Grayson Hall: A Hard Act to Follow

by R.J. Jamison

Grayson Hall was a widely acclaimed New York Theatre actress, 1964 Academy Award nominee, and co-star of the 1960s?70s Gothic television serial, Dark Shadows. Here for the first time is a survey of her life and career which takes place in the world of New York writers and artists beginning in the early 1950s; a world that revolved around serious intellectual discourse, cocktails, cigarettes and theatre! Grayson's own story is that of a hugely talented woman, admired by writers, producers, fellow actors, but who did not get the one role that would propel her into the stratosphere. Nevertheless, with the roles she did inhabit, she became an iconic figure. This book reaches back to Grayson's earliest stage appearances in 1942 as a teenager on Long Island; her extensive stage work in regional theatre and in New York City; her television and film appearances including three early New York art house films, the avant-garde French film Qui êtes-vous, You Polly Maggoo? and her Oscar nominated turn in The Night of the Iguana. And for Dark Shadows followers, this book answers some lingering questions: who got hired on Shadows first, Grayson or her husband Sam? Was it always happiness and light on the Dark Shadows set? And did she really do much aside from Shadows or Iguana?

Genres: Biography

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2006

About the author

R. J. Jamison is a writer living in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Titles include Grayson Hall: A Hard Act to Follow (2006) and
Barnabas & Company (2012) with co-author Craig Hamrick.

Reviews

[Herb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting biography of one of our most unique theatrical icons. Many people remember the lady who WAS Dr. Julia Hoffman on "Dark Shadows."

[Cassie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of the late Divine GH! Have read it twice. Must read for GH or Dark Shadows fans.

[Dana Pride · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book. It was well researched. The content is excellent. Grayson Hall had an interesting life and fascinating career. The book details each and all of her plays, shows, films and television roles to give a clear outline of her acting career. It also gives readers a look into her personal life and her family.
However, the book has misspelled words and sentences out of context that make portions of the book difficult to understand until you read the passage several times.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by my "big sis" Rebecca! Highly Recommended! Although I hadn't heard of Grayson Hall before reading this book, her life story is an extremely compelling read. Well done, RJ!