If you have ever dreamed of becoming a star or just enjoy reading about life in the spotlight, you will love Hollywood Be Thy Name: An Inside Look at Hollywood Actors and Extras. Authors Shirley and Jeff Lawrence cover various aspects of working in Hollywood beginning with the early years. They offer examples of how respect for the extras have changed over time.

When they first started working in television and film, extras were shown respect from other cast members. Jeff Lawrence recalls attending a movie premiere where Anne Bancroft remembered his name and introduced him and his wife to other well-known actors. On the flip side, the late Charlton Heston had a reputation for not liking extras, even taking films to Europe so he wouldn't have to pay them. Today it's not uncommon for extras to be treated as second class citizens, often given less nutritional food when they are supposed to eat with the cast and crew.

The authors have worked with and met many big stars throughout their careers. Among the big names are Jerry Lewis, John Wayne, Lucille Ball, and others. Shirley Lawrence had an interesting experience while working on the set of I Love Lucy. The show's star didn't like the attention Shirley was getting from the crew, many of them friends. Shirley was fired because Lucy didn't like "distractions."

Hollywood offers a glimpse into the real world of the "casting couch," and how directors, producers, and others in a position of influence try to take advantage of the naïve. The Lawrences share a story about their own daughter, who had an unwanted sexual encounter with a married second assistant director on Cheers. These stories are important lessons for the aspiring actor, so they can be prepared to deal with the seedier side of show business.

I was surprised by the unwritten conditions that come with getting a contract job with a studio. Jeff 's contract ended when he refused to go to parties that he'd heard were really tests to see if he was gay. After declining several party invitations from studio brass, he was notified they were no longer interested in signing him. 

It was interesting to find out that some sitcom writers will laugh at their own scripts during tapings of their shows. More often than not they will sit off to the side and laugh louder than the audience. I enjoyed reading that Phil Perlman (Rhea's Dad) was a regular extra on Cheers. It must have been fun for Rhea (who played Carla) to have her dad on the set every day. One of my favorite stories involved a deal between an extra and Rock Hudson. If you want to know what happened you'll have to read the book. Hollywood Be Thy Name also includes the romance and later marriage of the authors' who met while working in Hollywood. 

Shirley and Jeff Lawrence wrote a great handbook for the aspiring thespian and for someone who just wants to know what goes on behind the scenes. To learn more about the authors and the book please visit their official site, Hollywood with Jeff and Shirley.