The Boys
A Memoir of Hollywood and Family
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4.4 • 364 Ratings
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- $15.99
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“This extraordinary book is not only a chronicle of Ron’s and Clint’s early careers and their wild adventures, but also a primer on so many topics—how an actor prepares, how to survive as a kid working in Hollywood, and how to be the best parents in the world! The Boys will surprise every reader with its humanity.” — Tom Hanks
"I have read dozens of Hollywood memoirs. But The Boys stands alone. A delightful, warm and fascinating story of a good life in show business.” — Malcolm Gladwell
Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show, Gentle Ben—these shows captivated millions of TV viewers in the ’60s and ’70s. Join award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and audience-favorite actor Clint Howard as they frankly and fondly share their unusual family story of navigating and surviving life as sibling child actors.
“What was it like to grow up on TV?” Ron Howard has been asked this question throughout his adult life. in The Boys, he and his younger brother, Clint, examine their childhoods in detail for the first time. For Ron, playing Opie on The Andy Griffith Show and Richie Cunningham on Happy Days offered fame, joy, and opportunity—but also invited stress and bullying. For Clint, a fast start on such programs as Gentle Ben and Star Trek petered out in adolescence, with some tough consequences and lessons.
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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
We can’t think of another celebrity memoir that’s made us feel quite this good. While most child actors have some pretty gnarly stories to tell, the Howard brothers’ childhood was built on their strong, loving relationship with their parents, which kept them grounded and supported every step of the way. Before Ron and Clint Howard became a renowned director and a beloved character actor, they were both famous as kids—Ron on the sitcom The Andy Griffith Show and Clint on the series Gentle Ben. In their memoir, the pair trade back and forth, taking turns telling their own anecdotes and offering refreshingly well-adjusted perspectives on their lives, careers, and famous family. The siblings’ stories include everything from Ron’s formative experiences with George Lucas on American Graffiti to Clint’s youthful struggles with substance abuse. If you’re curious to read a wholesome Hollywood story, don’t miss The Boys.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Actors and brothers Ron and Clint Howard reflect on growing up in Hollywood in this fascinating dual autobiography. Born in the 1950s to actors Rance Howard and Jean Speegle, the two were groomed for the big screen as soon as they could walk, with Ron landing his first role at age 4. Like his older brother, Clint also found a home in the "world of lights, cameras, and boom mics." Both starred in popular 1960s TV shows Ron as Opie in The Andy Griffith Show and Clint as Mark in Gentle Ben and in lighthearted prose, they fondly recall the years they spent in friendly competition ("I love Ron, but I friggin' wanted Gentle Ben to top the charts," writes Clint), as well as the differences that led Ron, "the kid always on the straight and narrow," and Clint, "the mischievous little guy," down their own paths. As a teen, Ron began making short films on his 8mm camera, eventually leading him to attend film school at the University of Southern California. While the memoir focuses on the brothers' coming-of-age and the close relationship that saw them through the joys and challenges of stardom it also offers glimpses into their later work, especially Ron's career as a successful director. Candid, humorous, and entertaining, this intimate account will be a hit with the brothers' fans.
Customer Reviews
The Boys
Insightful, honest and entertaining.
Loved it
I really enjoyed this book which gives a little behind the scenes info on a few great series (Andy Griffith, Happy Days, Gentle Ben), but is really a great autobiography of two brothers and their parents.
A great read!!!
Both Clint and Ron are so truthful in their stories. Showing their egos, weaknesses and low points as well as their triumphs. This book was more a tribute to Jean and Rance Howard than a biography. I loved it. I feel I grew up with these guys and have known them all my life through their films and TV roles. Great stuff.