The Boys - Ron Howard & Clint Howard

The Boys

By Ron Howard & Clint Howard

  • Release Date: 2021-10-12
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
4.5 Score: 4.5 (From 409 Ratings)

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.

Reviews

  • The Boys

    5
    By szfoxcpa
    Insightful, honest and entertaining.
  • Loved it

    5
    By ChasJMD
    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!!!

    5
    By waiting to use
    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.
  • The Boys - Ron and Clint Howard

    5
    By Piano Man 1951
    Well worth your reading! Enchanting behind the scenes stories of a family who continue to leave their mark in Hollywood. Thoroughly enjoyed this read: was sorry when I was done as I wanted more.
  • Highly Recommended!

    5
    By Howards Boys Fan now
    So interesting & entertaining. I admire the Howard boys for never saying anything negative about the people they worked with. One of the best biography/memoir I have ever read. We just knew them as actors but the book reveals so much more. I strongly recommend it to anyone who grew up with them on tv & the big screen.
  • Great first half..so-so second half

    2
    By Jwalczuk
    I liked reading about the family’s beginnings and through to The Andy Griffith Show. After that, the “director” emphasis was not as compelling. I wanted more anecdotes about Tom Hanks and other big personalities in his movies. But….I am always fascinated to hear behind the scenes stories; therefore was disappointed there was very little of that. My expectations were not met, and that’s my fault for making them too high.
  • A strong family

    5
    By Terwatina
    I’m so impressed with the Howard family. They love and support each other. This book is truly uplifting.
  • Interesting read

    5
    By Lovely nurse
    Found the book very interesting as I grew up watching Ron and Clint. Highly recommend.
  • Great book!

    5
    By gdlnd
    I didn’t realize how much I would actually love reading this book. It brought back memories of the past that I had forgotten about. Both Ron and Clint are excellent story tellers. I had a hard time putting the book down.
  • The boys

    5
    By NikonD70Guy
    Very good and an easy read

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