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.
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