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by Gordon Pinsent, George Anthony

In this enchanting autobiography celebrated actor Gordon Pinsent revisits stellar highlights of his 60-year career and the high and low points along the way, including his work with fellow artists Judi Dench, Shirley Douglas, Olympia Dukakis, Norman Jewison, Christopher Plummer, Sarah Polley, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland, and Julie Christie, among others. Throughout Pinsent offers his advice to young actors, writers, and directors on how to succeed in film and theatre. Engaging, entertaining, and light-hearted, Next is a must-read account of a fascinating life spent in show business.

Genres: Biography

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[David]

This is the 20 years later update to By the Way, although it does include a great deal of what is covered there, though in somewhat less detail. Having studied acting briefly (four weeks) with Gordon Pinsent, I find the old “six degrees of separation” game amusing in this book. The voice of the man I studied with is here, for sure, as is his utterly unpretentious engagement of the world at large. A good memoir.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second biography of Gordon Pinsent (I didn't read the first one) primarily focuses on his life following his second marriage to adored fellow actor Charmion King. He does provide descriptions of his rollicking early life in Newfoundland and his initial roles at the Manitoba Theatre Centre and at the then thriving CBC. But the bulk of the book is his life with King who he admits waited for him to grow up. Pinsent emerges as an indefatigable, driven man determined to fulfill his dreams of acting, writing and performing—anywhere, anytime—even if it means not seeing his two eldest children for 18 years. To his credit he owns up to this paternal lapse, in addition to episodes of "flirtations" during his second marriage when both he and King were heavy drinkers. It's an entertaining read that deteriorates into listing acting parts and offering an overlong philosophy of life towards the end but Pinsent would be the first to admit he's not about to leave this earth quietly.

[Scott G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very conversational and self deprecating regaling from a Newfoundlander who obviously still has a firm hold on his roots despite being off the Rock for so long. He is a theatre man through and through, it was an interesting take on his disillusioned foray into 1970s television and film in Hollywood.

[Cheryl Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite Canadian Icon just happens to be a great writer as well.

[Grace Harbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

A master story teller.

[Jennifer Rayment · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Stuff

I was worried at first when I started reading this and just couldn't get into it, because I have mad love for Mr Pinsent. So I flicked on an episode of Due South, heard his voice, and voila, just needed to hear his voice to understand why I was having a difficulty. You must hear his manner of speech to understand his way of writing.
Classy
Very frank, doesn't hold back on some of his less than stellar moments in his life
Also likes to poke fun at himself
Interesting to learn about the life of a Canadian actor (especially the struggling days)
Love the way he talks about his wife
This better have an audio book version, because if so, I am totally buying it. I love the mans voice
Enjoyed hearing about his work with all sorts of actors, both world famous ones and those mostly only recognizable to Canadians
Got a kick out of the chapters on the hikes with Marlon Brando
The grief and stories about his wife are touching and beautiful

The Not So Good Stuff

It is a wee bit too slow paced
Would have liked way more photos
Won't lie it disturbed me that he gave up his children from his first marriage so easily. I have always thought of him as the very fatherly type. Still love ya though Gordon (and it was an honour meeting you last year and will always remember our little chat) was just a little shocked.

Favorite Quotes/Passages

"In those days people were not as open to friendships between men and women, but friendship was very important to me. And I was as good at chatting as I was at catting."

"Wait a minute, wait a minute," said Marlon with a disdainful squint. "You're going to Winnipeg? To do a twenty-year-old musical?"

"No," I said, "I'm going to Winnipeg to do a show for John Hirsch."

"Standing before a judge and agreeing not to see my children, so their mother could make a fresh start, was the lowest point of my immature young life. For the next two decades my children would see me only on television. Year later, thanks to their love and persistence, we would find each other again, and some thorny issues and unanswered questions would finally be resolved."

Who Should/Shouldn't Read

Perfect gift for a certain British Due South fan I love -- hmm guess what one of your gifts are going to be this year Angela
Fans of Pinsent will obviously enjoy -- maybe even better as an audio book (Must go look into if their is an audio version)
Also just a good read for fans of Canadian theatre, TV, movies -- yes American friends we do have an entertainment industry

4 Dewey's


I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review

[Karen Tuck marche · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it.....Although I love his acting and I do like the way he writes as if he is speaking directly to you, the content was not that interesting. It read like a history book of Hollywood.....way too much detail when I simply wish to read about his Mr. Pinsent himself. It is not that personable.

[Lynn Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

George Anthony, the ghost writer, needs a few grammar lessons. Am a big fan of Pinsent though, (non-Canadians may know him as the husband of Julie Christie in the movie "Away from Her"), so enjoyed all the stories and gossip (and photos) of his long career.

[Susan Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!! What a life! Always saw Gordon Pinsent in movies and tv series...and always liked him. Now I know a little bit more about him. Definitely 15 out of 10. A must read.

[Marlene Bayers]

I am familiar with many of his stories, having followed him for years. Lovely to " hear" them again. I can hear his voice as I read this.

[Harold Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting biography of a hardworking actor from The Rock.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this only because I know Gordon. I could hear his voice in my head as he was telling his stories.
I learned things about him that I didn't know. Mildly entertaining!!