SOLVED. SciFi novel: Washed up child actor is the secret clone of his father bumming around the Solar system [s]

[Grue]

I think I read this one about the early 2000s. The tech development is extensive biological to the point the main character's physical age development is stalled for years while he stars in a children's program. He's allowed to 'grow up' after the show is cancelled.

His father is domineering 'stage dad' who had himself secretly cloned and is raising it as his 'son' so he can shape him into the success he wanted to be. However, cloning in this way is horribly illegal (death sentence territory).

Other than that the clone moves from place to place in the solar system and at one point puts on a 'Punch & Judy' puppet show (and describes in detail how to make a swazzle for Punch's voice).

Thanks

[Andy]

The Golden Globe by John Varley - great book The Golden Globe

[Grue]

Yup, that's it. Thanks!

[Andy]

Glad to help.