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The Monkey on My Back: A Memoir
A deeply personal memoir spanning three generations of women, this is the intimate autobiography of Emmy Award–winning actress Debbi Morgan, best known as Angie Hubbard on the long-running soap opera All My Children .
Raised in the South Bronx and beloved for the diverse and captivating characters she’s played, Debbi Morgan enjoyed a thirty-year tenure on All My Children before joining the cast of The Young and the Restless and later appearing opposite Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson in several films. But this book is not about her career, and it’s not about Hollywood. It’s not even about her rise to stardom. Charting her family history as well as her own life from childhood to the present in this compelling memoir, Debbi reveals the fear, doubt, and insecurities she’s struggled with for much of her life—and how she escaped a vicious cycle of pain to find self-confidence, happiness, and success.
Early on in her family history, an ugly pattern of abuse developed into fear, insecurity, self-doubt, and emotional trauma, which passed down from one generation to the next. From her maternal grandmother, who was beaten by her husband as they struggled through the Great Depression, to Debbi’s mother, who became pregnant as a young teen and suffered the same abuse as her mother, down to Debbi, who internalized the physical abuse she watched her mother endure, a deep-rooted fear plagued all three generations of women. But through it all, Debbi endured, and with a good dose of humor and self-compassion, she emerged with the deepest love of herself—and her mojo quite intact!
Told with intense emotion, candor, and a barrage of belly laughs, Debbi shares a deeply moving, explosive, yet inspirational journey about what it took to break the cycle and emerge as a confident, fearless woman.
Raised in the South Bronx and beloved for the diverse and captivating characters she’s played, Debbi Morgan enjoyed a thirty-year tenure on All My Children before joining the cast of The Young and the Restless and later appearing opposite Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson in several films. But this book is not about her career, and it’s not about Hollywood. It’s not even about her rise to stardom. Charting her family history as well as her own life from childhood to the present in this compelling memoir, Debbi reveals the fear, doubt, and insecurities she’s struggled with for much of her life—and how she escaped a vicious cycle of pain to find self-confidence, happiness, and success.
Early on in her family history, an ugly pattern of abuse developed into fear, insecurity, self-doubt, and emotional trauma, which passed down from one generation to the next. From her maternal grandmother, who was beaten by her husband as they struggled through the Great Depression, to Debbi’s mother, who became pregnant as a young teen and suffered the same abuse as her mother, down to Debbi, who internalized the physical abuse she watched her mother endure, a deep-rooted fear plagued all three generations of women. But through it all, Debbi endured, and with a good dose of humor and self-compassion, she emerged with the deepest love of herself—and her mojo quite intact!
Told with intense emotion, candor, and a barrage of belly laughs, Debbi shares a deeply moving, explosive, yet inspirational journey about what it took to break the cycle and emerge as a confident, fearless woman.
440 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2015
29 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Debbi Morgan
4 books4 followersBorn in North Carolina and raised in the South Bronx of New York City, Debbi Morgan is an American film and television actress best known for her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on ABC's long running soap opera All My Children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 24, 2015
Two things that stand out in this book:
1. The way it was arranged and written. Instead of her telling her life story from birth to present day, the book was presented in novel form. She started with her maternal grandmother, talking about her struggles in her marriage with an abusive husband. She writes as though she was actually there and witnessed the abuse first hand. That presentation in a memoir was very different, but it worked well. She then writes about her own mother and her tales of struggle with seemingly the wrong choices in men. I think this sets the stage for Debbi to tell her own story and her subsequent dealings with the men in her life. It isn't a tale of I did this movie and I got this part, etc. I mean those details are in there but they are woven into the overall story and makes for a well paced read.
2. The candor. This is something you must have in a memoir if it is going to be a rewarding read. One must go beyond the headlines and storylines that even casual fans are familiar with. Debbi did seem very forthcoming. She writes in depth about her marriage to Charles "Roc" Dutton and reveals their struggles with intimacy that some may think goes too far. She talks about other men she met and bedded, oftentimes for no other reason than they looked good, sounded good or said the right words. She, by her own admission was one to easily fall in love and readers will no doubt shake their heads at some of her foolish choices. But, I salute her for her honesty. Isn't that the point in reading memoirs? To be surprised, thrilled, or even disappointed. It's all in here.
So, although the men for the most part come off as severely challenged in many areas, this is her story from her perspective. At times she doesn't seem to take a whole lot of responsibility for her own actions and choices, but there are enough instances of self deprecation to maintain a somewhat balanced revelation of who Debbi Morgan is.
1. The way it was arranged and written. Instead of her telling her life story from birth to present day, the book was presented in novel form. She started with her maternal grandmother, talking about her struggles in her marriage with an abusive husband. She writes as though she was actually there and witnessed the abuse first hand. That presentation in a memoir was very different, but it worked well. She then writes about her own mother and her tales of struggle with seemingly the wrong choices in men. I think this sets the stage for Debbi to tell her own story and her subsequent dealings with the men in her life. It isn't a tale of I did this movie and I got this part, etc. I mean those details are in there but they are woven into the overall story and makes for a well paced read.
2. The candor. This is something you must have in a memoir if it is going to be a rewarding read. One must go beyond the headlines and storylines that even casual fans are familiar with. Debbi did seem very forthcoming. She writes in depth about her marriage to Charles "Roc" Dutton and reveals their struggles with intimacy that some may think goes too far. She talks about other men she met and bedded, oftentimes for no other reason than they looked good, sounded good or said the right words. She, by her own admission was one to easily fall in love and readers will no doubt shake their heads at some of her foolish choices. But, I salute her for her honesty. Isn't that the point in reading memoirs? To be surprised, thrilled, or even disappointed. It's all in here.
So, although the men for the most part come off as severely challenged in many areas, this is her story from her perspective. At times she doesn't seem to take a whole lot of responsibility for her own actions and choices, but there are enough instances of self deprecation to maintain a somewhat balanced revelation of who Debbi Morgan is.
September 28, 2015
Debbi's memoir was quite interesting. She started chapters with city locations and no dates. I thought that was odd for this genre. After the first few chapters I almost put it down and walked away. The reason why is because Debbi introduced her maternal grandparents John and Rosie Hammond at the book's beginning. Rosie seemed like an incredibly not smart woman. Her mothering skills were loathesome to me. John was despicable.
Debbi wrote her memoir like a novel. She wrote about the periods in the 1940's before she was born as if she was right there and writing from her own memories. There were even quotes from Lora, Debbi's mom, own thoughts which was pretty amazing since Debbi was writing. If her mother had been listed as her co-author I would have understood it better. From the pictures of Debbi's parents, George and Lora, they were gorgeous. Debbi's beauty came from her beautiful parents. She named a gazillion aunts and uncles but she was sparse with the pictures. I like it when memoirs are loaded with pictures so that was disappointing. The lack of pictures detracted from the book for me. Her mom Lora had over 11 siblings and she included a picture of precisely one.That was weird. Debbi's dad had 2 siblings and each of those had 1 picture included.She described her beautifully decorated, restored homes but didn't put a picture of a single one of the described homes. And there were several. I think she should have.
Like I said, her writing style was so interesting. It wasn't always interesting in a good way. She would sometimes start chapters with dialogue and give you absolutely no idea who was speaking or introduce characters without identifying them until later. Fine for a novel, but not for an autobiography.
I would recommend this memoir, especially if you are a fan of this pretty lady. If you're looking for the inside scoop on All My Children you won't find it here; if you're looking for the inside scoop on Debbi's life and romantic relationships then you're in the right place. Prepare to be floored when you read about how she lost her virginity.
Debbi wrote her memoir like a novel. She wrote about the periods in the 1940's before she was born as if she was right there and writing from her own memories. There were even quotes from Lora, Debbi's mom, own thoughts which was pretty amazing since Debbi was writing. If her mother had been listed as her co-author I would have understood it better. From the pictures of Debbi's parents, George and Lora, they were gorgeous. Debbi's beauty came from her beautiful parents. She named a gazillion aunts and uncles but she was sparse with the pictures. I like it when memoirs are loaded with pictures so that was disappointing. The lack of pictures detracted from the book for me. Her mom Lora had over 11 siblings and she included a picture of precisely one.That was weird. Debbi's dad had 2 siblings and each of those had 1 picture included.She described her beautifully decorated, restored homes but didn't put a picture of a single one of the described homes. And there were several. I think she should have.
Like I said, her writing style was so interesting. It wasn't always interesting in a good way. She would sometimes start chapters with dialogue and give you absolutely no idea who was speaking or introduce characters without identifying them until later. Fine for a novel, but not for an autobiography.
I would recommend this memoir, especially if you are a fan of this pretty lady. If you're looking for the inside scoop on All My Children you won't find it here; if you're looking for the inside scoop on Debbi's life and romantic relationships then you're in the right place. Prepare to be floored when you read about how she lost her virginity.
October 19, 2015
Interesting book. Debbi Morgan is a surprisingly good writer. Although I was uncomfortable with how she dealt with other women's men, I am still glad I read this book. She was stunningly honest and this book is Worth the read.
January 15, 2016
Amazing read that will keep you captivated until the very end and leave you wondering about your own life.
The book was a page turner from the very beginning that makes you stop and think about the choices you have made in your life.
The book was a page turner from the very beginning that makes you stop and think about the choices you have made in your life.
January 30, 2015
THIS WILL BE AN AMAZING READ!!!
December 12, 2015
Excellent book. Debbi Morgan poured her heart and soul into writing this book and it made for a very interesting read. I could not put the book down once I got started.
May 9, 2020
I loved couldn’t put it down it reminded me of myself and too was abused mentally by men and thought was ok
January 3, 2016
I found out about the book while watching an OWN episode of "Where are They Now?"This was a compelling read, at points I wanted to put it down, but I kept being drawn to it. I grew up on Jessie and Angie and loved Eve's Bayou, but knew nothing of the beautiful Debbie Morgan's personal narrative. Her memoir provided a startling look at her life and what really rocked me to my core is that her narrative is not too much different from mine--minus the fame of course. At it's core I find the book to be a powerful piece owning to speaking and living one's truth despite the background you come from. Ms. Morgan made peace with her past and by doing so found her peace for the future. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I'm glad I picked it up.
July 22, 2018
Real, raw and right!
Debbi Morgan names names and pulls no punches as she recounts her story of love and vetryal, fear and overcoming. Beginning with the roots of her grandmother's and mother's tales of love amid domestic violence, Ms. Morgan tells her own parallel tale. No question this book was therapy for Ms. Morgan and is now a cautionary yet inspirational tale for others who may be experiencing similar situations. Glad you found real love, Debbi (and I'll always love Angie!)
Debbi Morgan names names and pulls no punches as she recounts her story of love and vetryal, fear and overcoming. Beginning with the roots of her grandmother's and mother's tales of love amid domestic violence, Ms. Morgan tells her own parallel tale. No question this book was therapy for Ms. Morgan and is now a cautionary yet inspirational tale for others who may be experiencing similar situations. Glad you found real love, Debbi (and I'll always love Angie!)
September 13, 2018
I read this memoir of Debbi Morgan's journey of living in an abusive childhood home. Thank God, she was able to see that pattern followed into her own relationships/marriages. I see a strong will and spirit written in the pages of her memoir which will, hopefully, through her understanding and choice to take charge and live free from those constraints, be inspiring for others.
A very good read and I highly recommend this one.
A very good read and I highly recommend this one.
September 17, 2015
Great book
I loved reading this book. It felt like I was talking to a good friend at my kitchen table. I am the same age as d
Debbie Morgan and I used to race home from school to see what Jessie and Angie was up to next.
I loved reading this book. It felt like I was talking to a good friend at my kitchen table. I am the same age as d
Debbie Morgan and I used to race home from school to see what Jessie and Angie was up to next.
October 13, 2015
Loved it!! It was great to see the acting giants with whom she crossed paths.
August 9, 2025
This moving and brilliantly-designed book, Monkey On My Back by Debbi Morgan, follows the generational curse of abusive men in the lives of her grandmother, mother and then in Debbi Morgan’s own life. She finally takes a look at the pattern and thread down through the generations and decides to grab the bull by the horns. She evolves, draws better situations to herself and is more quickly able to call a spade a spade. Her resilience and bounce-back nature help her survive. This book will keep you up reading as this award-winning actress crosses paths with many well-known names in NYC and Hollywood as she moves through her journey!
May 15, 2017
We each have to find our own way through the trials and tribulations of life. Giving up should never be a response. The beautiful and talented, Debbie Morgan is a soldier in recounting the good, the bad and the ugly scenes of her life. Her story belies the face , her fans adore. The monkey on my back is a gripping story that says there is light at the end of the tunnel and truth within ourselves where we often fail to look. There you Debbie for sharing your story. I applaud you for getting that monkey off your back. My hope is that you never allow him to take hold again.
August 8, 2020
I liked this book. It showed how generation after generation these women married abusive men. She calls it generational curses. I believe that they were more imprisoned by their thought process. As, you read the autobiography you will see how many of their choices put them in unfortunate circumstances. This book was very educational and interesting. It made me open my eyes to how many things in life that I have not accomplished because of my debilitating thoughts and the way I interpret the world, which could be hindering my relationships and success.
December 2, 2020
I liked this book. It showed how generation after generation these women married abusive men. She calls it generational curses. I believe that they were more imprisoned by their thought process. As, you read the autobiography you will see how many of their choices put them in unfortunate circumstances. This book was very educational and interesting. It made me open my eyes to how many things in life that I have not accomplished because of my debilitating thoughts and the way I interpret the world, which could be hindering my relationships and success.
March 20, 2017
This was a fast paced read. Ms Morgan did a lovely job of telling her truth & sharing her journey thus far. I was drawn in from the first page and ultimately it was like listening to a Woman friend disclose her story in a personal, heartfelt and candid manner. Her conclusion, that everyone needs to understand their history in order to fully comprehend themselves is on point and extremely beneficial. I've always lived by the Marcus Garvey quote; "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is a like a tree without roots." I would have liked to know a little more about her mother's more recent life choices, as well as Debbi's, not having children, which I assume was a choice. However, this memoir was engaging from beginning to end and highly recommended.
May 17, 2023
This book was amazing. I had to remind myself that it was a true story because it was written so smoothly, like a regular book. I’m amazed at the history of the women in her family and how she made it to be the strong woman she is today. You don’t have to become what you’ve been through. Generational curse are so common in black families it looks normal. We can get help and stop this cycle. I’m glad Debbi shared her life story with us because someone needs to hear it.
June 24, 2021
Sad Sad, BREAK THE CYCLE
I really enjoyed this book cove to cover. After becoming acquainted with Debbi through All My Children, it appeared she had her act together. Her choices in men leaves a lot to be desired. Debbi is an example of the Apple does not roll far from the tree. As for Roc....All that glitters isn’t gold. I guess that’s why they’re actors!!!!
I really enjoyed this book cove to cover. After becoming acquainted with Debbi through All My Children, it appeared she had her act together. Her choices in men leaves a lot to be desired. Debbi is an example of the Apple does not roll far from the tree. As for Roc....All that glitters isn’t gold. I guess that’s why they’re actors!!!!
February 12, 2017
Great Book! It gives light to the cycle of generational traits that we often tell ourselves don't exist.
June 2, 2020
What a book!!! Debbi was honest and raw. I literally could not put this book down. My favorite memoir to date.
December 7, 2020
Debbi certainly didn't hold back in writing this riveting memoir. Her candor was refreshing. I say if you're going to tell it, tell it all. And that's exactly what I believe Debbi did. Well done!
December 18, 2021
An important journey through generations of abuse to the empowerment to seek the type of relationship everyone deserves.
February 12, 2016
I've long thought that Debbi Morgan was beautiful and talented. As it turns out she has had to overcome a lot of struggles.
Her maternal grandfather was abusive to her grandmother as was her father to her mother.
Her father died at the very young age of 27.
She was bullied in her teens.
She then got involved with a string of abusive men. Starting in her teens.
Her first and second husband are both actors.
Abuse sets up the victim for isolation, low self esteem and a host of other problems. All the while the abuser manipulates.
There were times I didn't judge but question her behavior.
This book was her life and her truth. But knowing how much it hurt to get cheated on yet, cheating with a married man with a young son?
The beginning with the dialogue between her grandfather/grandmother/mother/aunts/uncles was a little much. Who remembered it word for word? Why did it have to be there?
I also thought it was slightly offensive to describe her good friend Conni as having a "big Jewish nose".
At any rate, it was an interesting memoir. Worth a read.
ETA I was sad that there were no pictures. I read it on my tablet (3M, borrowed from the library). I'm guessing there were pics judging by some of the other reviews.
Her maternal grandfather was abusive to her grandmother as was her father to her mother.
Her father died at the very young age of 27.
She was bullied in her teens.
She then got involved with a string of abusive men. Starting in her teens.
Her first and second husband are both actors.
Abuse sets up the victim for isolation, low self esteem and a host of other problems. All the while the abuser manipulates.
There were times I didn't judge but question her behavior.
This book was her life and her truth. But knowing how much it hurt to get cheated on yet, cheating with a married man with a young son?
The beginning with the dialogue between her grandfather/grandmother/mother/aunts/uncles was a little much. Who remembered it word for word? Why did it have to be there?
I also thought it was slightly offensive to describe her good friend Conni as having a "big Jewish nose".
At any rate, it was an interesting memoir. Worth a read.
ETA I was sad that there were no pictures. I read it on my tablet (3M, borrowed from the library). I'm guessing there were pics judging by some of the other reviews.
July 26, 2016
As a teenager I was a big fan of All My Children and Angie was one of my favorite characters so I was happy to see this memoir from the actress who played her, Debbi Morgan. She tells of how the women in her family had suffered generations of emotional and physical abuse and how it affected her life and her struggles to break free of the fears of abuse which plagued her since childhood. I probably would have given this five stars but while reading it I found myself shaking my head at some of her naivete. Growing up in the South Bronx you think she would have been a little bit more streetwise. I recommend this one if you want a fast interesting read but there are some parts that will have you wondering if there is more to the story particularly those about her marriage with Charles S. Dutton.
April 25, 2016
Quite a detailed and surprising read. Debbi Morgan was extremely transparent about a lot of things and I salute her for that. I liked the book although I thought she was overkill with the sexual details. I don't think we needed to read such specific details about what went on in her bedroom. Also there was a surprising amount of profanity coming from her, not just other people. That was unexpected too. However you got an up close and personal look into her life and loves. In this age of celebrity worship and voyeurism this book should do well. But for my personal tastes it was a little more information than I needed to know.
September 6, 2015
Excellent
January 29, 2016
A great read and insight into her journey.
September 6, 2021
Fabulous. Shes has been through it all. Love her honesty.
October 9, 2016
It was an ok easy read. It fizzled out towards the end, without every really having any pop.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews