One from the Hart

by Stefanie Powers

Throughout her career, Stefanie Powers has notched up so many stage, screen and TV credits, that her name alone recalls memories as varied as her roles. Debuting as a teenager in Blake Edwards' 1962 thriller Experiment in Terror, Stefanie's grace and good looks led to a series of popular film and television performances, but she is best known - and loved - for her time on ABC's Hart to Hart, playing opposite Robert Wagner as one half of husband and wife sleuthing team Jennifer and Jonathan Hart. A natural beauty groomed for show business from an early age, Stefanie began her career at the tail end of the Studio System. Privileged to have worked with some of the greatest stars in the Hollywood firmament, she tells of the time she broke down in tears at a party over her divorce from actor Gary Lockwood, only to be comforted with a cocktail and the hard-won, been-there advice from two guests she had never previously Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner. Starring with Robert Wagner in Hart to Hart not only gave Stefanie five Emmy Award nominations, but also a happy working relationship that lasted more than fifteen years. But of her many dear friends and associates, no one had a more significant effect on her than Oscar-winning actor William Holden. In One from the Hart, Stefanie reveals for the first time the extraordinary nine-year relationship they a love story that ended with his tragic death at the cruel hands of depression and alcoholism. One from the Hart is the story of a resourceful, empowered woman and her atypical celebrity life. Stefanie tells her tale with the candour, wit, and wisdom that have come to embody the woman herself.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Audiobook, Memoir, Biography Memoir

Paperback

First published October 21, 2010

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The career of Stefanie Powers is one of so many stage, screen, and television credits that her name alone recalls memories as varied as her roles-on screen and off. From movie roles including John Wayne's daughter in McLintock! and Lana Turner's rival in Love Has Many Faces, to being terrorized by Tallulah Bankhead in Die, Die My Darling and befriending a Volkswagen in Herbie Rides Again, she stepped onto the television screen as the sexy secret agent April Dancer in The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. and the jet-setting, crime-solving wife of Robert Wagner in Hart to Hart.

She is also an award-winning stage actress, fitness advocate, and an internationally recognized animal conservationist.

A natural beauty groomed for show business at an early age, Stefanie Powers began her career at the tail end of the Studio System, a dynamic education in star quality and Hollywood history she happily admits was, "one hell of a ride." Privileged to have worked with some of the greatest names in the Hollywood firmament, Stephanie tells of the time she broke down in tears at a party over her divorce from actor Gary Lockwood, only to be comforted with a cocktail and the hard-won, been-there advice from two guests she had never met: Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner.

This is One from the Hart, Stefanie Powers's story of a resourceful, empowered, and atypical celebrity life, told with all the candor, wit, and wisdom that have come to embody the woman herself.

For me, great a lot of the book is about the later life of William Holden, his films but mainly his travels, his work in Africa his and Stefanie's love of travelling all over Asia, especially their love for Hong Kong. William Holden sad battle with alcohol, the strength and remarkable life behind the scenes of her career.

Her great and long friendship with her mother, many great friendships, a long friendship and lifelong friend William Holden and her long professional relationship with RJ , Robert Wagner.

The involvement and support of William Holden Charities, her support and care of her mother and also her enormous travelling, supporting many Zoos in America and still finding time to work!

Reading this book, I have a great more respect and knowledge of her work, her finances, her friends, her hardships which we all have in life.

A versatile and talented lady and actress, singer , dancer, entertainer and charity worker.

Her television credits include over 200 guest appearances, 18 mini-series and 2 more weekly series, The Feather and Father Gang (1976) and the long-running Hart to Hart (1979).

On the stage beginning in 1964 with "Under the Yum Yum Tree" in San Francisco which ran for 12 years after its initial opening. She has appeared on and off Broadway in musical shows and tributes; in the West End in the musical, "Matador" and "Love Letters". Appearances on the stage included "The King and I", "The Adjustment" and "84 Charing Cross Road" and "Annie Get Your Gun", "Oliver", "Applause" (the revival), "Sunset Boulevard" and "Gotta Dance" directed by Jerry Mitchell. In 2018 she appeared in the film The Artist's Wife (2019) with Lena Olin and Bruce Dern and a revival in London of "84 Charing Cross Road."

So Some career. Still going as she approaches her 80th Birthday.

[Jill Bratcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Stefanie Powers on TV, so I was predisposed to like her book. I asked for and received it as a gift on Kindle, so I'm not sure if there were any good photos I missed. I think that would have enhanced the book a lot, to have seen personal photos not previously seen.

Stefanie Powers has led, if not a "charmed" life, certainly a full and rewarding one. She has experienced travels and brushes with the Who's Who of Hollywood, and it was fun to live sort of vicariously through her adventures. I had no idea how extensively she had traveled nor how diversified were her interests.

I enjoyed hearing how she got started in life and in the business, seeing her relationship with her mom evolve and getting a little insight into the Hollywood scene as well as learning more about how the foundation in Africa came about. It left me wanting more in many cases, and in some it read more like a school report. Sometimes it seemed like "name dropping" and others, like I got a real look into things to which I'd otherwise never be privvy.

There were things of which I had heard or read in years past that received no mention. The deaths of Natalie Wood and William Holden within weeks of one another received little attention, but I respected that. She said nothing about some of the TV shows she was in, like the one with Harold Gould (Feather & Father) and only glossed over one of my favorite movies, McLintock! (at least in terms of her interactions with the two stars, John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara).

I'm definitely glad I read it. I don't usually read Hollywood autobiographies or tell-alls (of which this is NOT one - very tastefully & respectfully done). I don't feel like I know all about her now, but I appreciate the little window she opened into her life to give us a peek.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

So... of course I'm a little biased because she's my childhood hero and all... but it truly is a good, quick read. Coming through the end of the studio system in Hollywood... there are lots of classic Hollywood stories/people in the book, but it's not a "tell-all" or scandalous. It's just interesting. Highlights are the story of she and William Holden, and the countless travel adventures to countries that were dangerous then... and even more so now. She was attacked with a knife in Mainland China in the early 70's... and commissioned to find and acquire hundreds of pieces of Oceanic Art for some of the first exhibits seen here in the states. I've lost count of how many languages she speaks, and her work with wildlife conservation is most impressive. Her whole life is quite impressive. I don't think people realize all she's done. It wears me out just reading about it all. When I was a kid I wanted to be like her when I grew up. After reading this... I realize that I'm in no way cut out to accomplish her kind of life. I truly enjoyed the book! It's not the best writing ever, but then why should it be? She's not a writer. It's not bad though, either, and seems genuine and real.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's rare when someone you admired so much as a child, can still gain your admiration when you're all grown-up. Stephanie Powers is one of those people. In fact, after reading her memoir, I admire her even more. I was a huge fan of her character April Dancer in her Girl from U.N.C.L.E days. I was jealous when she dated actor William Holden as I had a huge crush on him ever since my first viewing of the original Sabrina. But I never knew what either of these two actors were like off of the stage - until now. And I am a bigger fan than ever.

As I am an animal lover and conservationist, I was thrilled that my childhood heroine felt the same way. If I have any complaint about the book it is that I wish she had spent more time telling us about her work in Africa and the William Holden Wildlife Foundation. The photographs of her with a baby elephant and feeding a baby rhino were a tease for someone who would like to see those stories written about too. I can only hope that there's another book in the works.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm admittedly a huge fan of "Hart To Hart" and was a fan of the actress from back in her "Girl from U.N.C.L.E." days. After reading this, I'll be Netflixing some of the other things I've missed in her career. My heart is still broken over the fact I never got to see her doing "Love Letters" with Robert Wagner.

Okay, hero worship set aside, sort of. This is one of the times when you come away actually liking someone more after reading their memoir. She is forthright and funny plus extremely committed to her causes and the people and animal that come across her life. Unlike some others, when she drops a name it's done in a tasteful manner. If you are a William Holden fan, I think you'll come away from this knowing more about him and even sorrier that he couldn't conquer his demons.

The book skips back and forth in time a bit so pay attention closely. This is one I checked out from the library, however, I will be adding it to my personal library soon.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. I picked it up after being hit with nostalgia for the 1970s and 1980s from re-watching episodes of "Hart to Hart" :) But in addition to mentioning all the great Hollywood characters she has met, Stefanie Powers' story also reads like a travel memoir. She describes her travels through China, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Peru, and Kenya, among other places, mostly with William Holden, all before these places changed and started becoming more westernized.

It was even better to listen to, as it is narrated by her, and brings the stories to life in her own voice.

A fun Hollywood memoir as well as travel inspiration!:) Highly enjoyed it!

[Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

stefanie powers has always seemed to me to be someone positive, and intelligent. this book proves it. she tells about life with wiliam holden, at a time in his life when he was traveling all over hong kong, africa, and other far away lands. she talks of growing up, but still keeping a great relationship with her mother. she relates stories about the different actors she worked with . . but is very amicable about all of them. this is a good read, especially if your an armchair traveler.

[Elaine O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book almost 10 years ago at age 22 - I remember loving it then, and I still love it now. Sometimes relatable and others completely extraordinary

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This weak "memoir" has little to do with the real life of Stefanie Powers. Instead we get a book devoted to William Holden or her travels (usually with him) around the world. It's boring with meaningless details about how arrangements were made and is her way of avoiding sharing anything about herself. She skirts discussing the other men in her life, her father, and her movies or TV shows. She repeatedly praises the same people over and over, like Robert Wagner, and shares nothing of interest that involves anyone famous she has encountered. After alcoholic Holden dies she dramatically defends him against what was written in other books and against his estranged family (who seem justified in their complaints about him), then goes on to use most of the rest of the pages to promote her charities. She comes across as a high-society diva who wallows in Palm Springs society but refuses to pull back anything of interest in her life. As shallow as her Hart character. Don't bother reading this book--the irony is there is no "heart" from this Hart.

[Susan Montelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always liked Stefanie Powers - I always got a sense of being grounded. Throughout this book, there are reminders of just how grounded a person she is. She tells her story even with all of bumps and bruises...she makes no bones about mistakes that have been made and the lessons she learned from them. She has the staying power of a true actress because she is so grounded. Because she doesn't get wrapped up in the "glamour" of it all, she remains true to herself. Like most of us, she seems to have often wondered what her purpose was and the lesson to be learned from the path she has taken. By the end of this book, I felt that she probably had at last found the answers to her questions, was more aware of her limitations, appreciated herself more for the life she has lived and is grateful for all who touched her life.

[Katie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

For one of the most accomplished actresses of our time, gaining insight into the world of Stefanie Powers was a very thought provoking read. She gives you a glimpse into what's made Stefanie...Stefanie. She's extremely intelligent and her perspective of Hollywood not as what we know it, but a true native of the land of make believe, it's fascinating. Reading on her relationships, her industry insight, and her passion, The WHWF are where her heart of the story lies. I think if anyone has ever admired someone like Stefanie, you won't regret the read!

[West Hartford Public Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting her career in the 1960's, and being somewhat of an unknown, she took anything (acting jobs) she could get, to have a paycheck. Earlier movies were with Ava Gardner and Tallulah Bankhead. My interests were with her work in Kenya (East Africa) with the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (formerly game ranch) and the Education Center.

Once William Holden entered her life, their travels now included, British Hong Kong, China, Kenya (safaris) and S.E. Asia, having a multitude of friends at these places and all over the globe. After William Holden died in 1981, The William Holden Wildlife Foundation was established ( by her) to build the William Holden Education Center in Kenya. Fast forward...to date thousands of Kenyan students and adults have visited the center; there are ongoing outreach programs, libraries in primary and secondary schools in rural communities. Groups can visit the center for a day trip or a 3 day stay. Experiences include, lectures, nature walks, games drives to the conservancy and video presentations to promote the understanding of the role animals play in the balance of nature on the planet.

I found the beginning slow going and would have skipped a few chapters if I could, but didn't

As with any biography, one learns much about the person's life, from a young age to present.

[Lily Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though she had been working in film and television for many years beforehand, I first became aware of Stefanie Powers through the TV show Hart to Hart in the early 1980’s. The chemistry between her and Robert Wagner was there from the beginning and the show was full of family fun and escapism.
Her memoir reveals the incredible life she has had off screen proving real life is much better than fiction. Her well documented life and travels with Hollywood legend William Holden to the South Pacific, Africa, China and Hong Kong are a great insight into what life was like in these countries many years ago, as well as her relationship with Bill.
The legacy she has created with “The William Holden Wildlife Foundation” to carry on his work is one that has empowered and educated many people and a fitting tribute to the man who loved Kenya so passionately.
Though she talks a lot about her career and the amazing people she has worked with, it is clear that travelling and conservation are at her core.
I enjoyed this book as it wasn’t a name dropping tell all instead it was a book about a woman who has lived an incredible and varied life and done so with all her “hart”.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Life

Ms. Powers led an exciting adventures life and she shares these amazing stories with her readers. She touches on her loves, her acting, and her travels. While she shares some of her personal life, she tells her story without being salacious. Her love story with William Holden is told with a deep love, compassion, and she she doesn’t shy away from his addiction to alcohol. I so enjoyed her stories of traveling to foreign countries and I applaud her for her efforts on wild life conservation.

[Laura Lee Pirtle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great account of her work with the William Holden Wildlife Protection foundation and the many things she’s done to preserve animals. I enjoyed reading the tidbits about actors in Hollywood. She never was mean about anyone and I could tell she wasn’t one to claw her way to the top. I appreciated her sweet relationship with her mom. I felt it was sad she never had children of her own. I feel like she would have been a great mom and highly fulfilled, but the animals were her babies with Bill.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a delightful read. Stefanie Powers is such a kind and compassionate person. I enjoyed reading about her adventures in Africa and around the globe, as well as her beautiful relationship with William Holden. Anyone who has been romantically involved with an alcoholic or had a family member afflicted by alcoholism will feel great empathy for her. I was also very touched by her devotion to her mother. Stefanie Powers is a genuine, loving person.

[Sherry Mackay · Rating 3 out of 5]

She has left so much out in this memoir! It is a bit incoherent and actually gives very little information about her. And it’s all so Pollyanna-ish. Everyone is lovely and everything is lovely and La La La. I know she is of an older generation but it is written in a very old-fashioned way. I guess it just reflects her character. She Seemingly is not very deep.

[Shea Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won't be able to put this one down

Excellent and inspiring read. Stephanie's life was full of adventure and new challenges. I especially liked what she had to say about the circle of life. You will enjoy this

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was totally delighted with every aspect of this read. I have been a casual fan and slightly knowledgeable of her. I found her story fascinating and totally satisfying in how she chooses to share her outlook and choices.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I grew up a huge fan of Stephanie Powers. After reading her book, I am even more so. Honest, touching and classy...just like the author. :)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

#7 of 130 books pledged to read during 2020

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 of my favorite memoirs I’ve ever read! :)

[Judith Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I have always been a fan of Stephanie as an actress but after reading this book I am in total awe of her.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stefanie Powers is a beautiful, wonderful woman with a colorful, varied movie & TV career behind her and a mission to preserve African wildlife ahead of her, but this book is something of a disappointment.

It starts off well enough, with her adolescence and entry to the world of movie-making, but before long she all but abandons discussing her acting career and instead goes on for chapters and chapters about world travel. It almost seems as if she was told, "Ya got 272 pages kid. Take everything out that you can until you get down to that!" because she just eliminates entire periods of her performing life (or perhaps she felt that they weren't worth ruminating over... Well, when someone is buying a book about a star - and written by that star - they expect to hear something about the shows and films that earned that star their attention in the first place!)

Once she meets William Holden, anything about her own career (except for an occasional, unrevealing mention of "Hart to Hart") is given major league short shrift. She worked with some of the industry's most famous names (such as Bing Crosby, Ann-Margret, John Wayne), as well as some lesser ones (like Robert Conrad, Dean Jones, Lee Van Cleef) and guest-starred on many, many of the most popular and iconic TV series of the '70s, yet there is nothing at all offered about these experiences. No details, recollections and certainly no "dirt." A perfect example is a photo that depicts her and Helen Hayes and how Hayes taught her how to needlepoint, yet that anecdote is nowhere in the book. She doesn't even relay what it was like to work for (the notoriously penny-pinching) Walt Disney.

So if you enjoy a cavalcade of reminiscences about travel conditions and foreign experiences as well as a heartfelt, but really still not particularly insightful, description of her her relationship with William Holden (other relationships are mostly glossed over quickly or not mentioned at all), this book may satisfy you. If you want to hear her take on the multitude of acting parts and projects she's been involved in, it comes up short.

Also, there are several glaring mistakes in the facts. A key one, repeated twice, is that Ava Gardner was on "Falcon Crest" and was lit poorly thanks to a jealous costar. She seems to have somehow confused Ava with Lana Turner, who famously guest-starred on "Falcon Crest" and clashed with iron-fisted matriarach and star Jane Wyman. Ava was on "Knots Landing" and may or may not have loved her lighting, but that series was known for lighting all of its female stars in the most flattering way possible. In fact, the lighting developed for the stars on that show eventually became an industry standard for series and talk shows that had ladies of a certain age who were worried about such things... It's highly doubtful that Joan Van Ark, Michele Lee or Donna Mills were somehow jealously sniping over Ava Gardner and trying to get her to lose face with rotten lighting. (This did happen to Donna Reed on "Dallas," when Larry Hagman wanted to deglamorize her and make her quit so that Barbara Bel Geddes could come back. No such situation existed at "Knots Landing.") Anyway, the facts are wrong and its not an isolated instance in this book. IMDB.COM is your friend.

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and light "touch on the high spots" memoir by an amazing actress, animal conservationist, traveller and person. I remembered Powers chiefly for her relationship with William Holden (which is the central theme of the book, I guess) and for Hart to Hart but she's done and been a lot more -- stage actress, fitness writer, art collector, etc. Particularly enjoyed her stories of travel (South America, Hong Kong, Egypt before the Aswan Dam, China right after the Nixon 1972 visit, India, Malaysia, Iran and of course, Kenya). Left me wanting to know more about her, hoping that her life and work continues to go well. Almost no bitterness or speaking ill of anyone which is refreshing.

[Ada Diaz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no doubt that Stefanie Powers has led a very interesting life but the book is too incoherent to adequately determine what she is trying to say. Simon and Shuster apparently did not give this wonderful actress the tools she needed to write a half decent memoir. There are anecdotes thrown in for no apparent reason that certainly do not lead up to anything and seem more like items to fill pages. Even the section for photographs is not adequate to convey the extensive travels and friends she has known over the years. I recently saw her in a production of Looped in Ft. Lauderdale, she was fabulous. I am so sorry I cannot say the same about her memoir. I am looking forward to someone writing a biography of her life that will do it justice.

[Nick]

I liked the book. I had always liked her as an actress so it was interesting to hear about her relationship with Willliam Holden, his wildlife preserve, her movie career, Hart to Hart and all of the people she knows around the world and apparently still keeps in touch with. She travelled the world when it was safer to do so.

She does not malign anyone in the book; it is not scandalous. She was estranged from her father and he is only mentioned briefly at the start of the book and not again. If there was something negative to say about someone, she never mentioned them by name-only alluded to them or provided an initial.

I would recommend this book if one is interested in reading biographies of Hollywood actors. It is an easy read. If this is of no interest to you, then pass.

[Susan B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stefanie Powers, star of the popular TV show 'Hart to Hart', shares the story of her interesting life. Linked to William Holden, the famous and talented actor, his pointless death, the result of a long battle with alcoholism, devastated her. After two failed marriages, the actress found it difficult to trust love again. She has many friendships in the industry, including Robert Wagner, her 'Hart to Hart' costar, and has not only performed in TV shows, but on the stage as well. A huge part of her life now, though, is tied to the William Holden Wildlife Education Center in Kenya, which teaches students about wildlife and conservation issues.

[Cherop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book by Stefanie Powers. I always enjoyed watching her on "Hart to Hart" and was intrigued by her relationship with the much older movie star, William Holden. Their work and interest in conservation in Kenya is what prompted me to read the book. It was interesting to hear how Stefanie's life and experiences led her to the establishment of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation. Ms. Powers also gives interesting glimpses into old Hollywood and early tourism and business forays into places like Papua New Guinea and mainland China. An overall, satisfying read.

[Karen Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Hart to Hart, and was excited to read about the woman that brought Jennifer Hart to life each week on my screen. Stefanie is funny and insightful. She writes about her life and what she 's come to value along the way. There's so much more to actors than what we see on the screen, and she shares that very candidly in this book. The book is a well written account of her life, her loves, her travels, and what she is passionate about. There were times when I laughed at her wittiness and her humor. Enjoyable read...