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David Janssen - My Fugitive
After a whirlwind courtship, David Janssen married Ellie Graham on August 23, 1958. It was his first marruage, her third. She had two young daughters by her first marriages. DAVID JANSSEN was starring in 'RICHARD DIAMOND-Private Detective' on CBS Television. He was accepted as a client of Agent Abby Greshler, and he was destined for stardom. In 1962, Mr. Greshler negotiated a lucrative contract for David to star as 'Dr. Richard Kimble' in the Quinn Martin Productions, ABC Televison's new, ground breaking series, "THE FUGITIVE". The series became an instant hit and his career skyrocketed. Ellie was the perfect 'Hollywood Wife'. Then, without warning, at a small dinner party hosted by Dani and Buddy Greco to celebrate David and Ellie's Tenth Wedding Anniversary, David took Ellie out onto the balcony, presented her with a diamond encrusted bracelet and a Cartier watch and told her their marriage was over. A bitter divorce ensued, lasting two years. 'DAVID JANSSEN-MY FUGITIVE' is Ellie's intimate memoir of her life with and her undying love for the beloved Hollywood legend.
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 7, 2021
This was a quick read, sort of interesting and sort of not. Ellie Janssen, the first Mrs. Janssen, tells how she was in Las Vegas to get a divorce from her first wealthy husband, meets Frank Sinatra and has a fling with him, and then quickly ends up marrying David Janssen after she meets him. She then goes on to describe their married life; all the people they knew, all the homes they had, all the places they went; and describes how her husband dumped her at a 10-year anniversary party friends were giving them!
The problem I had with the book is it's all surface stuff, no deep reflection on the lives of either David Janssen or the author. Mr. Janssen, a huge TV star in the 1960s and '70s, had a bad drinking problem, which Mrs. Janssen appeared to believe caused most of his problems, along with overworking. One gets the impression, though, that his drinking problem and workaholism may have been caused by much deeper despair about something in his life. Unfortunately, this memoir gives few hints of such a thing.
It also ends up with copies of the actor's last will and testament, and the author's belief there was fraud involved. David Janssen left everything to his current wife, nothing to the author or her two daughters from her first marriage. This sadly can leave the impression that Ellie Janssen was most concerned about money, as opposed to truly loving David Janssen, and being truly concerned about his well-being. Women hating men will jump on this in a second.
The problem I had with the book is it's all surface stuff, no deep reflection on the lives of either David Janssen or the author. Mr. Janssen, a huge TV star in the 1960s and '70s, had a bad drinking problem, which Mrs. Janssen appeared to believe caused most of his problems, along with overworking. One gets the impression, though, that his drinking problem and workaholism may have been caused by much deeper despair about something in his life. Unfortunately, this memoir gives few hints of such a thing.
It also ends up with copies of the actor's last will and testament, and the author's belief there was fraud involved. David Janssen left everything to his current wife, nothing to the author or her two daughters from her first marriage. This sadly can leave the impression that Ellie Janssen was most concerned about money, as opposed to truly loving David Janssen, and being truly concerned about his well-being. Women hating men will jump on this in a second.
July 30, 2014
DAVID JANSSEN – MY FUGITIVE is a memoir written though the eyes of Ellie Janssen, the wife of the famed star actor from 1958 to their official divorce in 1970. It covers their meeting, subsequent romance and marriage, and their life together which included the loving relationships Mr. Janssen had with his two step daughters.
Ellie’s and David’s marriage was not without its challenges. As with most Hollywood relationships, they were subjected to the increasing pressures of maintaining a celebrity façade while trying to live a “normal” life. Grueling production schedules and rumors of infidelity inflamed and tested them both.
I have always been an avid fan of David Janssen, but I only knew his Hollywood persona. In reality, Mr. Janssen was a kind-hearted and compassionate man who was dedicated to family and friends. This book finally gave me an insight into the man as a person. I give this book my highest recommendation.
I have heard that co-author, J.D. Michael Phelps, is writing another memoir titled DAVID JANSSEN – OUR CONVERSATIONS. It will tell of the personal relationship with Mr. Janssen from the eyes of his best friend—him. I look forward to its release.
Ellie’s and David’s marriage was not without its challenges. As with most Hollywood relationships, they were subjected to the increasing pressures of maintaining a celebrity façade while trying to live a “normal” life. Grueling production schedules and rumors of infidelity inflamed and tested them both.
I have always been an avid fan of David Janssen, but I only knew his Hollywood persona. In reality, Mr. Janssen was a kind-hearted and compassionate man who was dedicated to family and friends. This book finally gave me an insight into the man as a person. I give this book my highest recommendation.
I have heard that co-author, J.D. Michael Phelps, is writing another memoir titled DAVID JANSSEN – OUR CONVERSATIONS. It will tell of the personal relationship with Mr. Janssen from the eyes of his best friend—him. I look forward to its release.
October 24, 2009
This is an intimate portrayal of the iconic American Actor, DAVID JANSSEN by the woman who knew him best, and their friend, Michael Phelps.
Originally published in December, 1994 (Hardcover, and in Paperback Editions in 1995 and 1996, the book sold over 1.2 million copies.
Blue Line Publishing House, Inc. has released the Fourth Edition - Updated by Mr. Michael Phelps. It is available at the original 1994 Publication price of $18.95 at:
www.MichaelPhelpsNovels.com
FREE SHIPPING!
Originally published in December, 1994 (Hardcover, and in Paperback Editions in 1995 and 1996, the book sold over 1.2 million copies.
Blue Line Publishing House, Inc. has released the Fourth Edition - Updated by Mr. Michael Phelps. It is available at the original 1994 Publication price of $18.95 at:
www.MichaelPhelpsNovels.com
FREE SHIPPING!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews