David Janssen - My Fugitive

by Ellie Janssen, Michael Phelps

This is the only authorized Biography of the late David Janssen, the film and television star, most noted for his role in ABC Televison Series; "THE FUGITIVE" (1963-1967). Originally published in December, 1994 by Lifetime Books, Inc., Hollywood, Florida. This book was Co-Authored by Ellie Janssen, David's wife (1968-1972), and Michael Phelps. An intimate revelation of their marriage, and the agony of their divorce. Ellie Janssen held nothing back. Her love for David endured through it all. Ellie's love and devotion to David never died. Following their divorce (at the time, it was the "longest running divorce case in Los Angeles Court history)., Ellie never engaged in an affair with another man, she never remarried. Her love for David was painfully clear as she worked with Michael Phelps in writing this book. What Ellie failed to divulge in this writing, perhaps out of modesty or respect for David, is the fact that she was "The Woman" behind the "successful" man. She orchastrated his career from his first staring role as "Richard Diamond - Private Eye", a role for which he was personally chosen by DICK POWELL. Ellie was the "perfect" Hollywood Housewife. She planned and executed the most flawless and memorable parties in their Holmby Hills home for Hollywood's "A" List. As part of their divorce agreement, Ellie received a ten percent ownership of "THE FUGITIVE" series (half of David's twenty percent ownership). Ironically, it was Ellie who demanded David receive an ownership in "THE FUGITIVE" series at the outset, before the series became a huge hit. This provided Ellie with a comfortable income for the rest of her life. Sadly, Ellie passed away on July 7, 1999 in Portland, Oregon. She is survived by her loving daughters, Kathy and Diane. Co-Author David Janssen - My Fugitive July, 2009.

150 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[SundayAtDusk]

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.

[Harry Krebs]

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.

[Michael Phelps]

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!