Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Biography

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
I’ve said before that I’m really not all that interested in the private lives of celebrities. Apparently I am. I’ve watched a few episodes of the show “Biography” on A & E and I find these programs quite fascinating. I guess I find these interesting because they are not meant to be “gossipy” and not meant to hurt the person who is being featured. They just focus on the facts.


Yesterday, I was thrilled to tune in and see that this “Biography” was about one of my favorite movie stars of all time, Doris Day. Unfortunately, it was two hours long and I couldn’t take my eyes off of it, but it was two hours well spent.

I was intrigued by her story and kept reflecting on it all day long. I never would have thought that her life was as tumultuous as it was. To see all of her movies, her TV show, and photos of her, one would think her life was filled with happiness. She really had quite a ride!

Later in the show, they mentioned that she had written a book. I was surprised to find that I am really interested in reading this book. I realized that I don’t think I’ve read many, if any, biographies or auto-biographies. Her book, Doris Day: Her Own Story, an "as-told-to" work with A. E. Hotchner is definitely on my TBR list. I can’t wait to buy it and start reading.

What about you? Do you read biographies and do you have a story to recommend?

SIS Bren

12 comments:

Tori Lennox said...

I read a lot of biographies when I was in school. Not all because I had to, either. Some I read because I wanted to. Now? Not so much. *g*

Alyson Reuben said...

I like Doris, too. She always seemed so bright and cheery in her movies and programs. My favorite Doris movies are Pillow Talk w/Rock Hudson and Teacher's Pet w/Clark Gable.

One of my favorite older actresses is Maureen O'Hara. Not sure if there are any biographies of her. I should check to see. I also love Kate Jackson from Charlie's Angels & Scarecrow and Mrs. King. She battled breast cancer when during S&MK and a 2nd time afterwards. Since then she's done a lot of humanitarian work, raising breast cancer awareness. If a good book is ever written by her or about her, I'd definitely read it.

As far as which bio and autobios I've already read, there's Dolly Parton, Ginger Rogers, Bing Crosby, and Anne Frank. And I've read several memoirs, which IMO seem a lot like autobiographies. I wouldn't read those kinds of books all the time, but I like them when I'm in the right mood.

SIS BJ said...

Hi Bren

I have read two biographies about Jim Morrison. That is how I found out that I was born in the same hospital as him. Must be why I love his music so much.

Sisters-in-Sync said...

I LOVE Doris Day. Always have. I own a few dvd movie collections of hers. Pillow Talk and Glassbottom Boat are just two of my faves. People may not realize it, but she was a gifted dramatic actress as well. I haven't read a bio about her but did read some in depth articles and therefore knew her life wasn't all rainbows and lollipops. I've always admired her dedication to animals. And also her lifelong friendship with Rock.

I'm a huge fan of Cary Grant's. I asked for his latest bio a few years ago and got it. Unfortunately, the writing style was so boring and dry, I couldn't get through it. No way is Cary boring or dry! I'll have to look for a differnt bio.

Alyson, we have a bio on Maureen O'Hara in our library. So I know they're out there.

BJ, I didn't know that about you and Jim Morrison! How cool!

It's not a bio, but I recently put myself on hold for a book that's all about the secret service and stories about the president's they protected. I read the blurb and was intantly hooked. Hopefully, I'll like the writing style. :)

SIS Beth

Krys said...

Brenda,

I haven't read too many biographical books but I have seen quite a few bio's on television, and most of them were the show 'Biography' on A&E. It's a very well done show and you're right, they focus on a person's life story and leave the tabloid gossip stuff out. One of the most recent episodes I saw was on Johnny Depp, which was interesting, especially to my wife.

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Tori,

I always hated reading books in school that I HAD to read. Somehow, that just makes a book harder to like from the start. I'm glad some of your reading was by your choice!

SIS Bren

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Alyson,

I always loved Kate Jackson on Charlie's Angels. I saw Cheryl Ladd and Jacklyn Smith recently on an awards show on TV Land and wondered why she wasn't present.

The biographies you've read sound interesting. I'd especially like to read Anne Frank's and Dolly Parton's. I think Dolly is hysterical.

SIS Bren

Sisters-in-Sync said...

BJ,

Jim Morrison died not long before you were born. Maybe he made his way back to that hospital and somehow found himself trapped in your body. Maybe you're Jim Morrison and you don't know it. That could explain your talent for writing poetry!

SIS Bren

Alyson Reuben said...

Krys, personally I've never met a woman who WASN'T interested in Johnny Depp. lol

I seriously think it's awesome that he's from Kentucky (not far from where my husband was born), and was raised with old-fashioned southern hospitality. They say he's very well-mannered and that he takes his profession more seriously than some of his acting contemporaries.

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Beth,

You should watch for that episode about Doris Day on A&E. It was great! I can't wait to read her book.

I love the Doris Day movies with Rock Hudson. They had such great chemistry.

When she was filming Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew too Much" she was nervous because it was a dramatic role. She was sure she wasn't doing a good job because Alfred Hitchcock would never say anything to her or give her any direction. When she questioned him as to why he had no comments, he told her it was because she was playing the part perfectly. That speaks volumes for her dramatic acting.

The book about the secret service does sound intriguing. You'll have to let me know how it is.

SIS Bren

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Krys,

I'd love to see the "Biography" about Johnny Depp. I think he's a great actor and he's somewhat mysterious.

Don't be too jealous of Wendy and Johnny Depp, if it were Olivia you'd be sitting in front of the screen with drool running out the corners of your mouth.

SIS Bren

Krys said...

Alyson - From what I've heard about Johnny Depp, you're right. He's a consummate professional and a very kind, humble man. If I was a woman I think I'd love him, too LoL

Brenda - I drool no matter what I'm watching on TV, that's what happens when you get old =0) I don't blame Wendy for how she feels about Johnny, at least I know she has good taste. I'm not so sure I'd drool over Olivia any more. But Lucy Lawless is a whole different story!

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