Marlon Brando: A Memoir

by Nancy K. Peardon

"...[Nancy's] proven herself to be a lasting and loyal friend and someone that's worthy of being a personal confidant...I love her children, I hate her husband, for reasons I won't bother with now, mostly because he's there and I'm not. I would trust her with my money and my shorts" --Marlon Brando
A young woman meets Marlon Brando while working as an assistant in her father's Beverly Hills dental office. It's 1976. Brando's a screen legend. The twenty year old is enraptured by the fifty-two year old star of such classic American films as A Streetcar Named Desire, Viva Zapata!, The Wild One, On the Waterfront, The Godfather, and Last Tango in Paris. Brando's as dazzled by her--"I think I'm falling in love," he sighs, taking her hand in his to kiss--and on that day, he and Nancy Peardon embark on an intimate and tempestuous relationship that was to last another twenty-eight years until the actor's death in 2004.
Serving as Brando's on-again, off-again executive assistant, Peardon becomes his steadfast confidante, experiencing a side of the famously private actor few know about or could ever discern from his memorable roles, from Stanley Kowalski to Vito Corleone. He was mischievous, principled, idiosyncratic, volatile, enigmatic, fierce in his views on everything from the film industry to international affairs, but ultimately as vulnerable as a child. Marlon Brando: A Memoir explores Marlon Brando the man, behind Marlon Brando the myth, from the vantage point of someone who knew him like no other.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 18, 2013

About the author

A Los Angeles writer, Nancy K. Peardon has a long history in Hollywood. As a young woman she worked as an assistant to her father, a prestigious Beverly Hills dentist with an extensive list of famous patients, among them James Dean, Lucille Ball, and Montgomery Clift, to name only a few. After her father retired, Nancy went on to work in the entertainment industry, where she served as an Executive Assistant to some of the most renowned directors and producers in Hollywood. But none of her relationships were as compelling, complex, and ultimately as personal as her relationship with Marlon Brando. In her debut memoir, Marlon Brando A Memoir, Nancy shares an intimate look, a deep and loving look, at Marlon, the man, himself.

Reviews

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is absolutely brilliant. I loved every moment of it. I laughed, cried and was riveted as I gained insight into Marlon Brando... the man behind the legend. The author instantly engages her audience as she takes us through the journey of a wide-eyed, naïve and vulnerable young woman whose life becomes emotionally entangled with this bigger-than-life movie star. What's so unique about this book are the astonishing and fascinating accounts into the most intimate musings of a man that few people ever knew. Excellent read!

[Bar6ara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this personal account of a life knowing Marlon Brando. As he was a very private man, I feel that the author respected this while also giving as, the readers, an insight into the foibles and other character traits that made him who he was. Could it have been a bit jucier? Yes, but it was still a pleasant read. I read it on my iPad and it was perfect bedtime reading. When i finished I wanted to give the author a hug, because I really think she deserves one!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the help of the Turner Classic Movie channel, I was re-introduced to the movies of Marlon Brando. As I sat in my living room one Wednesday afternoon, I fell in love all over again as Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) gently picked up the fallen glove of Edie Doyle (Eva Marie Saint) and ever so gently removed the lint from it. The movie was On the Waterfront. I was compelled to know more about Mr. Brando. I knew a little about his acting career and even less of his private life. Knowing what I know now, he’d probably appreciate that. I visited Amazon.ca and discovered a book called: Marlon Brando: A Memoir by Nancy Peardon. I received the 311 page book on April 10th and finished the last page at 8p.m.the following day; needless to say, I was completely intrigued from beginning to end. Ms. Peardon`s account of their relationship shed insight into a man who was extremely complex, vulnerable, funny, isolated, sometimes violent, crude and sexually explosive. Emotionally, I was drawn into Ms. Peardon`s world, and like her, immersed myself into a man who at 52 was still as charismatic as ever. While Brando claims we [didn’t] have souls or spirits, I nevertheless felt like they had a connection like no other; a connection that transcended anything tangible. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a unique perspective of a man so few really knew. It will make you smile, make you sad, captivate you and like me, wish you were in Ms. Peardon`s shoes the day Marlon Brando walked through the door of her father’s dental office. I wish her much success with this book.

[Erika Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it - interesting and nicely written

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A credit to Nancy that I simply couldn't put this book down. It was finished in a few marathon sessions. My adoptive parents were mentioned, while not necessarily in a positive light I appreciated the honesty with which Nancy mentioned them. And she was most definitely correct about my adoptive mother and a certain leak of personal information. I overheard the conversations. As an insider I can say it was refreshing and at times rather tough to relive the past through Nancy's eyes. She was honest to her perception and showed heart in that she even went to "Woo Woo Land." Very few have talked about that side of Marlon. The side that seemed to communicate through the void. That could feel right past your mask. I can't knock her for putting Marlon on a pedestal, though at times I wanted to. Many times during the book I cringed knowing what was about to occur. She didn't know him well enough yet to see it coming. Marlon told her he was a monster. Nancy told him no. She was right, though his transgressions were many. I've met monsters and they are never burdened with a guilty conscience. Marlon certainly was. As a bastard who cares I'm glad this book is part of the historical record. Thanks Nancy.

[JerryDeanHalleck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting memoir of Brando by a friend and sometime employee. Peardon was the daughter of Brando's dentist and was hired by him to be is personal assistant (non-sexual) for 3 months in 1989. It didn't work out. She then was hired back by Brando in 1991-1992 for a year or so. Her last stint was in 1994, putting together his financial records, After that she stayed in touch with Brando as a friend.

Anyway its a nice little memoir which gives us glimpses of Brando in his old age. Despite his bulk and age he still had a healthy sexual appetite, and had a large number of friends and various hobbies and interests to keep him busy when he wasn't acting (which he rarely was).

Brando seems to have been both a good boss and a bad boss. Personally warm, fun to be around, and financially generous, but also thoughtless, rude, and controlling. A charismatic, intelligent, funny/imaginative man who never had to grow up or apply any real self-discipline. He surrounded himself with women and flunkies. Based on what I've read, he never had a true friendship with a man his equal.

Anyway, if you're looking for insight into Brando THE ACTOR you'll be disappointed, if you want to read about Brando the boss and Brando the man - you might enjoy it.

[Pam Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

couldn't get into it

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read it because a friend asked me to. Mildly interesting.

[Marmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book..i enjoyed reading it