To the Temple of Tranquility...and Step on It!: A Memoir

by Ed Begley Jr.

Beloved actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr.--known for countless roles over the last five decades, most recently in Better Call Saul and Young Sheldon --shares hilarious and poignant stories of his improbable life, focusing on his relationship with his legendary father Ed Begley Sr., adventures with Hollywood icons, the origins of his environmental activism, addiction and recovery, and his lifelong search for wisdom and common ground. Ed Begley Jr. is truly one of a kind, a performer who is known equally for his prolific film and television career and his environmental activism. From an appearance on My Three Sons to a notable role in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman to starring in St. Elsewhere --as well as films with Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and mockumentarian Christopher Guest--Begley has worked with just about everyone in Hollywood. His "green" bona fides date back to 1970, and have been the topic of two books, a reality show, countless media appearances, and even repeated spoofs on The Simpsons (in one episode, Begley's solar-powered car stalls out on train tracks, but is saved when the train is revealed to be an "Ed Begley Solar-Powered Train"). In To the Temple of Tranquility...And Step On It! , Begley shares a fountain of hilarious and poignant stories throughout his life. The memoir is candid and endearing; in one chapter, he is summoned to Marlon Brando's house to discuss the practical uses of electric eels. In another, he tells the story of taking Annette Bening to the Oscars in "an oddball kit-car that had gull wing doors, and was nearly impossible to get in or out of, unless you were a yoga master, which fortunately she was." Not to mention insightful and surprising tales about The Beatles, Monty Python, Richard Pryor, Cesar Chavez, Jeff Goldblum, Tom Waits, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carrie Fisher, and so many more luminaries. Begley's unmistakable voice is honest and revealing in a way that only a comic of his caliber can accomplish. Behind all the stories, Begley has wisdom to impart. This is a book about family, friends, addiction, failure, and redemption.

Hardcover

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Inspired by the works of his Academy Award-winning father, Ed Begley, Jr. became an actor. He first came to audiences’ attention for his portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the long-running hit television series, “St. Elsewhere,” for which he received six Emmy nominations. Since then Begley has moved easily between feature, television and theatre projects.

Ed can currently be seen in the hit Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow film, “Pineapple Express”, as well as many Christopher Guest films, including “A Mighty Wind”, “Best In Show,” and For Your Consideration”.

Other feature film credits include “Batman Forever”, “The Accidental Tourist” and “The In-Laws.”

On television, Begley is appearing in the new CBS comedy on Wednesday night called “Gary Unmarried” He has also been seen recently in “Recount” with Kevin Spacey, Tom Wilkinson and Laura Dern, as well as recurring roles on “Six Feet Under”, “Arrested Development”, and “Boston Legal.”

Begley also starred in the West Coast premiere of David Mamet’s “Cryptogram,” at the Geffen Playhouse, in the role that he first performed in Boston and then in New York. He also starred in Mr. Mamet’s production of “Romance” last fall at the Mark Taper Forum.

Ed has directed several episodes of the hit show “NYPD Blue” as well as a play that he wrote called “Cesar and Ruben” that won a Nos Otros Award and four Valley Theater League Awards.

Ed Begley Jr. is currently one of the hottest speakers on eco-living in America. His theme, Live Simply So That Others Can Simply Live, has been received by standing ovations at more than 200 events in just the last four years. His message on sustainable living is empowering and humorous.

~From http://www.edbegley.com/biography/ & http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair/w...