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Starmaker: Life As a Hollywood Publicist with Farrah, The Rat Pack and 600 More Stars Who Fired Me
This memoir by the legendary publicist offers “an intimate glimpse into the best and the worst of the golden age of Hollywood” (Stacy Keach, Golden Globe Award–nominated actor). Jay Bernstein, an entertainment industry fixture who helped launch the careers of celebrities including Farrah Fawcett and Suzanne Somers, was famed for his sense of showmanship, his outrageous style, and the publicity stunts he engineered to get attention for his clients. Starmaker tells his story, from his childhood in Oklahoma City and his first job in a Hollywood mailroom to the ownership of his own public relations firm and his work as a television producer. In addition to a behind-the-scenes look at several generations of show business and hard-hitting insights about how the industry changed over the decades, Bernstein also describes the relationships he had with stars and his notorious techniques, such as paying women to throw hotel keys at Tom Jones, having Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart’s legs insured for one million dollars, and getting married underwater for an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. With the wisdom of experience and a sense of humor, this autobiography shares the intimate details of a fascinating Hollywood life.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 3, 2019
This is a tell all by one of the most famous publicits, Jay Bernstein. He looked for superstar potential and used innovative techniques to transform actors into white hot celebrities.
Of course, his personal life suffered as he always played the villain to any negative publicity and acted like a therapist to the stars. Hollywood was a ruthless biz.
After Frank Sinatra treated Jay so poorly on numerous occasions, I love the way he served up his revenge on a cold dish. It was truly clever!;)
I was struck by his bond with Farrah Fawcett and Sammy Davis, Jr.
This can definitely give us perspective on not letting getting fired discourage anyone.
Of course, his personal life suffered as he always played the villain to any negative publicity and acted like a therapist to the stars. Hollywood was a ruthless biz.
After Frank Sinatra treated Jay so poorly on numerous occasions, I love the way he served up his revenge on a cold dish. It was truly clever!;)
I was struck by his bond with Farrah Fawcett and Sammy Davis, Jr.
This can definitely give us perspective on not letting getting fired discourage anyone.
August 28, 2012
A very enjoyable Hollywood memoir. I didn't read it straight through. Started about 1/3 in with Farrah and Suzanne Somers, then went back to the beginning to read about Frank and the Rat Pack. I was glad he didn't bore me with stories about his childhood. He started at the place we were reading the book for - Hollywood.
April 30, 2012
In 1960, Jay Bernstein went to Hollywood hoping to make his fortune, and through a mixture of tenancity, gumption and talent, became publicist to some of teh biggest stars of the day, including Farrah Fawcett and her then husband Lee Majors, and the Rat Pack. This book is his memoir of those times.
It's a total blast - frank and very funny. Bernstein pulls no punches and is not afraid to say who he liked and who he really really disliked (Frank Sinatra does NOT come out of this well!). It's also an expose on some of the behind-the-scenes work that publicists do for their clients.
A must-read for anyone interested in Hollywood!
It's a total blast - frank and very funny. Bernstein pulls no punches and is not afraid to say who he liked and who he really really disliked (Frank Sinatra does NOT come out of this well!). It's also an expose on some of the behind-the-scenes work that publicists do for their clients.
A must-read for anyone interested in Hollywood!
August 16, 2012
I'd have liked to know the story behind the story -- we get a hint at Bernstein's self-aggrandizing mother, and can imagine that's where he got his chutzpah, but I'd have liked to know more. As I read through the book, I found his admissions of intense hostility to be less adorable -- he rightly felt he should have been more appreciated, but in the worlds of Don Draper, "that's what the money's for!" Still, when I reached the end and found that not only has Bernstein died, but the initial author did, too,, the whole thing is tinged and bittersweet.
If you like 60s, 70s and 80s gossip and behind-the-scenes secrets, this is a solid B+ effort.
If you like 60s, 70s and 80s gossip and behind-the-scenes secrets, this is a solid B+ effort.
February 17, 2019
He saw the trunk, the tail and the tusks! And wrote all about them.
Everything I would like to say about this book Jay Bernstein said so much better. He literally followed his dream to Hollywood and kept going. So many other television, movie and music dreams would have never come true without Jay Bernstein guiding, pushing and sometimes dragging his clients to their places in the spotlight and I laughed at how often his maneuvers took them to stardom and either became or propped up the foundations of their legends. He loved Hollywood and I came away from this book feeling that when he left he took an essential part of it with him. His clients so often became his friends and the stories he tells about them at the times he influenced their careers are sometimes shocking and frequently surprising. I believe he was determined they too would realize their Hollywood dreams because in attaching to him they became part of his own.
Jay Bernstein's finest time in the entertainment industry was when someone with his extraordinary talent, audacity and balls could manufacture a clear path to stardom for someone lucky enough to be his client and he revels in telling those stories here and yes, he does name names, lots and lots of names.
If you are wondering about the title of my review, read the book.
Everything I would like to say about this book Jay Bernstein said so much better. He literally followed his dream to Hollywood and kept going. So many other television, movie and music dreams would have never come true without Jay Bernstein guiding, pushing and sometimes dragging his clients to their places in the spotlight and I laughed at how often his maneuvers took them to stardom and either became or propped up the foundations of their legends. He loved Hollywood and I came away from this book feeling that when he left he took an essential part of it with him. His clients so often became his friends and the stories he tells about them at the times he influenced their careers are sometimes shocking and frequently surprising. I believe he was determined they too would realize their Hollywood dreams because in attaching to him they became part of his own.
Jay Bernstein's finest time in the entertainment industry was when someone with his extraordinary talent, audacity and balls could manufacture a clear path to stardom for someone lucky enough to be his client and he revels in telling those stories here and yes, he does name names, lots and lots of names.
If you are wondering about the title of my review, read the book.
January 12, 2020
I have long had a fascination to know what really goes on behind the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. I suppose everyone loves a good tell-all story.
Bernstein certainly delivers as he is extremely candid in his opinions. He was clearly at the point where he didn't care who he offended when he wrote this book.
I enjoyed reading behind the scenes stories about people like Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Farrah Fawcett and Suzanne Somers.
But I also got some sense about how tough and unstable life is in Hollywood. Every day you have to hustle to make a new deal.
It also really made me think for the first time about how much of the celebrity gossip that we see is planted and manufactured. Celebrities realize that being in the news will boost their careers so it makes sense, but I admit I was a bit more naïve about it before reading this.
One question it had me wondering: Bernstein's heyday was in the 60s, 70s and 80s, but how different is the Hollywood of the 2020s? Are we in a kinder, gentler era? There's probably a lot that goes on behind the scenes that we'll never hear about.
Bernstein certainly delivers as he is extremely candid in his opinions. He was clearly at the point where he didn't care who he offended when he wrote this book.
I enjoyed reading behind the scenes stories about people like Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Farrah Fawcett and Suzanne Somers.
But I also got some sense about how tough and unstable life is in Hollywood. Every day you have to hustle to make a new deal.
It also really made me think for the first time about how much of the celebrity gossip that we see is planted and manufactured. Celebrities realize that being in the news will boost their careers so it makes sense, but I admit I was a bit more naïve about it before reading this.
One question it had me wondering: Bernstein's heyday was in the 60s, 70s and 80s, but how different is the Hollywood of the 2020s? Are we in a kinder, gentler era? There's probably a lot that goes on behind the scenes that we'll never hear about.
May 1, 2020
Eh, typical memoir of someone patting themselves on the back and was responsible for all the really great things in a celebrity's career. Of course he convinced Farrah to use the poster. He muscled guys who harassed her. Whatever. I did enjoy some behind the scenes stories but it wasn't brain surgery. Quick read.
January 26, 2025
405 pages full of stories about showbiz, production, PR, and more. The book included stories that took place in the 50s to the 80s.
Although I didn't know 95% of the names mentioned in the book, I was still captivated.
In particular, it was interesting to read about Frank Sinatra, Aaron Spelling, and the saga of Farrah Fawcett.
Although I didn't know 95% of the names mentioned in the book, I was still captivated.
In particular, it was interesting to read about Frank Sinatra, Aaron Spelling, and the saga of Farrah Fawcett.
July 4, 2025
Entertaining memoir about Jay’s life in showbiz, the people he helped achieve stardom and the many who (in his eyes) dumped him when they should’ve kept him. A bit odd reading a celebrity memoir “as told to” an author, then they both die and it’s finished by a third writer. Jay’s misanthropic rants near the end blemish your desire to root for him, but otherwise a worthwhile read.
August 2, 2019
Great Book
Bernstein always fascinated me and when I saw this book, I whooped for joy. It did not disappoint. What a fabulous life he had. I did not want the story to end, but alas he did.
Bernstein always fascinated me and when I saw this book, I whooped for joy. It did not disappoint. What a fabulous life he had. I did not want the story to end, but alas he did.
May 20, 2023
fascinating
Wow. Of course I find biographies intriguing, but add in Hollywood and it becomes scintillating. This story has all that . Takes off the colored lenses and gives you some straight vanilla. Good stuff
Wow. Of course I find biographies intriguing, but add in Hollywood and it becomes scintillating. This story has all that . Takes off the colored lenses and gives you some straight vanilla. Good stuff
February 18, 2019
Interesting insight of stars but author is a little "full of himself" and listening becomes tiresome.
August 1, 2019
For Hollywood Aficionadoes
I liked this book for what is...a story about pretty people getting famous because of a boatload of people who help them get there. You might like it too.
I liked this book for what is...a story about pretty people getting famous because of a boatload of people who help them get there. You might like it too.
September 11, 2019
Loved it. Bernstein was a legend who made legends
It's a great read on old Hollywood. Loved every page and was over to soon. Enjoy won't be sorry !
It's a great read on old Hollywood. Loved every page and was over to soon. Enjoy won't be sorry !
October 26, 2019
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December 4, 2019
#160 of 170 books pledged to read during 2019
December 19, 2019
Interesting Read
This is a fun behinds the scene story. The story that many people have no clue goes on. The other side of the camera.
This is a fun behinds the scene story. The story that many people have no clue goes on. The other side of the camera.
September 9, 2020
I don't know how much of this memoir is true (it's difficult to trust someone whose job is puffery), but it's very interesting and makes for a fun read.
September 20, 2020
love this nasty lil misogynist worm 💗
June 9, 2024
Some good stories when he was solely a publicist,but less interested in his career as a producer.He doesn't come across as the most likeable of people
July 11, 2026
Every single person in this book was sucky, including Jay himself...and I thoroughly enjoyed every sentence I read about them all.
July 5, 2019
True Hollywood
Enjoyed this book. Jays stories are an excellent piece of Hollywood history ...an era that no longer exists. Jay seemed like a good man trying to succeed in a difficult career during a time of industry change.
Enjoyed this book. Jays stories are an excellent piece of Hollywood history ...an era that no longer exists. Jay seemed like a good man trying to succeed in a difficult career during a time of industry change.
January 12, 2013
When I’m not blogging here at The Nerdy Reader, I work in public relations. In my dreams, I will someday become a publicist to Hollywood stars or a major league sports team. I say “in my dreams” because as much fun as it sounds, I know those jobs require a certain lifestyle that I’m not willing to take-on. So when I saw the galley of this book available on Net Galley, I figured reading about being a Hollywood publicist might be as close as I get.
Jay Bernstein moved to Hollywood from Oklahoma City with nothing more than $400 in his pocket and a dream to make it big. Unsure how to make that dream happen, he took odd-jobs all over Hollywood, including working in a talent agency mailroom and doing grunt work at studios. Finally, with some perseverance, a little luck and a lot of chutzpa, he managed to make a name for himself as a Hollywood publicist with his own firm, a manager of top stars and later producer of movies, television shows and made for TV movies. He worked with and ran the careers of hundreds of artists, including well known stars such as Sammy Davis Jr., Farrah Fawcett, Suzanne Somers and Brooke Shields.
Starmaker paints a vivid and sometimes disturbing picture of Hollywood insiders, both good and bad. Bernstein leaves out no gruesome detail and spares no one’s feelings, often throwing some of Hollywood’s most beloved stars under the bus. For example, one account of the treatment of Sammy Davis Jr. by fellow Rat Packers is disappointing. According to Bernstein, Frank Sinatra had mean streak, was cold and demanding and often played pranks on Davis just because of his race. Hopefully that wouldn’t be tolerated today, but apparently it was back then.
Bernstein had no formal training in public relations so all of his accomplishments were based on instinct and guts. As someone in public relations, I felt like some of his actions were unethical and often illegal; certainly not anything I’d try today. But maybe his stunts were accepted and successful in the 60s and 70s, and because crazier things have happened in Hollywood. Today, you could never get away with some of the stunts he pulled without rumor, speculation and perhaps a police investigation.
It’s interesting to learn about some of Bernstein’s back-hand wheeling and dealing in order to get deals made for famous television shows and movies. For example, he’s the one responsible for having Entertainment Tonight anchor Mary Hart’s legs insured for a million dollars (slight caveat with that story, which you’ll find in the book). Bernstein proves what many of us not in the entertainment business can only assume: Hollywood is often an unfair, cut-throat town, but when it’s good, you represent some of the most famous Hollywood personalities; and when it’s bad, you get blacklisted and fired.
So, if you like reading about Hollywood stars and careers, or if you’re into publicity (or both, like me!), you’ll really enjoy this book.
Starmaker was published in 2012 by ECW Press. I received a copy of the e-book from the publisher via Net Galley.
Jay Bernstein moved to Hollywood from Oklahoma City with nothing more than $400 in his pocket and a dream to make it big. Unsure how to make that dream happen, he took odd-jobs all over Hollywood, including working in a talent agency mailroom and doing grunt work at studios. Finally, with some perseverance, a little luck and a lot of chutzpa, he managed to make a name for himself as a Hollywood publicist with his own firm, a manager of top stars and later producer of movies, television shows and made for TV movies. He worked with and ran the careers of hundreds of artists, including well known stars such as Sammy Davis Jr., Farrah Fawcett, Suzanne Somers and Brooke Shields.
Starmaker paints a vivid and sometimes disturbing picture of Hollywood insiders, both good and bad. Bernstein leaves out no gruesome detail and spares no one’s feelings, often throwing some of Hollywood’s most beloved stars under the bus. For example, one account of the treatment of Sammy Davis Jr. by fellow Rat Packers is disappointing. According to Bernstein, Frank Sinatra had mean streak, was cold and demanding and often played pranks on Davis just because of his race. Hopefully that wouldn’t be tolerated today, but apparently it was back then.
Bernstein had no formal training in public relations so all of his accomplishments were based on instinct and guts. As someone in public relations, I felt like some of his actions were unethical and often illegal; certainly not anything I’d try today. But maybe his stunts were accepted and successful in the 60s and 70s, and because crazier things have happened in Hollywood. Today, you could never get away with some of the stunts he pulled without rumor, speculation and perhaps a police investigation.
It’s interesting to learn about some of Bernstein’s back-hand wheeling and dealing in order to get deals made for famous television shows and movies. For example, he’s the one responsible for having Entertainment Tonight anchor Mary Hart’s legs insured for a million dollars (slight caveat with that story, which you’ll find in the book). Bernstein proves what many of us not in the entertainment business can only assume: Hollywood is often an unfair, cut-throat town, but when it’s good, you represent some of the most famous Hollywood personalities; and when it’s bad, you get blacklisted and fired.
So, if you like reading about Hollywood stars and careers, or if you’re into publicity (or both, like me!), you’ll really enjoy this book.
Starmaker was published in 2012 by ECW Press. I received a copy of the e-book from the publisher via Net Galley.
December 20, 2011
I didn't know much about Jay Bernstein before I read this, and I didn't know much after, but I know he epitomizes the term "Starmaker." Starmaker is how every Hollywood story should read, not a whole lot about the authors childhood and upbringing but dishing gossip on who was nice, and who was difficult. Bernstein goes through a Who's Who of 70s/80s television and movie stars, showcasing how he made them famous and how they ended up leaving him in the dust. Bernstein has a dry, sarcastic wit that makes you chuckle as he recounts time with Farrah Fawcett or Suzanne Somers. There's nothing tawdry or cheap about these stories, he doesn't tell about the stars lurid sex lives or anything like that. He just tells about how fame changed them and they didn't appreciate him. He is a bit chauvinist with his views on women, especially in regards to the Mike Hammer television series, and he does get a bit whiny towards the end in how "no one appreciate me," but the stories and the book is so readable you ignore that. This is how star stories should be written, from a man who molded them!
December 13, 2015
This autobiography starts with good expectations. It's the beginning dream that provides the strongest narrative. However, Bernstein's story soon becomes suspect. Bernstein admits to complete fabrications in his business dealings (and seems quite proud of his abilities). This makes you quickly question the veracity of his story. Also, in recounting his tales, he doesn't come off as a particularly upstanding invidual, nor do his clients. After many anecdotes, it just feels uncomfortable, and a bit ugly. (The narrator is good although slightly affected, but it matches the character of the book.)
January 3, 2019
This was a page-turner, I could not put it down. I met Joey Heatherton in December 1974, when Jay Bernstein was HER agent. This was only about a year before he introduced Farrah Fawcett Majors, & people began to realize how much competition Jay Bernstein truly was. Soon after, he also introduced Suzanne Somers. His book is brutally honest. He was an amazing, self-made agent in the dog-eat-dog society of Hollywood, where they really do want to "kill" the competition. And Competition, Jay Bernstein very definitely was. An Oklahoma Boy who Made the Big TIME.
October 16, 2014
This was a very interesting book. Jay Bernstein tells you his story from birth all the way up to his death. he has represented more that 800 people...and you will be surprised by the big stars. It is definitely worth reading!
February 2, 2020
Good 👍
I really enjoyed reading this book! In reality what a Hollywood legend Jay is. We must remember all his contributions and hard work. Well written
I really enjoyed reading this book! In reality what a Hollywood legend Jay is. We must remember all his contributions and hard work. Well written
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews