The accidental actor -- Mom and dad: a love story -- Becoming Californians -- The new kid in town -- Introducing Opie -- The truth about Mayberry -- Hot lights, real tears -- Toughening up -- But first, the Tranya -- Mom, in her element -- One role, three bears -- The injustice to Sandy Koufax -- Fake blood and Opie-shaming -- Wild times in Jackson Hole -- Dating games, real and staged -- The education of R. W. Howard, director -- Growth via Graffiti -- Cruising, boozing, scoring -- Clocking in to the nostalgia industry -- Fonzie-mania -- Roger that -- Rance to the rescue -- Filming, flying, crashing, burning -- Richie grows up.
Summary:
"With the perspective of time and success--Ron as a filmmaker, producer, and Hollywood A-lister, Clint as a busy character actor--the Howard brothers delve deep into an upbringing that seemed normal to them yet was anything but. Their Midwestern parents, Rance and Jean, moved to California to pursue their own showbiz dreams. But it was their young sons who found steady employment as actors. Rance put aside his ego and ambition to become Ron and Clint's teacher, sage, and moral compass. Jean became their loving protector--sometimes over-protector--from the snares and traps of Hollywood. By turns confessional, nostalgic, heartwarming, and harrowing, THE BOYS is a dual narrative that lifts the lid on the Howard brothers' closely held lives. It's the journey of a tight four-person family unit that held fast in an unforgiving business and of two brothers who survived "child-actor syndrome" to become fulfilled adults." Provided by publisher
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.