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Easy Street: The Hard Way
The engaging, passionate, always-honest, and often-hilarious memoir of actor Ron Perlman--his triumphant story of perseverance and determination navigating the slippery slopes of Hollywood, with a foreword by Guillermo del Toro Ron Perlman was a kid who had a myriad of self-image issues, yet he triumphed in an industry that trades on image and self-confidence. He landed a leading role in Quest for Fire. He won a Golden Globe for Beauty and the Beast. And he played the title role in two Hellboy movies, becoming along the way an icon among sci-fi and comic book fans worldwide. Although his name may be unknown to some, most people know Ron Perlman's face, despite the fact that for nearly half his career he's been disguised under feature-altering foam-rubber prosthetics. On his offbeat path to success, Ron has amassed nearly 200 stage, TV, voiceover, and major motion picture credits, including roles in Drive, Pacific Rim, and a six-year gig as the badass biker boss Clay Morrow in Sons of Anarchy. In Easy Street (the Hard Way), Ron shares his life story, starting with his up-by-your-bootstraps background in New York's Washington Heights. His father, a Swing Era drummer, gave up his dream in order to feed his sons while his mother worked as a municipal clerk. Ron's hard-earned road to Easy Street included bouts of abject poverty, heartbreaking familial episodes, and a long, often uncomfortable struggle for self-acceptance. He sheds light on his life as a working actor and also offers behind-the-scenes insight into the working styles of internationally famous directors, including Jean-Jacques Annaud, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy and Academy Award-winning Pan's Labyrinth). He provides his own peek into Hollywood, up close and personal, where he has encountered the likes of Marlon Brando, Sean Connery, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and others. Plus, he turns his eye on the trajectory of American culture--the good and the bad--as observed by a man who started out in a mom-and-pop world where the arts were disseminated by individuals rather than corporations.Easy Street (the Hard Way) will inspire anyone who has ever dared to dream and offers a roadmap to the next generation of dreamers.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2014
87 people are currently reading
1406 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
October 10, 2014
Can I take a moment to speak about the cover?
Fantastic.
Mysterious.
Badass.
If I had to judge this book by its cover, I would think it was the best thing ever. After reading it, well, I still think it's the best thing ever!
Ron Perlman's Easy Street (the Hard Way) or, as I refer to it as, The True Story of Hellboy, is an unflinching, honest, and absolutely hilarious autobiography. I was really worried that it was going to fall short. Perlmam has played some iconic characters that have, in some way, resonated with me. I didn't want another "fallen idol" situation on my hands.
All of his characters have had some sort of badass swagger. I knew there was no way that the real life actor could ever measure up but I didn't want him to be so far below that all I would be able to think of is: I guess Ron Perlman is truly the greatest actor of all time. However, not only did he measure up, he surpassed all of my expectations.
I knew this was going to be a different type of celebrity autobiography when I read Guillermo del Toro's foreword. It was honest, blunt but kind and hilarious. It made me excited. I wanted to know this man that someone spoke so lovingly about. Perlman discusses everything here.
He gets into his early childhood, his first foray into acting, starting his own family, and his successes. That's the positive. Perlman gets into the negative. His father's unexpected death, his brother's undiagnosed mental disorder, and Perlman's own self-doubt and lack of self esteem. Of course, his trademark humour is sprinkled throughout.
But all of this is told in an non scandalous or tell-all manner. I felt that he was just informing about his life up until this very point. Perlman displayed humility and brutal honesty and understanding. I was blown away.
I greatly enjoyed Easy Street. I was surprised and just how quickly I was enthralled and captivated by his storytelling. I was also taken aback on how I related to him. Here's a quote:
"There was no way for the outside world to understand what I was feeling on the inside because, well, once you're fat--I don't give a shit if you now weigh forty-five pounds--you always think of yourself as fat."
I swear, from the mouth of babes! Another standout was his chapter called Legacy. It's essentially all he's learned in his 63 (WTF? Hellboy's 63?!) years of life and it is a tour de force. In no way, I felt Perlman was lecturing me. It was fantastic. I could go on and on. I really could because I think this review has turned into a crazy fangirl love letter to Hellboy but I would stop myself now.
However, for any fans of Perlman's work or anyone who was to read one of the "real" celebrity autobiographies, please read Easy Street (the Hard Way), you would not regret it.
Fantastic.
Mysterious.
Badass.
If I had to judge this book by its cover, I would think it was the best thing ever. After reading it, well, I still think it's the best thing ever!
Ron Perlman's Easy Street (the Hard Way) or, as I refer to it as, The True Story of Hellboy, is an unflinching, honest, and absolutely hilarious autobiography. I was really worried that it was going to fall short. Perlmam has played some iconic characters that have, in some way, resonated with me. I didn't want another "fallen idol" situation on my hands.
All of his characters have had some sort of badass swagger. I knew there was no way that the real life actor could ever measure up but I didn't want him to be so far below that all I would be able to think of is: I guess Ron Perlman is truly the greatest actor of all time. However, not only did he measure up, he surpassed all of my expectations.
I knew this was going to be a different type of celebrity autobiography when I read Guillermo del Toro's foreword. It was honest, blunt but kind and hilarious. It made me excited. I wanted to know this man that someone spoke so lovingly about. Perlman discusses everything here.
He gets into his early childhood, his first foray into acting, starting his own family, and his successes. That's the positive. Perlman gets into the negative. His father's unexpected death, his brother's undiagnosed mental disorder, and Perlman's own self-doubt and lack of self esteem. Of course, his trademark humour is sprinkled throughout.
But all of this is told in an non scandalous or tell-all manner. I felt that he was just informing about his life up until this very point. Perlman displayed humility and brutal honesty and understanding. I was blown away.
I greatly enjoyed Easy Street. I was surprised and just how quickly I was enthralled and captivated by his storytelling. I was also taken aback on how I related to him. Here's a quote:
"There was no way for the outside world to understand what I was feeling on the inside because, well, once you're fat--I don't give a shit if you now weigh forty-five pounds--you always think of yourself as fat."
I swear, from the mouth of babes! Another standout was his chapter called Legacy. It's essentially all he's learned in his 63 (WTF? Hellboy's 63?!) years of life and it is a tour de force. In no way, I felt Perlman was lecturing me. It was fantastic. I could go on and on. I really could because I think this review has turned into a crazy fangirl love letter to Hellboy but I would stop myself now.
However, for any fans of Perlman's work or anyone who was to read one of the "real" celebrity autobiographies, please read Easy Street (the Hard Way), you would not regret it.
November 9, 2024
Easy Street: The Hard Way
By Ron Perlman
This is a biography of his personal and professional life. Some of it is very interesting and other sections are very slow, but I suppose that's life. I really love him as an actor and when he is interviewed. I was very eager to read this and not disappointed.
By Ron Perlman
This is a biography of his personal and professional life. Some of it is very interesting and other sections are very slow, but I suppose that's life. I really love him as an actor and when he is interviewed. I was very eager to read this and not disappointed.
June 18, 2022
I listened to this book because I fell in love with Ron’s voice back in the days of Beauty and the Beast. Many a pearls of wisdom are hidden among the gems in this book of acting advice and adventures in his film correct. Some stories tug at your heart while others make you laugh as they are punctuated by his swears. The best is his Brando story!
September 30, 2016
I really enjoyed the book. Perlman details the hard work it took for him to get where he is, including the ups and downs. Full of passion and humility, this is a great self portrait of Perlman. You may want to skip from chapter 25 on however, unless you're Liberal as he gets on his soapbox and starts ranting, including his great disdain for Free Market Capitalism; without which, he may not have been able to develop his own movie studio, A Wing and A Prayer pictures.
April 21, 2019
This is one of the absolute funniest and best biographies I've ever read. Please listen to this on audio and do not rob yourself of Perlman’s amazing speaking voice, one that makes it sound as if the very core of the Earth is talking, and his incredible talent for mimicry.
December 2, 2014
One of the best autobiographies by an actor I have ever read / listened to! If you're a fan of Ron Perlman (I've been one since Beauty and the Beast on CBS) this book is chock full of tales of how he became an actor, made some movies and landed the role of Vincent on Beauty and the Beast. Every time Perlman thought he made it on Easy Street, there was inevitably some kind of lag / disappointment. But he kept on going, kept on working and there is a good section about how Guillermo Del Toro doggedly pursued the Hellboy movies starring Perlman. You have to listen to the audiobook version of this if you're a fan, there's no other choice - although it ain't for the faint hearted, Perlman uses the F-word liberally in almost every paragraph. There are some very funny stories in here that you have to hear in his voice - and he does impressions too - of meeting Sammy Davis Jr and Frank Sinatra. The funniest story for my money is the movie he made with Marlon Brando, The Island of Dr Moreau. Perlman also mentions his new Amazon TV show, Hand of God, and talks about Sons of Anarchy.
January 18, 2015
Early outline of "Easy Street: The Hard Way":
Fuckin' family.
Fuckin' school.
Fuckin' theatre.
Fuckin' movie?
Fuckin' nothin'.
Fuckin' TV show?
Fuckin' movies!
Fuckin' therapy.
Fuckin' God?
Fuckin' work!
We can fuckin' do better.
Overall, pretty fuckin' great.
Fuckin' family.
Fuckin' school.
Fuckin' theatre.
Fuckin' movie?
Fuckin' nothin'.
Fuckin' TV show?
Fuckin' movies!
Fuckin' therapy.
Fuckin' God?
Fuckin' work!
We can fuckin' do better.
Overall, pretty fuckin' great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2014
A truly enjoyable and inspirational memoir! Blunt, memorable and fast- paced! Perlman simply tells it like it is with compelling candor while giving humorous life lessons and suggestions for future actors.
5+ stars
5+ stars
October 21, 2015
Easy Street: The Hard Way is exactly what I look for when I pick up a celebrity biog: written strongly in Perlman's very unique voice, it gives you not only an overview of his early life, but also of his career, in a chronological order. That sounds like a very sterile observation, but it's always a disappointment when a celebrity's memoirs are all over the place, focused on the wrong things, or assume that I'm so fascinated personally by the mundanities of the personal lives. (It's what ruined Simon Pegg's Nerd Do Well for me, sadly.)
Perlman is, as he seems, larger than life, though simultaneously extremely down to earth, honest, impeccably smart and irreverent without coming across as completely full of himself. He's humble almost to a fault, and occasionally brutal. The book is comprehensive and well written; he makes it a pleasure, not a chore, to read about his very interesting life, as well as the projects he's been a part of.
Perlman is, as he seems, larger than life, though simultaneously extremely down to earth, honest, impeccably smart and irreverent without coming across as completely full of himself. He's humble almost to a fault, and occasionally brutal. The book is comprehensive and well written; he makes it a pleasure, not a chore, to read about his very interesting life, as well as the projects he's been a part of.
October 18, 2014
I don't often read memoirs, biographies or autobiographies, but I read this one because I’ve been a fan of Ron Perlman’s since I first laid eyes on Vincent in Beauty and the Beast in 1987.
I loved this. It is a rather intimate look into the life of a man who’s always been relatively private. I think it should be required reading in schools… well, considering the language (he is a New Yorker from a rough neighborhood) maybe it should be required reading in college.
He relates a lot of life lessons he learned along the way, expresses a few opinions with which I agree 99% of the time. I highly recommend the book, even if you aren’t a huge Ron Perlman fan. It’s worth reading and even at my age (63) I learned a few things.
I loved this. It is a rather intimate look into the life of a man who’s always been relatively private. I think it should be required reading in schools… well, considering the language (he is a New Yorker from a rough neighborhood) maybe it should be required reading in college.
He relates a lot of life lessons he learned along the way, expresses a few opinions with which I agree 99% of the time. I highly recommend the book, even if you aren’t a huge Ron Perlman fan. It’s worth reading and even at my age (63) I learned a few things.
March 30, 2015
The last few chapters of this book about his recent life and philosophy looking back at his life were fascinating. It's a shame you had to read the whole book to find these few chapters.
In the first portion of the book, the storytelling was lackluster and boring--relying on throwing in the F word to the text instead of telling a good story. It was disappointing as a reader. I'd recommend you pass on spending a lot of time on this book.
In the first portion of the book, the storytelling was lackluster and boring--relying on throwing in the F word to the text instead of telling a good story. It was disappointing as a reader. I'd recommend you pass on spending a lot of time on this book.
April 18, 2017
What a beautiful tale of a seemingly ordinary and yet extraordinary life. I am incredibly impressed by Ron Perlman. I was delighted to travel with him through his life and be included in his inner landscape. He's frank and brusque and passionate and kind. He is someone who values truth and honesty and intention and he's ferocious about what he believes in. I admire this man and believe we can all learn a little from Ron Perlman.
March 18, 2016
I've been a fan of Ron Perlman's since "The Beauty and the Beast" - in fact, his deep timbered reading of poetry introduced me to one of my favorite poets (ee cummings). I haven't followed him directly, although learning that he was on a program that interested me definitely had me tuning in, and I was excited not just to learn more about him but to also get his insider perspective about his various jobs.
I wasn't disappointed at all when he wrote about his life, the progression of how he's come to better handle the uncertain life of an actor, the wonderful story about him and his wife.
And I enjoyed reading about his point-of-view about "Beauty and the Beast", since it obviously differed from mine as a television viewer.
I have to admit that I actually learned something about myself in reading the book - he starred in "The Magnificent Seven", a show that still holds a special place in my heart and still commands a huge, devoted following online, and one of the main reasons I picked up the book was to learn more about how he felt about shooting it for two seasons. He glossed over it, writing something like, "I filmed some TV shows and guest starring roles over a few years, and then this other thing happened". I was really, really disappointed to realize that something that still impacts my life didn't even merit a title mention in his autobiography. And I learned that I have to respect that just because I'm heavily impacted by an artist, I can't expect them to be impacted just as much by the same things.
It's a good book, and I appreciated his honesty in not glossing over his faults or ignoring things that make him proud. I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in his story. Just be prepared that he may not devote as much attention to a particular show or film that you might consider one of his best, and you shouldn't be disappointed.
I wasn't disappointed at all when he wrote about his life, the progression of how he's come to better handle the uncertain life of an actor, the wonderful story about him and his wife.
And I enjoyed reading about his point-of-view about "Beauty and the Beast", since it obviously differed from mine as a television viewer.
I have to admit that I actually learned something about myself in reading the book - he starred in "The Magnificent Seven", a show that still holds a special place in my heart and still commands a huge, devoted following online, and one of the main reasons I picked up the book was to learn more about how he felt about shooting it for two seasons. He glossed over it, writing something like, "I filmed some TV shows and guest starring roles over a few years, and then this other thing happened". I was really, really disappointed to realize that something that still impacts my life didn't even merit a title mention in his autobiography. And I learned that I have to respect that just because I'm heavily impacted by an artist, I can't expect them to be impacted just as much by the same things.
It's a good book, and I appreciated his honesty in not glossing over his faults or ignoring things that make him proud. I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in his story. Just be prepared that he may not devote as much attention to a particular show or film that you might consider one of his best, and you shouldn't be disappointed.
January 29, 2015
The actor whose credits have spanned such classic film and TV fare as Quest For Fire, Beauty & The Beast, The Name Of The Rose, Hellboy, Enemy At The Gates, and Sons Of Anarchy started with a Masters Degree in Theater Arts and making the rounds of hundreds of auditions in New York, where the Brooklyn Heights-born native grew up. Like many actors with unconventional looks, his road to stardom wasn't a swift ascent but a steady grind of hard work and talent. His memoir focuses as much on his working out of self-esteem issues as it does on show biz stories and has some lessons that any reader can benefit from, not just those interested in the history of film and television. A down-to-earth sensibility and sense of humour about himself pervade this memoir and make it an enjoyable read. As seems always to be the case in acting memoirs, the author always leaves out the story of some little gem that I'm personally fixated on. In Perlman's case, I was dying to know the story behind his role in the little Independent masterpiece, I Sell The Dead. I guess I'll have to wait for a second volume to get the scoop on that but, that omission aside, this is a fine career memoir that does the author proud. - BH.
December 7, 2015
Todo un personaje dentro y fuera de las pantallas, Ron Perlman siempre ha sido un tipo de papeles poco convencionales. Sus mejores películas son maravillosas y dirigidas por grandes maestros del cine. Este libro le abre a uno los ojos en muchos aspectos que no se pueden imaginar cuando vemos a actores o actrices siendo entrevistados o caminando hacia el estreno de una película. Los dos últimos capítulos del libros son los que me parecen ilustran de una manera más fuerte y clara el carácter, la personalidad y la filosofía de este gran actor. Me encantó cómo cuenta sobre los proyectos con Jean Jacques Annaud y sobre todo su gran amistad con el grandioso Guillermo del Toro (incluyendo la posibilidad de una futura 3era parte de Hellboy). Si algo debo reclamarle a lo que cuenta el libro es lo poco que habla sobre Sons of Anarchy, serie que le que terminó de ubicar frente a los ojos de un público más masivo y una serie que personalmente amé; aunque claro, leyendo entrelíneas puede darse uno cuenta que su salida de esta obra (o sus últimos años en ella) no fueron de grato recuerdo para él, se comprende entonces la parquedad en su relato. En definitiva queda uno con las ganas de revisitar sus grandes clásicos, cosa que muy seguramente haré estas vacaciones.
September 21, 2014
The memoir of one of Hollywood's most memorable actors is pure Ron Perlman: brash, honest, and unflinchingly forthright. He speaks with passion and candor of his early struggles to work in acting, his breakthrough role as Vincent in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, his close friendship and working relationship with Guillermo del Toro from CHRONOS to PACIFIC RIM, and his battle with personal demons, aided by Dr. Phil. He is generous with his praise of his friends, and circumspect in his assessment of those people who have, over the years, crossed swords with him. It is less text than narrative in its construction, as del Toro notes in his foreword, and one can imagine sitting in a smoky tavern listening to "the Perl" tell his stories, ubiquitous cigar in hand. It's an easy read, but an intensely personal story; Perlman pulls few, if any, punches in his assessment of acting, Hollywood, and the general state of humanity today. In the end, we come away with a greater understanding of the man behind the masks we have seen him wear over the years, and a deeper respect for his skill and knowledge of the art of acting and craft of life.
November 19, 2014
It's difficult to judge Ron Perlman's 'Easy Street: The Hard Way', because it really all comes down to how you feel about Ron Perlman. I love Ron Perlman, so it was no stretch to assume that I would like this book.
'Easy Street' is written in a way that perfectly emulates Perlman's voice. When I was reading it, I could literally hear his distinctive tones in my head giving the book a sense of realism. It has a blunt honesty in it which was refreshing, and yet within this honesty one also has the sense that Perlman is aware that his memory is fallible, and the important thing is to tell a good story. It had some moments of depth, gave a great insight in to the man, his upbringing and his career and was a genuinely enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of Perlman, there is nothing in this book you won't enjoy, and if some of the slight pacing issues and the occasional lapse in to assumptions of profundity that aren't there start bothering you, just picture them said in Perlman's voice and all will be made right.
'Easy Street' is written in a way that perfectly emulates Perlman's voice. When I was reading it, I could literally hear his distinctive tones in my head giving the book a sense of realism. It has a blunt honesty in it which was refreshing, and yet within this honesty one also has the sense that Perlman is aware that his memory is fallible, and the important thing is to tell a good story. It had some moments of depth, gave a great insight in to the man, his upbringing and his career and was a genuinely enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of Perlman, there is nothing in this book you won't enjoy, and if some of the slight pacing issues and the occasional lapse in to assumptions of profundity that aren't there start bothering you, just picture them said in Perlman's voice and all will be made right.
April 5, 2015
To be honest, I never knew much about Ron Perlman until Sons of Anarchy and only decided to try this book on audiobook because I thought it would be fun to listen to him read it. This turned out to be probably one of the best memoirs I've read/listened to. Funny, fascinating and full of foul language, this book entertained me from beginning to end. Who would have thought the man best known to me as Hellboy and Clay Morrow would leave me with so many nuggets of wisdom, such as my absolute favorite...
"Don't say a word unless that word is worth saying, and if that word is worth saying, say it beautifully."
Definitely worth the read!
"Don't say a word unless that word is worth saying, and if that word is worth saying, say it beautifully."
Definitely worth the read!
March 19, 2021
This a real revaltion. Ron Perlman speaks honestly and sincerely. He came up the hard way and is an advocate to the disenfranchised.
Oh, boy...does he speak harshly to the Marvel/DCEU mode of movie making. He is championing the arthouse films that speak to the man, not the corporate mission to make the most money.
This may not be for everyone, but I truely enjoyed this way of thinking. I don't agree with him 100% (who really can), but honestly I have really enjoyed getting to know him (through this book) and the transmitting of his ideas. What he's learned through these years.
Thank Ron. Such a hellraiser.
Oh, boy...does he speak harshly to the Marvel/DCEU mode of movie making. He is championing the arthouse films that speak to the man, not the corporate mission to make the most money.
This may not be for everyone, but I truely enjoyed this way of thinking. I don't agree with him 100% (who really can), but honestly I have really enjoyed getting to know him (through this book) and the transmitting of his ideas. What he's learned through these years.
Thank Ron. Such a hellraiser.
October 6, 2015
I have so much more respect for Ron Perlman now than I already did. An excellent man of many stories, living a life that is equally excellent. So interesting to hear how awesome his career was and how he made his way through some really scary life events. Told with the one of the coolest voices in Hollywood, Ron guides you through his memoir like it's Easy Street. Ryan Gosling's blurb does this book incredible justice. This book is just straight up as cool as the Perl.
March 27, 2021
I loved listening to Ron Perlman read this audiobook to me. It really made his voice shine through. Chock full of funny and interesting anecdotes spanning his long career, this was a great read. Recommended!
May 3, 2018
This is my 3rd time reading this book, well once read twice listened! Every time he moves me to tears and makes me laugh out loud. The insight into depression and mental health and how you can heal yourself, learn to love yourself, and others and move forward is just so powerful and wise. How you deal with the same things over and over but each time it gets a bit easier and you move forward a bit more. You move that much closer to your authentic self. Every time I hear this I get something new and it helps me that much more. The anti-consumerism chapter is a true thing of beauty. Striving to find the art and beauty in a world where it matters so little. Meeting Ron this year I thanked him for this, it means so much that he wrote this down. That he was that honest and that open and doing it so we can all share in his experiences and realise we aren't alone but are all conected. I fucking love this man.
On first reading
Fucking brilliant! Ron gives a great insight into his life and work. How he grew up, who the people are who've influenced him the most. What it was like to be the "fat kid", how low self esteem can haunt you even when you are successful. He talks openly about his depression, a suicide attempt and how therapy has managed to turn around the way he sees himself. I cried several times reading this, on the tube, at work, but don't think this was told in a depressing way. It was told through some of the most amusing and funny stories you'll read.
I've been a fan of Ron's since the days of Beauty and the Beast. That show taught me everything I knew about love and acceptance. Things that were virtually nonexistence in my own life so I took what I could from the way Vincent and Catherine treated each other. And buried the words they said to each other deep in my heart. It was great reading this book to see how much respect Ron had for the show and what it was trying to do. There's always a worry that something could be just a job, but he got it. He also mentioned how Linda's bipolar disorder affected her work, even though they didn't know what it was then. How he tried to create a safe space for her when she was having one of her bad days. How he was so impressed with everything she'd done speaking up about her mental illness and the work she'd done to promote mental health issues. One of the many times I cried.
One of the stories that stuck with me the most was when Ron heard that Quest for fire had definitely been cancelled. How he had a 100 bucks left and went to watch baseball, getting the best ticket and buying beers for everyone seated with him. While I personally don't care at all for baseball. I LOVED this idea of meeting disappointment with celebration. There was also a wonderful moment when he talked about how he'd come to terms with not being successful or famous. When he realised if he didn't get any more roles he could return to New York and teach and as long as his wife and children. Which was lovely.
There were also stories of him meeting his idols Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando which were very funy! (Turns out Frank always had his family tape Beauty and the Beast). The Marlon Brando story was one of the few times he talked in detail about working on a set.
He was also discreetly talking about when things worked and when they didn't on Sons of Anarchy. Which I totally agreed with.
Then there were the last two chapters which were an AMAZING and inspiring rant about how shit Hollywood has become. How corporations have control over everything and have ruined it all. How lawyers and marketing are turning out the worst shit, how there is so little actual art left and how his goal is to try and produce things worthwhile in the years he has left. Ron is very honest in the book about all the work he did to support his family. Things that were just a paycheck because he had kids at private school and to him being a father who could provide for them was the most important thing.
I read this book because decades ago Ron played a character who inspired me more than anything else I'd known. Years later I'm so glad to have read this as now I'm inspired by the person behind the character. One who presents the best and worst parts of themselves and is always looking for the better.
I listened to the audio book of Ron reading this. It took much longer to hear him tell it. But it was also great to hear it in his own voice. Still overwhelmed by his honesty and openness reading this. The last two chapters are just so inspiring. Exactly what we need right now. The stories are entertaining, the impersonations amusing, and connects with the common humanity in all of us.
On first reading
Fucking brilliant! Ron gives a great insight into his life and work. How he grew up, who the people are who've influenced him the most. What it was like to be the "fat kid", how low self esteem can haunt you even when you are successful. He talks openly about his depression, a suicide attempt and how therapy has managed to turn around the way he sees himself. I cried several times reading this, on the tube, at work, but don't think this was told in a depressing way. It was told through some of the most amusing and funny stories you'll read.
I've been a fan of Ron's since the days of Beauty and the Beast. That show taught me everything I knew about love and acceptance. Things that were virtually nonexistence in my own life so I took what I could from the way Vincent and Catherine treated each other. And buried the words they said to each other deep in my heart. It was great reading this book to see how much respect Ron had for the show and what it was trying to do. There's always a worry that something could be just a job, but he got it. He also mentioned how Linda's bipolar disorder affected her work, even though they didn't know what it was then. How he tried to create a safe space for her when she was having one of her bad days. How he was so impressed with everything she'd done speaking up about her mental illness and the work she'd done to promote mental health issues. One of the many times I cried.
One of the stories that stuck with me the most was when Ron heard that Quest for fire had definitely been cancelled. How he had a 100 bucks left and went to watch baseball, getting the best ticket and buying beers for everyone seated with him. While I personally don't care at all for baseball. I LOVED this idea of meeting disappointment with celebration. There was also a wonderful moment when he talked about how he'd come to terms with not being successful or famous. When he realised if he didn't get any more roles he could return to New York and teach and as long as his wife and children. Which was lovely.
There were also stories of him meeting his idols Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando which were very funy! (Turns out Frank always had his family tape Beauty and the Beast). The Marlon Brando story was one of the few times he talked in detail about working on a set.
He was also discreetly talking about when things worked and when they didn't on Sons of Anarchy. Which I totally agreed with.
Then there were the last two chapters which were an AMAZING and inspiring rant about how shit Hollywood has become. How corporations have control over everything and have ruined it all. How lawyers and marketing are turning out the worst shit, how there is so little actual art left and how his goal is to try and produce things worthwhile in the years he has left. Ron is very honest in the book about all the work he did to support his family. Things that were just a paycheck because he had kids at private school and to him being a father who could provide for them was the most important thing.
I read this book because decades ago Ron played a character who inspired me more than anything else I'd known. Years later I'm so glad to have read this as now I'm inspired by the person behind the character. One who presents the best and worst parts of themselves and is always looking for the better.
I listened to the audio book of Ron reading this. It took much longer to hear him tell it. But it was also great to hear it in his own voice. Still overwhelmed by his honesty and openness reading this. The last two chapters are just so inspiring. Exactly what we need right now. The stories are entertaining, the impersonations amusing, and connects with the common humanity in all of us.
April 3, 2018
Incredible and surprising ride! What a journey! I love his no nonsense approach to life. He tells it like it is and if you don’t like it, f*ck it. I was blown away by so many things in this book and was on the edge of my seat to hear what he would say next. Lots of laughs and respect.
September 29, 2014
Easy Street (the Hard Way) is the only other biography I have been able to get through, first being Betty White's If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't). And like Betty White, Ron Perlman read his own life story in this audio book, published by Blackstone Audio. I enjoyed every min of the almost 11 hour long audio book and was ready to restart it as soon as I was finished. I have been a long fan of Mr. Perlman. Being a huge fan of the Alien series, when he took on the role of Johner in Aliens: Resurrection, I knew he was familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. Easy Street gave me the answer. Back in the late 80s Mr. Perlman did a show called Beauty and the Beast as Vincent, the Beast. All this time I never realized that it was Ron Perlman. I was again hooked by Mr. Perlman's acting ability in Blade II and again with his role in the Hellboy series. But what truly made me a fan, what has truly made me go out and trying to locate everything he has been in, was when he read the audio book versions of The Strain Trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. I listened with enthusiasm that I had never had while listening to an audio book because Ron Perlman was reading it to me. His voice, his careful annunciation of the words that I couldn't even begin to pronounce, connected me to that story more profoundly than I ever could have been by reading the books themselves. And again I was drawn into the story by Mr. Perlman with Easy Street. Only the person having experienced the true story itself could have given this justice. Now that I have listened to his life thus far, I have a new appreciation for The Strain Trilogy, due to his life changing relationship with Guillermo del Toro. I see now where his passion is when I re-watch these movies and re-listen to these books, because there is so much history and meaning behind Mr. Perlman doing these things with and for Guillermo del Toro. I see beyond him just playing a role. I understand now that he is just like me. He has trouble believing in himself that he can do these great things, he has a family he needs to support and he is after all human! Mr. Perlman even discusses this at a later point in his biography. We are all human.
I commend Mr. Perlman for his honest, unfiltered look into a career actor, a celebrity. I am over joyed with having been given the opportunity to listen to this audio book and give this review. You should take the time to listen to Mr. Perlman tell you his life's journey thus far and his very sage advice about the arts. Please do not let this book pass you by. Go to your nearest book store, check your local library or ask a friend, but pick up a copy of this book. Better still, pick up a copy of this audio book because he tells you how things are in a no non-sense manner that I can only admire.
Review originally posted http://tiffanyfoxbooks.blogspot.com/2...
I commend Mr. Perlman for his honest, unfiltered look into a career actor, a celebrity. I am over joyed with having been given the opportunity to listen to this audio book and give this review. You should take the time to listen to Mr. Perlman tell you his life's journey thus far and his very sage advice about the arts. Please do not let this book pass you by. Go to your nearest book store, check your local library or ask a friend, but pick up a copy of this book. Better still, pick up a copy of this audio book because he tells you how things are in a no non-sense manner that I can only admire.
Review originally posted http://tiffanyfoxbooks.blogspot.com/2...
June 26, 2015
I will start by saying this I got this book because I am a huge fan of the Perl. So there is bias.
Undoubtedly one of the best biographies and books I have ever read by a man who doesn't hold his punches, a man who always kept moving forward.
"Once the real you emerges and appears unfettered, naked, and completely in touch with the good, the bad, and the ugly, then you really meet yourself."
Ron Perlman
Ron Perlman is the underrated actor of the last 35 years before finding global fame in Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy. His credits also include Jean-Jacques Annaud's Quest of Fire and The Name of the Rose, The City of Lost Children, Guillermo del Toro's Cornos, Blade II, Drive and Pacific Rim.
A straight shooting man of the people, it does feel you are sitting back on the couch and listening to a Master Storyteller as he recounts his life, his loves and his lows. He is original, one of the few true characters left in a world where none now exists, truly one of a kind amongst his peers.
He built his own road with his bare hands and left a path for everyone to follow and learn. He faced his demons as well as coming face to face with some of the greatest entertainers in the last century as well as carving a legacy not built on dollars and business, but on quality, his art and what he believes and holds close within himself.
This one is for anyone who appreciates raw and unapologetic storytelling and many lessons can be learned from Ron's experiences.
It is probably one of the best, if not the best, biography/memoir I will ever read.
Undoubtedly one of the best biographies and books I have ever read by a man who doesn't hold his punches, a man who always kept moving forward.
"Once the real you emerges and appears unfettered, naked, and completely in touch with the good, the bad, and the ugly, then you really meet yourself."
Ron Perlman
Ron Perlman is the underrated actor of the last 35 years before finding global fame in Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy. His credits also include Jean-Jacques Annaud's Quest of Fire and The Name of the Rose, The City of Lost Children, Guillermo del Toro's Cornos, Blade II, Drive and Pacific Rim.
A straight shooting man of the people, it does feel you are sitting back on the couch and listening to a Master Storyteller as he recounts his life, his loves and his lows. He is original, one of the few true characters left in a world where none now exists, truly one of a kind amongst his peers.
He built his own road with his bare hands and left a path for everyone to follow and learn. He faced his demons as well as coming face to face with some of the greatest entertainers in the last century as well as carving a legacy not built on dollars and business, but on quality, his art and what he believes and holds close within himself.
This one is for anyone who appreciates raw and unapologetic storytelling and many lessons can be learned from Ron's experiences.
It is probably one of the best, if not the best, biography/memoir I will ever read.
November 30, 2014
Even if you don't already love Ron Perlman, this book will make you like him a lot, if not love him.
From the very first chapter, his ability to set a scene, to draw you into the time and place is phenomenal.
He is a great storyteller, and if you listen to the audiobook version, you get the added bonus of hearing the stories in his own voice. I highly recommend it.
He is brutally honest about his personal struggles with his self-image and his career. Some chapters were almost painful for me, 'cause I admire and respect the guy, and am glad he made it through.
For those contemplating a career in the entertainment industry, he lays out how things have changed, and how it is, strangely enough, even MORE difficult NOW for young people to make it. He points out that this can be changed if enough people with enough drive set out to do it.
I will warn you that if the use of what is called "Marine Corps punctuation" in our house bothers you, you will be put off at first by the book. Ron grew up in a tough neighborhood in New York. His vocabulary reflects this. Don't let that cause you to miss a great story, though. His warm heart and his wit more than make up for it. You won't be sorry.
From the very first chapter, his ability to set a scene, to draw you into the time and place is phenomenal.
He is a great storyteller, and if you listen to the audiobook version, you get the added bonus of hearing the stories in his own voice. I highly recommend it.
He is brutally honest about his personal struggles with his self-image and his career. Some chapters were almost painful for me, 'cause I admire and respect the guy, and am glad he made it through.
For those contemplating a career in the entertainment industry, he lays out how things have changed, and how it is, strangely enough, even MORE difficult NOW for young people to make it. He points out that this can be changed if enough people with enough drive set out to do it.
I will warn you that if the use of what is called "Marine Corps punctuation" in our house bothers you, you will be put off at first by the book. Ron grew up in a tough neighborhood in New York. His vocabulary reflects this. Don't let that cause you to miss a great story, though. His warm heart and his wit more than make up for it. You won't be sorry.
December 30, 2014
Warning: there is some very colorful language both in the book, and this review! Ron Perlman has inspired me to use more profanity!
What a fantastic memoir! Instead of the usual, "I was born, I did some interesting things and now I'll name-drop some famous people" kind of celebrity bio, Ron Perlman just tells his f*ckin' story, no holds barred. If he was f*ckin' miserable, he admits it and makes no excuses. If he thought a fancy-pants director was being an asshole, he said so.
What makes this book really shine for me is how genuine Perlman is. I mean, he's an actor--his job is to lie! Or, maybe it's that the greatest actors don't lie, they go past the fiction to connect on such a real level that all you see is truth.
I don't know if I could recommend this to an aspiring actor, because Ron Perlman has made a career of taking a role, playing it in a totally unique and mind-blowing way, and then being out of work for a few years afterward because he was so unique and mind-blowing that nobody in Hollywood knew what to do with him. That's great craftsmanship, but it's not exactly encouraging if you're hoping to pay your rent with art. Instead, I'd recommend it to anyone who is would welcome a refreshingly honest look at a life well lived.
What a fantastic memoir! Instead of the usual, "I was born, I did some interesting things and now I'll name-drop some famous people" kind of celebrity bio, Ron Perlman just tells his f*ckin' story, no holds barred. If he was f*ckin' miserable, he admits it and makes no excuses. If he thought a fancy-pants director was being an asshole, he said so.
What makes this book really shine for me is how genuine Perlman is. I mean, he's an actor--his job is to lie! Or, maybe it's that the greatest actors don't lie, they go past the fiction to connect on such a real level that all you see is truth.
I don't know if I could recommend this to an aspiring actor, because Ron Perlman has made a career of taking a role, playing it in a totally unique and mind-blowing way, and then being out of work for a few years afterward because he was so unique and mind-blowing that nobody in Hollywood knew what to do with him. That's great craftsmanship, but it's not exactly encouraging if you're hoping to pay your rent with art. Instead, I'd recommend it to anyone who is would welcome a refreshingly honest look at a life well lived.
October 14, 2014
I liked this book. It was heart felt, Very funny, full of advice mostly good but in my opinion not all. If you admire or are interested in Ron or his work i think you will enjoy this book. I was aware of Beauty & The Beast and had seen some of his other films like (Ron forbid) Ice Pirates. My real intruduction and interest in ron came from his Voice work in Video Games, Cartoons, and so on. I saw him in Highlander the series, but didn"t get the real badass until he played Reinhardt in Blade 2. He was my favorite character. I had read Hellboy comics so i saw Hellboy 1 & 2 Opening night and ate up everything he did afterwords. I loved this book an learned much about him i did not know. However if you read nothing else about this book read Chapter 24 it is the icing on the cake. You can however skip the last chapter, where he gets political and goes a bit off the deep end about it. If you are not an Obama you"ll probably throw the book against the wall, set a fire and walk away for good no matter your view on politics this chapter sours the satisfaction of the read. Still it's a very good book and still very much worth the read.
November 26, 2023
Always-honest, and often-hilarious memoir of actor Ron Perlman—his triumphant story of perseverance and determination navigating the slippery slopes of Hollywood. Perlman shares his life story, starting with his up-by-your-bootstraps background in New York's Washington Heights. His father, a Swing Era drummer, gave up his dream in order to feed his sons while his mother worked as a municipal clerk. Ron's hard-earned road to Easy Street included bouts of abject poverty, heartbreaking familial episodes, and a long, often uncomfortable struggle for self-acceptance. He sheds light on his life as a working actor and also offers behind-the-scenes insight into the working styles of internationally famous directors, including Jean-Jacques Annaud, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and Guillermo del Toro. He provides his own peek into Hollywood, up close and personal, where he has encountered the likes of Marlon Brando, Sean Connery, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and others. Plus, he turns his eye on the trajectory of American culture—the good and the bad
January 3, 2015
I have always been a fan of Ron Perlman. Whether unrecognisable under countless layers of latex and makeup or there for all to see, he always leaves a memorable mark on any film or show he is involved in, no matter the size of the role. His memoir, I'm pleased to say, is equally memorable, being full of funny anecdotes as well as fascinating details about the inner workings of the Hollywood machine. As a fan of Sons of Anarchy, however, it was disappointing to hear that Ron did not have the best of times whilst on the show, despite its success.
All in all, however, a very raw and enlightening insight into the life and work of one of the most intriguing character-actors to ever appear on our screens. Although the latter chapters left a somewhat sour taste in my mouth due to Ron's heavy religious and political views, the book on the most part was enjoyable and often witty. If you get the chance I strongly recommend listening to the audiobook version read by Ron himself - 4 Stars.
All in all, however, a very raw and enlightening insight into the life and work of one of the most intriguing character-actors to ever appear on our screens. Although the latter chapters left a somewhat sour taste in my mouth due to Ron's heavy religious and political views, the book on the most part was enjoyable and often witty. If you get the chance I strongly recommend listening to the audiobook version read by Ron himself - 4 Stars.
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