in the raunchy Ryan Reynolds movie Van Wilder…or getting a phone call from Air Force One as Kal flew with the country’s first Black president. “By turns hilarious, poignant, and inspiring” (David Axelrod, New York Times bestselling author), Kal reflects on the most exasperating and rewarding moments from his journey so far. He pulls back the curtain on the nuances of opportunity and racism in the entertainment industry and recounts how he built allies, found encouragement, and dealt with early reminders that he might never fit in. He describes his initially unpromising first date with his now-fiancé Josh, involving an 18-pack of Coors Light and an afternoon of watching NASCAR. And of course, he reveals how, after a decade and a half of fighting for and enjoying successes in Hollywood, he made the terrifying but rewarding decision to take a sabbatical from a fulfilling acting career for an opportunity to serve his country as an Obama White House aide. Above all, You Can’t Be Serious shows that everyone can have more than one life story. The book “is insightful, funny, and instructive for anyone who’s ever grappled with how they fit into the American dream” (Ronan Farrow, New York Times bestselling author), and demonstrates that no matter who you are and where you come from, you have many more choices than those presented to you. And okay, yes, it’s also about how Kal accidentally (and very stupidly) accepted an invitation to take the entire White House Office of Public Engagement to a strip club—because, let’s be honest, that’s the kind of stuff you really want to hear about.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982171405
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
The star of the Harold and Kumar franchise, House, and Designated Survivor recounts why he rejected the advice of his aunties and guidance counselors and, instead of becoming a doctor or “something practical,” embarked on a surprising journey that has included confronting racism in Hollywood, meeting his future husband, and working in the Obama administration, in this “incredibly joyful and insightful” (Kiefer Sutherland) memoir. You Can’t Be Serious is a series of funny, consequential, awkward, and ridiculous stories from Kal Penn’s idiosyncratic life. It’s about being the grandson of Gandhian freedom fighters, and the son of immigrant parents: people who came to this country with very little and went very far—and whose vision of the American dream probably never included their son sliding off an oiled-up naked woman in the raunchy Ryan Reynolds movie Van Wilder…or getting a phone call from Air Force One as Kal flew with the country’s first Black president. “By turns hilarious, poignant, and inspiring” (David Axelrod, New York Times bestselling author), Kal reflects on the most exasperating and rewarding moments from his journey so far. He pulls back the curtain on the nuances of opportunity and racism in the entertainment industry and recounts how he built allies, found encouragement, and dealt with early reminders that he might never fit in. He describes his initially unpromising first date with his now-fiancé Josh, involving an 18-pack of Coors Light and an afternoon of watching NASCAR. And of course, he reveals how, after a decade and a half of fighting for and enjoying successes in Hollywood, he made the terrifying but rewarding decision to take a sabbatical from a fulfilling acting career for an opportunity to serve his country as an Obama White House aide. Above all, You Can’t Be Serious shows that everyone can have more than one life story. The book “is insightful, funny, and instructive for anyone who’s ever grappled with how they fit into the American dream” (Ronan Farrow, New York Times bestselling author), and demonstrates that no matter who you are and where you come from, you have many more choices than those presented to you. And okay, yes, it’s also about how Kal accidentally (and very stupidly) accepted an invitation to take the entire White House Office of Public Engagement to a strip club—because, let’s be honest, that’s the kind of stuff you really want to hear about.