Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
My Happy Days in Hollywood: A Memoir
With the television hits The Odd Couple, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Mork & Mindy, and movies like The Flamingo Kid, Beaches, Pretty Woman, and The Princess Diaries under his belt, Garry Marshall has been among the most successful writers, directors, and producers in America for more than five decades. His work on the small and big screen has delighted audie...more
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
April 24th 2012
by Crown Archetype
(first published April 10th 2012)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
791)
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
This book is a nice, quick read about the life of director Garry Marshall.
What I liked about this book is that it was relatively upbeat. He seems to be a pretty positive guy, & that made the book more enjoyable for me. I was also a fan of the fact that nothing really dragged out. Admittedly, this book is a lot of name dropping. But he moves through the timeline pretty fast, so there's no whole pointless chapters focused on one tiny aspect,...more
This book is a nice, quick read about the life of director Garry Marshall.
What I liked about this book is that it was relatively upbeat. He seems to be a pretty positive guy, & that made the book more enjoyable for me. I was also a fan of the fact that nothing really dragged out. Admittedly, this book is a lot of name dropping. But he moves through the timeline pretty fast, so there's no whole pointless chapters focused on one tiny aspect,...more
This memoir clearly demonstrates that Garry Marshall plans to continue working in Hollywood. Why do I say that? Where's the dirt? It is almost as if he has nothing at all negative to say about those actors and actresses he has worked with, even those who acted negatively. Oh, he mentions that some are difficult to deal with. He describes the happiest days of his life (working on Happy Days) and the darkest days (Laverne and Shirley). The closest he gets to demeaning any of those he has worked wi...more
Of all the people in Hollywood these days, few of them even come close to Garry Marshall's veteran status. Between producing, directing, and/or writing (Mork and Mindy, Princess Diaries, The Odd Couple, and countless others) and even some acting (Race to Witch Mountain, Murphy Brown, Grand Theft Auto, and lots more,) Marshall's many works are well-known to pretty much everyone. As a long-time entertainment fan myself, I picked up this book thinking I'd enjoy it. Did I? Well...to a degree. There...more
I’ve always enjoyed Garry Marshall ever since I saw him play the part of Stan Lansing in the TV show Murphy Brown, so of course I had to read his new memoir My Happy Days in Hollywood. He is just as sweet and kind as we’ve always suspected.
Garry is a writer, director, actor, and producer. Some of the TV shows he directed are The Odd Couple, Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, and Mork and Mindy. Some of the movies he directed or produced are Frankie and Johnny, Beaches, Pretty Woman, and The Prince...more
Garry is a writer, director, actor, and producer. Some of the TV shows he directed are The Odd Couple, Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, and Mork and Mindy. Some of the movies he directed or produced are Frankie and Johnny, Beaches, Pretty Woman, and The Prince...more
Yes, I watch alot of TV. But I also read quite a bit. And, yes, I read about the television and film industry. So you've got to know I was all over Garry Marshall's new autobiography that came out this year. I know Marshall as the successful writer-producer of several of my favorite TV shows from the 1970s. But his very long and successful career in Hollywood, before and after these TV shows, fills the pages of this book with his keys to success for what it takes to make it in the crazy business...more
The name dropping alone is worth the read, this man knows everyone who is anyone in the entertainment biz for the last 50 years or so. He's worked for or with everyone from Joey Bishop to Zac Efron along the way gathering a reputation as a great director for movies starring and skewed for women.
Garry Marshall came from a non-traditional family unit and was a sickly child. Those two things fueled his desire to make a traditional marriage and family, to be happy and share that happier outlook on l...more
Garry Marshall came from a non-traditional family unit and was a sickly child. Those two things fueled his desire to make a traditional marriage and family, to be happy and share that happier outlook on l...more
Having grown up watching many of Marshall's shows and movies, I was interested in his tale of show biz. I went with the audio book, and while he comes across a warm and ingratiating man, his Borscht Belt accent almost killed it for me on page 1. I had to set the book to 2X speed to make it tolerable. All told, a good tale of a hard worker making good. But overall pretty thin. Every actor is a a "warm and funny" person, and there's little to no detail of the kind of behind the scenes sort I reall...more
I like Garry Marshall and almost all of the more popular work he has done in television and movies. I read reviews of this book and one said it was a lot of name-dropping. I think that is allowed, when your own name is dropped. I'd say Garry Marshall is on the level or above a lot of the names he dropped. Besides, he worked with all these 'names' and MADE them names.
So, if you like romantic comedy movies and sentimental sitcoms of the 70's you'll like this book. I was impressed by Garry's reinv...more
So, if you like romantic comedy movies and sentimental sitcoms of the 70's you'll like this book. I was impressed by Garry's reinv...more
Interesting. Enlightening. Inspiring. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Garry Marshall, his family and his life. He seems like a very positive person (he writes a "W" on each day of his calendar for "Win" ... well, until he got cancer - he needed a little extra positive nudge so he wrote "V" for victory) with a great sense of humor (he liked to play practical jokes at work - and he even occasionally lost his temper, and the consequences of those times were funny, too).
I had no i...more
I had no i...more
Garry Marshall has, in my opinion, made a career on making pleasant yet forgettable shows and films. You watch them, smile a little, and move on. His autobiography is much the same way. He's a nice guy and his story is a successful one, but the book is ultimately very... okay.
The first half covers his life as a sick kid growing up in the Bronx and rising up as a writer for people like Danny Thomas and Joey Bishop. The story is pretty fascinating, to be sure, and it's a breezy narrative that ente...more
The first half covers his life as a sick kid growing up in the Bronx and rising up as a writer for people like Danny Thomas and Joey Bishop. The story is pretty fascinating, to be sure, and it's a breezy narrative that ente...more
May 19, 2013
Jane
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People who like Garry Marshall's sitcoms and movies and want an light read.
This one fits the category of an easy book to listen to while getting the chores done. I wasn't expecting great literature here so it was easy to meet my expectations. Garry Marshall is very likable and it was interesting to read about how he broke into the business and hear about the behind the scenes moments in making his many TV series and hit movies. Garry gets extra points from me for doing the reading of his audio book. I remember watching the director's notes on one of his DVDs and being...more
This is not the best written show biz memoir, not by a long shot, but it is nonetheless an enjoyable read from someone who comes across as a genuinely warm, nice guy. Marshall has lots of tales to tell and all of us in middle age have spent many, many hours watching material that Marshall has written and produced. It is always fun to get a little bit of the "backstory" from beloved movies and television shows.
One complaint: This is yet another book that could have used some first rate editing....more
One complaint: This is yet another book that could have used some first rate editing....more
I rarely use the word "delightful", but it's the first word that came to mind after reading Mr. Marshall's memoir, "My Happy Days in Hollywood". How fortunate that someone with such a long and impressive career also has the writing skills to share it with his readers in such an easy conversational style. He takes us along on his journey, starting as a sickly child in the Bronx, through college and the military, continuing with his career as a comedy writer and then progressing to producing and d...more
I loved it...I chose the audio book for this one. His gravelly voice made me smile and kept me very entertained from beginning to end.
He started out as a comedy writer and I can’t over how much this man has written, directed and produced. I’d like to believe he’s as down to earth as he sounds and not "Hollywood" and stuck up as perhaps some others might be.
I am a little sad to learn that Penny did not have the same happy and positive experiences as Garry did. Their parents apparently treated th...more
He started out as a comedy writer and I can’t over how much this man has written, directed and produced. I’d like to believe he’s as down to earth as he sounds and not "Hollywood" and stuck up as perhaps some others might be.
I am a little sad to learn that Penny did not have the same happy and positive experiences as Garry did. Their parents apparently treated th...more
As I was listening to the Audio book I was surprised at all the projects Garry Marshall worked on, some I knew like Happy Days and Pretty Woman but there were others I had no idea he was involved with, Beaches, who knew?
Each Chapter focused on a specific TV show or Movie he either wrote, directed or produced and his experience during that particular filming. It was interesting, I thought it would have a little more humour than it did. I did however love Garry's reading of the CHAPTER NUMBER bef...more
Each Chapter focused on a specific TV show or Movie he either wrote, directed or produced and his experience during that particular filming. It was interesting, I thought it would have a little more humour than it did. I did however love Garry's reading of the CHAPTER NUMBER bef...more
I'm a sucker for a Hollywood memoir and I jumped at the chance to read the words of Garry Marshall. His long and successful career has brought him together with so many "greats" : from Jackie Gleason and Lucille Ball to Julia Roberts and Anne Hathaway. He seems to be a straightforward kind of guy, and this comes out in his writing which is to-the-point. I enjoyed the tidbits from behind the scenes of his shows and movies. He is honest about difficulties with actors and coworkers but in the end h...more
This is a delightful book that had me laughing out loud. That was somewhat embarrassing, since I listened to Garry's reading of his autobiography while I took my daily walk. Listening added a lot to the experience since Garry's authentic Bronx accent is a treat for those of us from 'the neighborhood.' During his 50+ years in the entertainment industry, he's worked with a veritable who's who of old-time radio, 60s and 70s television and modern-day movies. When he describes all these famous people...more
good autobiography from Garry Marshall. Garry gives a great account of his television shows and movies he has produced. from The Odd Couple to Mork and Mindy, Happy days and Laverne and Shirley. he was honest but fair about the "happy times on Happy Days' and the not so happy times on Laverne and Shirley. he talks about his movies 17 as of his writing. such as Pretty Woman and a very young Julia Roberts. to New Years eve his most recent directing experience. i really enjoyed reading this account...more
I love reading books that tell you what goes on behind the scenes and this book does a great job of that. Garry's dry humor kept me smiling through out the book. I like the way he laid out his chapters so you immediately knew if it would be interesting to you. He is not vicious or mean and if has something negative to say about someone, he does it in a nice or a funny way.
I enjoy his movies and television shows so it was a lot of fun to see how they were created and what it was like filming the...more
I enjoy his movies and television shows so it was a lot of fun to see how they were created and what it was like filming the...more
Garry Marshall's memoir was an enjoyable read. Although there is a part of me that thinks "where's the dirt?" it was actually nice to read this almost entirely positive tale of Hollywood. I am about 40 years old and at least recognized the names in the very first chapters and was very familiar with the stars in the rest of the chapters. I think the beginning of the book might be less enjoyable for younger readers.
The book is a bit repetitive at times. This would likely be beneficial to someone w...more
The book is a bit repetitive at times. This would likely be beneficial to someone w...more
Garry Marshall is an american treasure in my opinion. He does a wonderful job of telling the story of his life. From writing for Joey Bishop and Jack Paar, doing the Odd Couple with comedic greats Tony Randall and Jack Klugman to being the creator of Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley. Then he shifts gears to directing movies!
He speaks with warmth and generousity regarding all his "stars." Julia Roberts credits him for giving her her career. His wife of 45+ years is from Cincinnati. He even h...more
He speaks with warmth and generousity regarding all his "stars." Julia Roberts credits him for giving her her career. His wife of 45+ years is from Cincinnati. He even h...more
Charming, funny, witty, poignant...all the things a great sitcom has, this book has. Garry Marshall has had a great career and this book was a joy to read, especially if you grew up watching his tv shows and movies. A lot of behind the scenes stories and very diplomatic, i.e. not tabloid material, remembrances of the harder times. This book was not a tell all, but a happy trip down memory lane, yet it is full of honest emotions and sincerity. Garry seems like the every man who just happened to...more
This seems to be a "give everyone I ever met thanks and credit before I die" book. It was not well written (yes, his daughter wrote with him), as he is name dropping every other sentence. Between that he makes the point (repeatedly) that he is a good father and wants to be there for his kids after school. The only interesting thing is reading about how connections and nepotism really are hard at work in Hollywood, along with tidbits about the movie stars, writers, and producers he has worked wit...more
I loved this book! My mom read and it and was constantly filling me in on the most recent chapter she’d read, but she still thought I should read it myself. And I’m so glad I did!
I adore so many of Garry Marshall’s films, and have always appreciated his informative bonus features on his DVDs. But reading his auto-biography gave me a whole new appreciation for him as a director/writer/actor, as well as a person.
The book reads very quickly, and there’s delightful humor throughout. Instead of a “d...more
I adore so many of Garry Marshall’s films, and have always appreciated his informative bonus features on his DVDs. But reading his auto-biography gave me a whole new appreciation for him as a director/writer/actor, as well as a person.
The book reads very quickly, and there’s delightful humor throughout. Instead of a “d...more
3 likes · like · see review
view all 9 comments
Garry Marshall is a writer, director, producer, and actor of TV and movies. This book was so enjoyable to read. He comes across as just a regular guy who loves his wife and family and likes to stay close to home. He and his wife have been married for 50 years which must be some kind of record in Hollywood. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren and all have appeared in or worked on his projects in some fashion or other. If you are expecting one of those books where the author slams everyone he...more
Ever wonder how someone breaks into show business and how a TV show is developed? Well, Garry Marshall's book My Happy Days In Hollywood tells how he did it. I enjoyed reading the behind the scenes secrets.
One of the interesting things I learned is how the Milk and Pepsi gag from Laverne and Shirley came about. You also learn about the many films he has directed and produced. If you like to read about Hollywood and enjoy a behind the scenes look than this book is for you.
One of the interesting things I learned is how the Milk and Pepsi gag from Laverne and Shirley came about. You also learn about the many films he has directed and produced. If you like to read about Hollywood and enjoy a behind the scenes look than this book is for you.
Audiobook version -- I loved this book -- could even listen to it again. Garry Marshall reads his memoir as though he were chatting with the reader about his life. His Brooklyn accent and dry humor were perfect ! And, his childhood, family, military, professional life are always interesting no matter what phase of life he's in. And, of course, his family's life in tv and the movies, as well as the many, many entertainment people he has known, worked with, has as friends -- a wonderful look at tv...more
Garry Marshall represents if not the soundtrack of the 60s 70s and 80s; he's at least the eye track. The developer of "Happy Days, "Laverne and Shirley", "Mork and Mindy" as well as the Director of "Pretty Woman", spins a charming and amusing tale. He started as a writer for Joey Bishop, Jack Parr, and Danny Thomas, and then parlayed an almost unbeatable series of hits.
The book is light and gossipy; and speaks to a time not so long ago that we think of as the "good old days".
The book is light and gossipy; and speaks to a time not so long ago that we think of as the "good old days".
This was exactly what I expected, and wanted, it to be - an enjoyable book about Garry Marshall's experiences growing up, then in the world of TV and movies. I am always interested in "behind the scenes" information and particularly fascinated to learn more about people's lives. His stories were enjoyable to read because he seems to have a sincerely positive attitude; this was not a "tell all" or book with a negative tone, whatsoever. It was just a fun book to read!
Want an interesting drive home? Listen to Garry Marshall narrate his audiobook: "CHAP-tuh ONE! The BRONXXXXXX!" I thought the book would have more humor in it, but I was surprised to hear how Garry got started -- he sort of fell into his career and just built it up as he went. Best part about reading this book? I was able to answer a question correctly at Trivia Night that related to Laverne & Shirley. Thanks, Garry!
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Never underestimate the power of your sister.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
