Yes, I'm That Guy: The Rough-and-Tumble Life of a Character Actor

by William Sanderson, Ray Richmond

William Sanderson has enjoyed a prosperous career in Hollywood as a highly successful character actor whom everyone seems to recognize - but they aren't always certain from what. Spanning a variety of genres over nearly a half-century performing in TV, film and stage, Sanderson has inhabited such high-profile roles as E.B. Farnum in the HBO western "Deadwood," Sheriff Bud Dearborne in the HBO vampire series "True Blood," Larry in the classic CBS sitcom "Newhart" and J.F. Sebastian in the sci-fi film masterwork "Blade Runner.""Yes, I'm That Guy" takes readers behind the scenes of these productions and many more including "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Lonesome Dove," "Lone Wolf McQuade" and "The Client," showcasing Sanderson's knack for making a memorable mark in each of his projects.But as you will learn in his memoir, Sanderson is far more than merely the sum of his characters. His tumultuous rags-to-riches story is instructive in demonstrating the power of perseverance and fortitude in overcoming one's struggles with self-doubt and self-sabotage and - thanks to the love of a good woman - ultimately carving out a positive, contented life.

Genres: Biography

292 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2019

Reviews

[Barry Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Sanderson has carved out a long and distinguished career as a versatile character actor portraying a wide variety of roles: futuristic toy-maker J.F. Sebastian in "Blade Runner," Larry of Larry, Darryl and Darryl on "Newhart," Sheriff Bud Dearbourne on "True Blood," E.B. Farnum on "Deadwood," Dickie Crowe on "Maximum Bob," moonshiner Lee Dollarhide in "Coal Miner's Daughter," Lippy Jones In "Lonesome Dove" and "Return To Lonesome Dove," as well as roles in 'The Client," "Young Guns," "The Onion Field," "The Rocketeer," "City Heat," "Fletch," and many others. On television he's guested on such iconic shows as: Starsky & Hutch, Matlock, The X-Files, Babylon 5, ER, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, Bones, L.A. Heat, etc.. This is his memoir of a long and colorful career. - BH.

[Lee Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In memoirs about war, I've always been more fascinated by the experience of the Private in the foxhole than the General at the Pentagon. So too I've always loved accounts about journeyman actors, artists, musicians. That's where the grit is and where the sausage is made, I think. That William Sanderson has been my favorite actor in some of my favorite films and shows (Blade Runner and Deadwood, most specifically), I absolutely loved this book. There is the perfect balance of emotional honesty, humor, and often self-depreciating details in his story. I loved every single word of it and binged it in a single day.

[Sherrie74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome read ... finished it in less than 12 hours. If you have any interest at all in biography's from actors and what goes on behind the scenes .... this is a book for you.

If you are unsure of who William Sanderson is or what he has done, please check IMDB and check his history as you will be sure to see dozens of things you have seen on tv or in the movie theatre. Being an avid tv/movie person in general he got noticeable very fast due to his southern twang and you started to see him in many projects through the years. He became very noticeable when he appeared on Newhart as Larry with his other two brothers both called Darryl. He did what many never do ... get another hit series ... actually a few of them ..... Deadwood, Bar Karma and True Blood along with a few iconic and cult movies such as Blade Runner, Coal Miners Daughter to name only a few. His interactions with the legends such as Lee Marvin and George C Scott and tales of his many time working with Tommy Lee Jones. Along with his career there is his early life around Elvis and his emotional and violent outbursts that could have ended this wonderful career. He doesn't pull punches in his story telling and doubt he rarely has...... lol.

[Jill Pengelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Sanderson leaves the toilet door open when he sits and thinks - metaphorically, at least. His pants-down memoir hides nothing. Yes, I'm That Guy is an uncomfortably honest couch confession of a Hollywood character actor. Hard to put down, the book goes behind the scenes and charts a career which included Blade Runner, True Blood, Deadwood and the TV sitcom Newhart. It was hard-earned and deserved but Sanderson could just as easily have ended in a ditch. He recounts moments of temper, violence and drunkenness. He lays bare his transgressions and insecurities and takes a chance I'll be forgiving enough to keep reading. I am and I did. An honest autobiography is a rare piece of work, as is William Sanderson. His career sets him apart but his frank assessment of himself makes him no more or less human than the rest of us. He is hell likeable, a sweet thing, really, and how good is journalist Ray Richmond, whose guts weren't spilled but who may have lost blood, sweat and tears in the co-writing!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is Bill Sanderson a gifted character actor, he is also one fine storyteller. My memories of Mr. Sanderson are many, mostly from his stint on “Newhart,” as the leader Larry of Larry, Darryl and Darryl. Whenever Larry was present, he stole the show.

Imagine my surprise upon learning that Mr. Sanderson is a resident of my hometown. Incredible. That he has fallen in love with the area makes me love him all the more.

But this is about the book. Anyone who has revered Mr. Sanderson’s acting must read his book. It’s engaging, enlightening, and a fine remembrance of decades, films and TV past. Lots of laughs here, too. Highly recommend.

[Ray Smillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like some reviewers I prefer to read about character actors, you know the face and can pinpoint a few films and tv series they have done. My favourite UK character actor is Michael Ripper (who appeared in more Hammer films than anyone) whilst my favourite USA character actor is William Sanderson.

I was first aware of him as J F Sebastian in Blade Runner, I remember him in one of the better episodes of the X Files and as E B Farnum in Deadwood. He has done so much more having had a varied career and is now settled in retirement but still available for work. Actors don't actually retire. They just turn up now and again. Fascinating read.

[Lori Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read about a man who has made it his life’s work as a famous character actor. Enjoyable, get to see the back workings of Hollywood, he name drops easily, but not in a show off manner. He’s hones, real an unapologetic. I did find it a little slow and seemed to skip when he was reviewing dialog. On the whole, it was a good read. Easy to pick up and read a few pages. Vacation read!

[Eddie Winemiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting book!

This is a story about a real person that you would like to sit down and share some time with. Mr Sanderson is not afraid to show his own mistakes and his history in sho business is fascinating.

[MBL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know why I read these celebrity autobiographies. This one seemed interesting because this guy is such a fixture, but it’s not. Lots of complaints and grievances. Love his work as an actor but overall he comes off as sour grapes.

[Paul Farahvar · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of biographies and memoirs, I think this is a great book. Loved him in Newhart and loved to hear his journey and behind the scenes knowledge of the Hollywood world. Also, a lawyer and comedian, it was great to hear someone similar live such a great live. Highly recommend.

[Gerardo Roca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anecdotes and name dropping, as expected. Get's tiring in the second half, another production, another anodine story, then another production, etc. It feels as if written in 100 words batchs and punched up for effect. All in all, it's OK.

[Heaven Claussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really did enjoy reading this book so much!