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Dancing on the Edge: A Journey of Living, Loving, and Tumbling Through Hollywood
Actor. Artist. Cultural icon.
Dancing on the Edge
A bold memoir of an extraordinary, singular life lived by one of the world’s most beloved and acclaimed Russ Tamblyn.
With more than eighty years as a celebrated artist and actor under his belt, Russ Tamblyn is a cherished figure to name among cinephiles and pop culture fans alike, working with such legendary directors as Robert Wise, David Lynch, and Quentin Tarantino. He tumbled through his acclaimed starring role in the original West Side Story as an actor and acrobatic dancer, taught Elvis Presley some signature dance moves, and became an unlikely visionary in the counterculture movement of the sixties alongside peers and friends Henry Miller and Dennis Hopper.
Russ deftly guides listeners through his star-studded life and his search for a deeper, more connected attending school with Elizabeth Taylor, earning an Academy Award nomination for Peyton Place, dropping out of Hollywood at the height of his career to become a fine artist in Topanga Canyon, and forging a lifelong friendship with Neil Young. He shares the painful breakup of a twenty-year marriage and the joy of finding true love and inspiration as a husband, father, and mentor in his own right.
Perfect for old and new fans alike, Dancing on the Edge is an intimate and powerful story about the singular life of one of our most gifted storytellers, artists, and stars of the silver screen.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Dancing on the Edge
A bold memoir of an extraordinary, singular life lived by one of the world’s most beloved and acclaimed Russ Tamblyn.
With more than eighty years as a celebrated artist and actor under his belt, Russ Tamblyn is a cherished figure to name among cinephiles and pop culture fans alike, working with such legendary directors as Robert Wise, David Lynch, and Quentin Tarantino. He tumbled through his acclaimed starring role in the original West Side Story as an actor and acrobatic dancer, taught Elvis Presley some signature dance moves, and became an unlikely visionary in the counterculture movement of the sixties alongside peers and friends Henry Miller and Dennis Hopper.
Russ deftly guides listeners through his star-studded life and his search for a deeper, more connected attending school with Elizabeth Taylor, earning an Academy Award nomination for Peyton Place, dropping out of Hollywood at the height of his career to become a fine artist in Topanga Canyon, and forging a lifelong friendship with Neil Young. He shares the painful breakup of a twenty-year marriage and the joy of finding true love and inspiration as a husband, father, and mentor in his own right.
Perfect for old and new fans alike, Dancing on the Edge is an intimate and powerful story about the singular life of one of our most gifted storytellers, artists, and stars of the silver screen.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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First published January 1, 2024
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May 20, 2024Thanks so much for an ARC of this book, Michelle!
Unfortunately, I am going to have to DNF this book because the author mentioned how their father used to hit them upside their head and they didn’t know why their father did it. My father did the same thing to me until I told him to stop hitting me. He did it because he wanted me to use my head and he treated me like I was dumb. Therefore, I can’t continue reading this book.
Unfortunately, I am going to have to DNF this book because the author mentioned how their father used to hit them upside their head and they didn’t know why their father did it. My father did the same thing to me until I told him to stop hitting me. He did it because he wanted me to use my head and he treated me like I was dumb. Therefore, I can’t continue reading this book.
April 17, 2024
So much fun! What a life! I've read many a Hollywood memoir, but never one more joyous, a life more adventurous. Russ Tamblyn is one of a kind. Never a bad word for anybody, unusual in memoir. The unwritten part of this is the man's charisma--we only see it in his descriptions of his deep friendships and many romances--and his commitment to whatever he decides to do. His relative lack of ego is startling--he actually enjoyed his work on B films and dinner theater necessary to keep an income going once he turned his back on a major career as a Hollywood star in favor of visual art and the counterculture. Enjoyment and a gift for friendship seems to have been Tamblyn's great art form, right along with his explosive acrobatic dance in such films as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and West Side Story.
The book is propulsive, fantastic story after fantastic story, leading to a larger picture of a life well and thoroughly lived. Props to his cowriter, Sarah Tomlinson, who managed to edit and assemble such rich material into a compelling, linear narrative. I could not stop until it was done. Tamblyn went his own way, deciding not to center his life in the increasingly joyless Hollywood scene, but to step off into something more experimental and chancy and self-created, along with some of the most interesting artists of our time. Great photos illustrate every chapter.
The book is propulsive, fantastic story after fantastic story, leading to a larger picture of a life well and thoroughly lived. Props to his cowriter, Sarah Tomlinson, who managed to edit and assemble such rich material into a compelling, linear narrative. I could not stop until it was done. Tamblyn went his own way, deciding not to center his life in the increasingly joyless Hollywood scene, but to step off into something more experimental and chancy and self-created, along with some of the most interesting artists of our time. Great photos illustrate every chapter.
February 13, 2024
First, I absolutely love the cover of this book. Second, I absolutely loved the book. It’s hard to believe Russ Tamblyn is 89 years old and has been working on this book since the 1990s. The book spans seven decades of stories surrounding movies, art, television, friends and family.
Russ teases in the beginning of the book stories about Marilyn Monroe & Paul Newman and explains how he decided to take these and similar stories to create the book. By the end of chapter two he’s told both stories and you’re hooked to hear more. Rather than go into depth on all of his pictures and tv shows, he touches on the most popular and those significant to him. He shares little stories and doesn’t mess around with giving a full synopsis on the movies either. Most of his movies are well known and well written about, so it was nice that he shared unknown personal stories along with what was going on in his life during those years. I enjoyed that he was honest about his feelings on certain roles and how he always found the positive in something that may not have been interesting for him or something he had to take for the money. I appreciated how open he was about his past issues with infidelity and being able to identify that his behavior wasn’t a good representation of himself, but that he hadn’t found his purpose to stop until he met his wife, Bonnie.
There’s no doubt Russ has lived and is still living an eccentric and fulfilling life. I was nervous that when he would delve into his art that I’d find myself bored, but he really brings the reader into the counterculture he was experiencing and why he admired certain mentors. All of this was weaved with his love of art and the antics he got into during this time and I found myself more intrigued during part two of the book than learning about some of the movies I loved in part one. He writes beautifully and honestly about his relationships with friends and spouses. He has such a deep love for his family and friends that it makes you want to know them all and be included in his circle. The book was worth the time spent writing it and is a beautiful encapsulation of the life he has lead thus far.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Russ teases in the beginning of the book stories about Marilyn Monroe & Paul Newman and explains how he decided to take these and similar stories to create the book. By the end of chapter two he’s told both stories and you’re hooked to hear more. Rather than go into depth on all of his pictures and tv shows, he touches on the most popular and those significant to him. He shares little stories and doesn’t mess around with giving a full synopsis on the movies either. Most of his movies are well known and well written about, so it was nice that he shared unknown personal stories along with what was going on in his life during those years. I enjoyed that he was honest about his feelings on certain roles and how he always found the positive in something that may not have been interesting for him or something he had to take for the money. I appreciated how open he was about his past issues with infidelity and being able to identify that his behavior wasn’t a good representation of himself, but that he hadn’t found his purpose to stop until he met his wife, Bonnie.
There’s no doubt Russ has lived and is still living an eccentric and fulfilling life. I was nervous that when he would delve into his art that I’d find myself bored, but he really brings the reader into the counterculture he was experiencing and why he admired certain mentors. All of this was weaved with his love of art and the antics he got into during this time and I found myself more intrigued during part two of the book than learning about some of the movies I loved in part one. He writes beautifully and honestly about his relationships with friends and spouses. He has such a deep love for his family and friends that it makes you want to know them all and be included in his circle. The book was worth the time spent writing it and is a beautiful encapsulation of the life he has lead thus far.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2024
Russ Tamblyn has a unique place in Hollywood history. The son of silent film actors, he was one of the last generation of actors to be an MGM contract player, to attend North Hollywood Junior High and to start as a child star in Hollywood, along with lifelong friends Dean Stockwell, Natalie Wood, Dennis Hopper, Bobby Driscoll and Billy Gray. He was in two classic big-time Hollywood musicals: Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and West Side Story. He was also one of the first of that generation to become disillusioned with the studio system and drop out to pursue a career in fine art, which wasn't as focused on money and entertainment, where he became friends with artists like Wallace Berman, Jack Hirschman, avant-garde filmmaker Bruce Connor, poet Michael McClure, writers Henry Miller and Allen Ginsberg, and musician Neil Young. He became an artist known for his work in collage and assemblage and was celebrated in many shows and retrospectives. He is also the father of actress and writer Amber Tamblyn, who carries the family talent into the next generation. He was one of the actors who had a revival of his acting career later in life (like Robert Forster, Dean Stockwell and Pam Grier) due in part to superstar directors David Lynch with his portrayal of Dr. Jacoby in Twin Peaks and with Quentin Tarantino as Son of A Gunfighter (based on the title of one of his early westerns which the director admired) in Django Unchained. This memoir covers all aspects of his storied career in glorious detail. - BH.
February 28, 2024
I've waited a lifetime for this book by the inimitable Russ Tamblyn since I saw him as Riff in West Side Story when I was 8 years old. He struck my heart in a way that has inexplicably lasted throughout my life, and his book is written with such candour and humour that I thoroughly enjoyed every word of it. Thank you Russ for sharing your life with us, and thank you Netgalley for so kindly allowing me to read an advance copy!
May 17, 2024
I knew I would love this, and I do. What a terrific read.
May 26, 2024
I was so excited to read this book and equally disappointed to see how Russ Tamblyn mishandled his life story. There is very, very little about the career projects he was involved with. Just some basic information on dates, trips, a few comments from directors, and a couple conflicts with co-stars. But all that only takes up about a third of the book, with West Side Story getting only nine measly pages of copy devoted to one of the top movie musicals of all time.
Tamblyn should be ashamed. He knows we want to hear about the movie he is best known for but instead wastes large chunks of space on his goony spiritual guru Wallace Berman and goes way off on a tangent about his admiration and ultimate friendship with creepy Henry Miller. Those could have taken up a couple paragraphs, instead they get more than what's devoted to his films.
Then he tells us that not only can he not be monogamous in a relationship or marriage, but that he was one of the early adapters of polyamory, living with up to six girls at a time and rotating having sex with them. Classy guy, right?
The big problem is that ultimately Tamblyn is a typical 1960s hippie (though he hates being called that) who never seemed to grow up. He tuned into drugs and dropped out of the movie business, barely scraping by for most of his adult life, unable to fully support his three wives and various other lovers. He almost brags about how many women he was juggling at the same time, but doesn't give too many details because (he writes) his daughter Amber told him to remove the specifics (maybe out of sensitivity to wokeness?). So what would have been some of the most interesting things in the book were edited out by a feminist daughter who has in the past made some very outrageous statements of her own.
I had to scoff when the author plays on our sympathy by saying he is in his 40s, out of money and doesn't have a bank account. He goes to the Screen Actors Guild to beg for a loan; meanwhile he's enjoying the drugs he purchases with his buddies (including Dennis Hopper, Dean Stockwell, and Billy Gray). He also hypocritically makes many comments slamming others around him who drink too much (including his second wife), as if he is somehow better than them because he's only doing drugs, doesn't have a drinking problem, and refuses to work.
The guy comes across as a deadhead and a scumbag. It's too bad that he doesn't provide many more stories about the shows he is best known for. At 89 he probably has lost some of his memories, but he sets it up at the beginning by saying how he is the hit at any party because of all the great Hollywood stories he has to tell. Then where are they? He has a few that take up a couple paragraphs but they aren't well told in writing. The last two-thirds of the book has a whole lot of mumbo-jumbo about stuff we don't care about. He even does a poor job revealing the surprise that he has a second daughter he didn't know about until she was an adult.
Finally, the title doesn't represent his attitude in this book at all. He insists, over and over, that he's not a dancer but an acrobat. Why then use the word dancing in the title? I do think he is one of the great screen dancers and his talents were underutilized--but he is his own worst enemy by claiming he can't dance well and falling back on the limp excuse that he's "an artist and not an entertainer." He needs to just tumble off into the sunset.
Tamblyn should be ashamed. He knows we want to hear about the movie he is best known for but instead wastes large chunks of space on his goony spiritual guru Wallace Berman and goes way off on a tangent about his admiration and ultimate friendship with creepy Henry Miller. Those could have taken up a couple paragraphs, instead they get more than what's devoted to his films.
Then he tells us that not only can he not be monogamous in a relationship or marriage, but that he was one of the early adapters of polyamory, living with up to six girls at a time and rotating having sex with them. Classy guy, right?
The big problem is that ultimately Tamblyn is a typical 1960s hippie (though he hates being called that) who never seemed to grow up. He tuned into drugs and dropped out of the movie business, barely scraping by for most of his adult life, unable to fully support his three wives and various other lovers. He almost brags about how many women he was juggling at the same time, but doesn't give too many details because (he writes) his daughter Amber told him to remove the specifics (maybe out of sensitivity to wokeness?). So what would have been some of the most interesting things in the book were edited out by a feminist daughter who has in the past made some very outrageous statements of her own.
I had to scoff when the author plays on our sympathy by saying he is in his 40s, out of money and doesn't have a bank account. He goes to the Screen Actors Guild to beg for a loan; meanwhile he's enjoying the drugs he purchases with his buddies (including Dennis Hopper, Dean Stockwell, and Billy Gray). He also hypocritically makes many comments slamming others around him who drink too much (including his second wife), as if he is somehow better than them because he's only doing drugs, doesn't have a drinking problem, and refuses to work.
The guy comes across as a deadhead and a scumbag. It's too bad that he doesn't provide many more stories about the shows he is best known for. At 89 he probably has lost some of his memories, but he sets it up at the beginning by saying how he is the hit at any party because of all the great Hollywood stories he has to tell. Then where are they? He has a few that take up a couple paragraphs but they aren't well told in writing. The last two-thirds of the book has a whole lot of mumbo-jumbo about stuff we don't care about. He even does a poor job revealing the surprise that he has a second daughter he didn't know about until she was an adult.
Finally, the title doesn't represent his attitude in this book at all. He insists, over and over, that he's not a dancer but an acrobat. Why then use the word dancing in the title? I do think he is one of the great screen dancers and his talents were underutilized--but he is his own worst enemy by claiming he can't dance well and falling back on the limp excuse that he's "an artist and not an entertainer." He needs to just tumble off into the sunset.
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September 7, 2024⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Finally, I headed back to my table. Fred Astaire came over, and after I introduced him to Elizabeth, he asked her if she would mind if he stole me away for a minute to come meet his sister, Adele. Evidently, she was a fan of mine. Fred held my arm and glided us across the wooden floor. I even managed to stay in step with him, and it felt like we were dancing.
"It was the best time I had ever had at a Hollywood event, and I wished it would go on all night. As I later realized, it truly was the final celebration of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Of the fifty stars who were in attendance, there are now only four of us left: Margaret O'Brien, George Hamilton, Shirley MacLaine, and me."
Like I'm not gonna give the king five stars. 🫶
"Finally, I headed back to my table. Fred Astaire came over, and after I introduced him to Elizabeth, he asked her if she would mind if he stole me away for a minute to come meet his sister, Adele. Evidently, she was a fan of mine. Fred held my arm and glided us across the wooden floor. I even managed to stay in step with him, and it felt like we were dancing.
"It was the best time I had ever had at a Hollywood event, and I wished it would go on all night. As I later realized, it truly was the final celebration of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Of the fifty stars who were in attendance, there are now only four of us left: Margaret O'Brien, George Hamilton, Shirley MacLaine, and me."
Like I'm not gonna give the king five stars. 🫶
April 15, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley, although I finished reading it after the publication date.
There are certainly some great stories within these pages and I'm glad to have read it, but I will admit I was not too impressed with the book as a whole. I think having a physical, compiled record of his memories and stories is a wonderful thing, especially for his family, but it didn't win me over as a book. To me, the book reads as guarded and hyper-aware. I don't mean to project anything or assume how Russ actually felt writing it, but it just never quite worked for me as a reader.
There are a few definitive highlights for me, however, which make the book worth reading at least once. He tells a very touching story in chapter 10 about MGM's fiftieth anniversary, which I won't spoil any of the details of, but I will say that the last sentence of that section was particularly impactful. Additionally, I felt that the love Russ has for some of his dearest friends was one of the strongest points of his book. As they are introduced and reappear throughout his recollections, it is very clear how significant those relationships have been in his life.
I've been a fan of Russ's work—particularly West Side Story—since I was a kid, and was excited to learn he was writing this memoir. I was sure after so many years in the business, he would have some incredible stories to tell, and he certainly does. Although I am not sure writing is one of Russ's greatest talents (of which there are many), I can imagine listening to him tell any of these stories in person would be a much more engaging experience. I think perhaps it doesn't always translate well to the written word, but I'm still grateful that he spent so much time and energy putting this book together, along with Sarah Tomlinson and everyone else who contributed to the process.
There are certainly some great stories within these pages and I'm glad to have read it, but I will admit I was not too impressed with the book as a whole. I think having a physical, compiled record of his memories and stories is a wonderful thing, especially for his family, but it didn't win me over as a book. To me, the book reads as guarded and hyper-aware. I don't mean to project anything or assume how Russ actually felt writing it, but it just never quite worked for me as a reader.
There are a few definitive highlights for me, however, which make the book worth reading at least once. He tells a very touching story in chapter 10 about MGM's fiftieth anniversary, which I won't spoil any of the details of, but I will say that the last sentence of that section was particularly impactful. Additionally, I felt that the love Russ has for some of his dearest friends was one of the strongest points of his book. As they are introduced and reappear throughout his recollections, it is very clear how significant those relationships have been in his life.
I've been a fan of Russ's work—particularly West Side Story—since I was a kid, and was excited to learn he was writing this memoir. I was sure after so many years in the business, he would have some incredible stories to tell, and he certainly does. Although I am not sure writing is one of Russ's greatest talents (of which there are many), I can imagine listening to him tell any of these stories in person would be a much more engaging experience. I think perhaps it doesn't always translate well to the written word, but I'm still grateful that he spent so much time and energy putting this book together, along with Sarah Tomlinson and everyone else who contributed to the process.
April 17, 2024
I received a copy of the book "Dancing on the Edge: A Journey of Living, Loving and Tumbling through Hollywood" from Netgalley. I was pleased to see Russ Tamblyn write a memoir. I am a fan of the movies "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and West Side Story" Russ Tamblyn has had a long career as an actor. He started out as a child actor and continued his career into his eighties. He is honest of the ups and downs of his career. After West Side Story, he had many decades of working in "B" movies {or less than B} He grew tired of going on auditions even though he had already shown his successful roles in acting. He also writes of the many stars he remained friends with throughout his life. Like Dean Stockwell a fellow child actor. He was also friends with musicians. He is also a talented artist who sold his art pieces. He writes of his also talented daughter, Amber Tamblyn. I found this to be an interesting read. Glad I got the chance to read his memoir.
June 27, 2024
I'm not impressed with him or his book. It used to be a tell-all biography was written by someone else. It was called an unauthorized biography. That way you semi-knew what you were getting yourself into when you picked it up. I'm sorry that he was abused as a child. Perhaps that is why he made bad decisions both in life and in deciding what to include in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
A true cultural icon of the last century, Russ Tamblyn’s career spans the Golden Age of Hollywood, through the Beat movement, Hippie movement, and beyond. So many fascinating stories of legends of film, TV, books and art that shaped the world as we know it, from someone who lived alongside them.
April 6, 2024
Dancing on the Edge: A Journey of Living, Loving and Tumbling through Hollywood by Russ Tamblyn and Sarah Tomlinson #twentyseventhbookof2024 #arc
CW: drug use, alcoholism
This celebrity memoir is the best kind—full of hot Hollywood gossip plus some profound truths and self reflection. I loved it. It was everything I wanted to read.
From his roles in the old studio system to musicals like West Side Story, and then his transition to artist and then back to Twin Peaks and the like, Tamblyn has had a varied career and he talks about all of it. He discusses his marriages and is honest about his failures. It’s refreshing to see someone take ownership of their flaws.
This was a really fun read, and I learned a lot about the California counterculture and the arts scene. The gossip from his movie sets was so fascinating and now I want to go back and rewatch his early movies. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone who enjoys old movies or musicals or just wants to learn more about someone who has a super interesting life. And what fun cover!
Thank you to @blackstonepublishing and @netgalley for the advance copy. (pub date 4/9/24)
#dancingontheedge #russtamblyn #celebritymemoir #oldhollywoodgossip
CW: drug use, alcoholism
This celebrity memoir is the best kind—full of hot Hollywood gossip plus some profound truths and self reflection. I loved it. It was everything I wanted to read.
From his roles in the old studio system to musicals like West Side Story, and then his transition to artist and then back to Twin Peaks and the like, Tamblyn has had a varied career and he talks about all of it. He discusses his marriages and is honest about his failures. It’s refreshing to see someone take ownership of their flaws.
This was a really fun read, and I learned a lot about the California counterculture and the arts scene. The gossip from his movie sets was so fascinating and now I want to go back and rewatch his early movies. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone who enjoys old movies or musicals or just wants to learn more about someone who has a super interesting life. And what fun cover!
Thank you to @blackstonepublishing and @netgalley for the advance copy. (pub date 4/9/24)
#dancingontheedge #russtamblyn #celebritymemoir #oldhollywoodgossip
April 14, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I knew who Russ Tamblyn was at a very young age. My sister and I would watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on loop throughout my childhood. We recently even saw a local production because we're so fond of that particular film. For someone who's nearly 90 years old, he had a lot of stories to tell. I have only personally seen two of his projects and he didn't dedicate much time to them in his book. He briefly touched on West Side Story and had a few paragraphs about Seven Brides. He's had an incredible life, but I wasn't as interested in his later years. My favorite section was when he described Elvis crashing his place and finding peanut butter sandwiches in the bureau months later.
Russ Tamblyn has had a remarkable career and it's difficult to capture that in a memoir. From his films to children to his acrobatic skills, he's a pinnacle of Hollywood history. I wish this was shorter with more concise chapters, but I otherwise learned a lot about the actor. It was great to revisit my childhood and see why I admired a man always Dancing on the Edge.
I knew who Russ Tamblyn was at a very young age. My sister and I would watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on loop throughout my childhood. We recently even saw a local production because we're so fond of that particular film. For someone who's nearly 90 years old, he had a lot of stories to tell. I have only personally seen two of his projects and he didn't dedicate much time to them in his book. He briefly touched on West Side Story and had a few paragraphs about Seven Brides. He's had an incredible life, but I wasn't as interested in his later years. My favorite section was when he described Elvis crashing his place and finding peanut butter sandwiches in the bureau months later.
Russ Tamblyn has had a remarkable career and it's difficult to capture that in a memoir. From his films to children to his acrobatic skills, he's a pinnacle of Hollywood history. I wish this was shorter with more concise chapters, but I otherwise learned a lot about the actor. It was great to revisit my childhood and see why I admired a man always Dancing on the Edge.
April 11, 2024
Even casual movie fans recognize the name of Russ Tamblyn for his prominent role in the classic musical “West Side Story.” Television buffs probably remember his supporting role in David Lynch’s bizarre series, “Twin Peaks.” However, few know what happened to him in the three decades between those career highlights. Tamblyn now answers those questions in a lively memoir entitled “Dancing on the Edge.” Fans of Hollywood tell-all trivia will enjoy his many anecdotes about his early career, including appearances in epics like “West Side Story” and “How the West Was Won.” However, the story of what happened to Tamblyn after he essentially dropped out of that lifestyle was just as fascinating for me.
Russ Tamblyn was a child star in an era that produced other actors like Dean Stockwell (his best lifelong friend) and Natalie Wood. His parents had been in vaudeville, and he was amazingly nimble and athletic in his youth. Tamblyn soon signed a lengthy studio contract with MGM. However, his early roles were straight dramas that didn’t take advantage of his dancing skills. His break came when he was cast in the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” The choreographer, Michael Kidd, wanted trained dancers to play the parts of Howard Keel’s six younger brothers. But the studio wanted to cast people who could act in some roles. So, they compromised on four dancers and two actors, including Tamblyn. But when he showed off his hitherto unknown dancing skills to Kidd, he wound up showing those same skills in the lavish production numbers.
Tamblyn’s dancing skills led to an amazing three-minute tour de force in the otherwise serious, black-and-white Western, “The Fastest Gun Alive.” His shovel dance in that film is one of YouTube’s most popular dance sequences. (He also includes a spoiler about how he could perform some of his stunt work in the shovel dance routine.) From there, his career took off until his studio contract ended, and he dropped out of the major Hollywood studio system. His last starring role in a major studio production was in 1966, at the age of 32. He still got offers, including the starring role in the TV series, “Gilligan’s Island,” but he concentrated on his art instead.
As you might expect in this type of memoir, Tamblyn drops big names from Paul Newman to Elvis Presley. He recounts how touched he was when Fred Astaire complimented his dancing skills. Tamblyn also recalls a meeting with Queen Elizabeth when he attended a “West Side Story” screening where he was seated behind her in the Royal Box. He was shocked when Peter Sellers, who was sitting next to him, whispered to the Queen, “Lady, would you mind taking your crown off?” (The Queen didn’t respond.) Famous directors who influenced Tamblyn as an actor get their dues as well. Cecil B. DeMille gave him a hands-on lesson about what to do with his hands during a scene. And he recounts the difficulties he and the rest of the cast had with “West Side Story” co-director Jerome Robbins (who was fired during the production).
The Hollywood stories comprise the first third of “Dancing on the Edge.” From then on, the book becomes more of a personal memoir. I found these sections fascinating but sometimes frustrating. Tamblyn still acted occasionally (including starring in B-movie cult classics like “Satan’s Sadists”). He also did stage work in regional theater (both as an actor and choreographer), where his name was still a big draw. But for the most part, Tamblyn concentrated on his art. He befriended well-known local artists like Wallace Berman, who became his mentor. Tamblyn made collages and experimental 8mm films that were mostly assemblies of images. His artwork was emotionally rewarding, but not financially so. He recounts making less money at a gallery showing of a year’s worth of work than in a typical film role.
Tamblyn’s circle of friends changed after he dropped out. Instead of A-list Hollywood types, Tamblyn hung out with a few former child stars like Dean Stockwell and Billy Gray. He also became close with Dennis Hopper and musician Neil Young and collaborated on extensive (but ultimately commercially unsuccessful) projects with them. Ironically, Hopper was responsible for Tamblyn’s second big career break. At a party following the premiere of “Blue Velvet,” in which both Hopper and Stockwell appeared, Tamblyn met director David Lynch. The famous director told Tamblyn he would involve the actor in a future project. Tamblyn dismissed the conversation as typical Hollywood chatter until Lynch called a few years later. That future project was “Twin Peaks.”
Tamblyn has a co-writer for “Dancing on the Edge,” Sarah Tomlinson. Although Tomlinson is a former journalist who has written or ghostwritten over a dozen books and memoirs, I don’t think she drew Tamblyn out enough about his later career. Tamblyn is quite candid about his two failed marriages (the second of which lasted almost 20 years), his frequent womanizing, and his drug use. But I had a feeling that drugs and/or drinking played a more significant role in Tamblyn’s career arc than he let on here. (Tamblyn also mentions anger issues but doesn’t elaborate.) He discusses his lack of success at auditions, including not getting one part that was described as an older Russ Tamblyn-type. He finally quit trying after Quentin Tarantino rejected him for a part in “Reservoir Dogs,” a slight he took personally for years. (Tamblyn and Tarantino eventually made up, and the director gave him and his daughter Amber cameo roles in “Django Unchained.”) However, despite being almost destitute at times and subsisting on unemployment benefits, occasional residuals, and odd jobs, Tamblyn expresses few, if any, regrets about his career choices. I wish he or his co-writer had gone more in-depth about a very unconventional second stage of a prominent actor’s career.
Still, there’s a lot to enjoy in seeing Tamblyn describe his life. He doesn’t avoid tragedy, including Rudy Giuliani’s decision to stage a gala tribute for the 40th anniversary of “West Side Story” less than a month after 9/11. He also describes his reactions to the deaths of friends like Wallace Berman, Natalie Wood, Dennis Hopper, and, especially, Dean Stockwell. But there’s also a lot of joy in Tamblyn’s later years, including a blissful third marriage. He experiences a vicarious career renaissance through his daughter Amber’s career (which introduced a new generation of TV fans to the Tamblyn name). This is the rare star memoir I wish had been longer and not just to read more about Spencer Tracy and John Wayne (both of whom get a revealing mention here). Russ Tamblyn hasn’t led the typical Hollywood A-list life, and “Dancing on the Edge” is a much more entertaining book for that.
NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.
Russ Tamblyn was a child star in an era that produced other actors like Dean Stockwell (his best lifelong friend) and Natalie Wood. His parents had been in vaudeville, and he was amazingly nimble and athletic in his youth. Tamblyn soon signed a lengthy studio contract with MGM. However, his early roles were straight dramas that didn’t take advantage of his dancing skills. His break came when he was cast in the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” The choreographer, Michael Kidd, wanted trained dancers to play the parts of Howard Keel’s six younger brothers. But the studio wanted to cast people who could act in some roles. So, they compromised on four dancers and two actors, including Tamblyn. But when he showed off his hitherto unknown dancing skills to Kidd, he wound up showing those same skills in the lavish production numbers.
Tamblyn’s dancing skills led to an amazing three-minute tour de force in the otherwise serious, black-and-white Western, “The Fastest Gun Alive.” His shovel dance in that film is one of YouTube’s most popular dance sequences. (He also includes a spoiler about how he could perform some of his stunt work in the shovel dance routine.) From there, his career took off until his studio contract ended, and he dropped out of the major Hollywood studio system. His last starring role in a major studio production was in 1966, at the age of 32. He still got offers, including the starring role in the TV series, “Gilligan’s Island,” but he concentrated on his art instead.
As you might expect in this type of memoir, Tamblyn drops big names from Paul Newman to Elvis Presley. He recounts how touched he was when Fred Astaire complimented his dancing skills. Tamblyn also recalls a meeting with Queen Elizabeth when he attended a “West Side Story” screening where he was seated behind her in the Royal Box. He was shocked when Peter Sellers, who was sitting next to him, whispered to the Queen, “Lady, would you mind taking your crown off?” (The Queen didn’t respond.) Famous directors who influenced Tamblyn as an actor get their dues as well. Cecil B. DeMille gave him a hands-on lesson about what to do with his hands during a scene. And he recounts the difficulties he and the rest of the cast had with “West Side Story” co-director Jerome Robbins (who was fired during the production).
The Hollywood stories comprise the first third of “Dancing on the Edge.” From then on, the book becomes more of a personal memoir. I found these sections fascinating but sometimes frustrating. Tamblyn still acted occasionally (including starring in B-movie cult classics like “Satan’s Sadists”). He also did stage work in regional theater (both as an actor and choreographer), where his name was still a big draw. But for the most part, Tamblyn concentrated on his art. He befriended well-known local artists like Wallace Berman, who became his mentor. Tamblyn made collages and experimental 8mm films that were mostly assemblies of images. His artwork was emotionally rewarding, but not financially so. He recounts making less money at a gallery showing of a year’s worth of work than in a typical film role.
Tamblyn’s circle of friends changed after he dropped out. Instead of A-list Hollywood types, Tamblyn hung out with a few former child stars like Dean Stockwell and Billy Gray. He also became close with Dennis Hopper and musician Neil Young and collaborated on extensive (but ultimately commercially unsuccessful) projects with them. Ironically, Hopper was responsible for Tamblyn’s second big career break. At a party following the premiere of “Blue Velvet,” in which both Hopper and Stockwell appeared, Tamblyn met director David Lynch. The famous director told Tamblyn he would involve the actor in a future project. Tamblyn dismissed the conversation as typical Hollywood chatter until Lynch called a few years later. That future project was “Twin Peaks.”
Tamblyn has a co-writer for “Dancing on the Edge,” Sarah Tomlinson. Although Tomlinson is a former journalist who has written or ghostwritten over a dozen books and memoirs, I don’t think she drew Tamblyn out enough about his later career. Tamblyn is quite candid about his two failed marriages (the second of which lasted almost 20 years), his frequent womanizing, and his drug use. But I had a feeling that drugs and/or drinking played a more significant role in Tamblyn’s career arc than he let on here. (Tamblyn also mentions anger issues but doesn’t elaborate.) He discusses his lack of success at auditions, including not getting one part that was described as an older Russ Tamblyn-type. He finally quit trying after Quentin Tarantino rejected him for a part in “Reservoir Dogs,” a slight he took personally for years. (Tamblyn and Tarantino eventually made up, and the director gave him and his daughter Amber cameo roles in “Django Unchained.”) However, despite being almost destitute at times and subsisting on unemployment benefits, occasional residuals, and odd jobs, Tamblyn expresses few, if any, regrets about his career choices. I wish he or his co-writer had gone more in-depth about a very unconventional second stage of a prominent actor’s career.
Still, there’s a lot to enjoy in seeing Tamblyn describe his life. He doesn’t avoid tragedy, including Rudy Giuliani’s decision to stage a gala tribute for the 40th anniversary of “West Side Story” less than a month after 9/11. He also describes his reactions to the deaths of friends like Wallace Berman, Natalie Wood, Dennis Hopper, and, especially, Dean Stockwell. But there’s also a lot of joy in Tamblyn’s later years, including a blissful third marriage. He experiences a vicarious career renaissance through his daughter Amber’s career (which introduced a new generation of TV fans to the Tamblyn name). This is the rare star memoir I wish had been longer and not just to read more about Spencer Tracy and John Wayne (both of whom get a revealing mention here). Russ Tamblyn hasn’t led the typical Hollywood A-list life, and “Dancing on the Edge” is a much more entertaining book for that.
NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.
February 10, 2024
I would like to thank Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I remember Russ Tamblyn from West Side Story , as well as many other movies and television. This book showed me that he is much more than a sum of his roles. This is a thoughtful, insightful memoir of a long Hollywood Life and career. It is a raw unvarnished look at life , love and friendship against the ups and downs of a life in show business. Nothing is sugar coated, or glossed over. It is sometimes painfully honest. Mr. Tamblyn has lots of stories to tell, and he tells them all and he tells them well. Thank you!
June 7, 2024
I enjoyed this memoir about the actor and artist Russ Tamblyn. I've always been a fan and was excited to get this ARC. He was in two of my favorite musicals, West Side Story and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and a regular at MGM for a while. He later became disillusioned with the system, dropped out, and became an artist living in Topanga Canyon. He is also the father of Amber Tamblyn, an actress, and China Tamblyn. I enjoyed the stories of his friendships with fellow actors, as well as his experiences on different sets, as well as his time in Topanga Canyon as an artist.
Thanks to @blackstonepublishing, @netgalley, and the author for the ARC of this story.
Thanks to @blackstonepublishing, @netgalley, and the author for the ARC of this story.
May 23, 2024
5/5 STARS! What a fun & fast paced memoir of iconic actor Russ Tamblyn. This is great for fans of his & also people who may not know him, but love behind the scenes of classic Hollywood. Reading backstage stories about productions like West Side Story & Twin Peaks is also a huge plus. This is a great read that captures the fast life of a young star & I highly recommend for anyone who loves movie stars & memoirs. You will enjoy this!
September 29, 2024
This reads like one long run on story. Less about his career and more about name-dropping all the people he knows.
January 26, 2025
Not sure what I expected but it wasn’t this.
May 3, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
I am a big fan of Russ Tamblyn so I've been eagerly awaiting this book, which he has been writing for many years, I've seen all this major movie roles and remember him fondly from Twin Peaks. What makes him unique, and what should have made this book unique as well, is that he is one of the last major performers from the Golden Age of MGM Musicals. He even co-starred with Spencer Tracy in two movies.
Because of all that potential I was deeply disappointed in this book. It is simply not in the same league as Kirk Douglas's "The Ragman's Son" or the Shirley MacLaine and Shelley Winters memoirs, which were unsparing accounts filled with fabulous and revealing anecdotes. Dancing on the Edge is not revealing and is dull for long stretches.
The problem may be that the passage of time has dulled Mr. Tamblyn's memory, or perhaps he just wasn't very observant in the first place. Another problem is organic. Much of his life after Hollywood was spent in Topanga Canyon creating art, and we get that in copious and very tedious detail. It might interest an art aficionado but not anyone interested in Mr. Tamblyn's movie career.
We get one brief anecdote on Spencer Tracy. We get little on his spectacular performance in the landmark musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He got to know one of the co-stars, who turned out to be a drunk, but barely mentions any of the others, who included some of the finest dancers of their era. One of his costars, Jacques D'Amboise, wrote a wonderful memoir that has all the great qualities this book lacks: self-reflection and great anecdotes.
West Side Story is the biggest disappointment, So much has been written about the making of that movie and Mr. Tamblyn adds little. Given that the cover shows him performing in that film, you'd think he would say more about it. One gets the impression that while the movie was made he just didn't pay much attention to what was happening. If he did, he has either forgotten it or doesn't care to write about it.
He talks about Peyton Place, in which he gave a superb and sensitive performance and was nominated for an Oscar, but mainly it's an account of his affair with the leading lady and his friendship with Arthur Kennedy. Little is written on the films in which he had notable secondary roles, like Hit the Deck. At one point in the book he describes how he "personally reminisced" with two of his Hit the Deck costars about the movie. That was frustrating. Why didn't he reminisce about that film in this book? After all, this is his autobiography and that is why people are reading it.
Likewise, there was nothing on Take the High Ground, a war movie in which he gave a clever and comedic performance. He co-starred with Richard Widmark, Karl Malden and other well-known performers. He has nothing to say about working on that film and just mentions it in passing.
What we do get is a lot of dreary stuff about his love life and endless discussion of his "art career," which he took up after his movie career faltered. Yet that is his where we get the most detail, that and his buddies like Dean Stockwell and the artist Wallace Berman. He goes on and on about Berman, His career took an upturn with Twin Peaks in 1990, but again he provides little in the way of insights into himself or his costars.
Finally, he talks about his daughter Amber, managing her career, but there is nothing on how she supported him, which she wrote about in a New York Times article in 2021, in which she expressed solidarity with Britney Spears, She went into some detail on that. She wrote that supporting her parents damaged their relationship. You can read about that in Wikipedia but it is not even mentioned here.
Altogether a missed opportunity.
I am a big fan of Russ Tamblyn so I've been eagerly awaiting this book, which he has been writing for many years, I've seen all this major movie roles and remember him fondly from Twin Peaks. What makes him unique, and what should have made this book unique as well, is that he is one of the last major performers from the Golden Age of MGM Musicals. He even co-starred with Spencer Tracy in two movies.
Because of all that potential I was deeply disappointed in this book. It is simply not in the same league as Kirk Douglas's "The Ragman's Son" or the Shirley MacLaine and Shelley Winters memoirs, which were unsparing accounts filled with fabulous and revealing anecdotes. Dancing on the Edge is not revealing and is dull for long stretches.
The problem may be that the passage of time has dulled Mr. Tamblyn's memory, or perhaps he just wasn't very observant in the first place. Another problem is organic. Much of his life after Hollywood was spent in Topanga Canyon creating art, and we get that in copious and very tedious detail. It might interest an art aficionado but not anyone interested in Mr. Tamblyn's movie career.
We get one brief anecdote on Spencer Tracy. We get little on his spectacular performance in the landmark musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He got to know one of the co-stars, who turned out to be a drunk, but barely mentions any of the others, who included some of the finest dancers of their era. One of his costars, Jacques D'Amboise, wrote a wonderful memoir that has all the great qualities this book lacks: self-reflection and great anecdotes.
West Side Story is the biggest disappointment, So much has been written about the making of that movie and Mr. Tamblyn adds little. Given that the cover shows him performing in that film, you'd think he would say more about it. One gets the impression that while the movie was made he just didn't pay much attention to what was happening. If he did, he has either forgotten it or doesn't care to write about it.
He talks about Peyton Place, in which he gave a superb and sensitive performance and was nominated for an Oscar, but mainly it's an account of his affair with the leading lady and his friendship with Arthur Kennedy. Little is written on the films in which he had notable secondary roles, like Hit the Deck. At one point in the book he describes how he "personally reminisced" with two of his Hit the Deck costars about the movie. That was frustrating. Why didn't he reminisce about that film in this book? After all, this is his autobiography and that is why people are reading it.
Likewise, there was nothing on Take the High Ground, a war movie in which he gave a clever and comedic performance. He co-starred with Richard Widmark, Karl Malden and other well-known performers. He has nothing to say about working on that film and just mentions it in passing.
What we do get is a lot of dreary stuff about his love life and endless discussion of his "art career," which he took up after his movie career faltered. Yet that is his where we get the most detail, that and his buddies like Dean Stockwell and the artist Wallace Berman. He goes on and on about Berman, His career took an upturn with Twin Peaks in 1990, but again he provides little in the way of insights into himself or his costars.
Finally, he talks about his daughter Amber, managing her career, but there is nothing on how she supported him, which she wrote about in a New York Times article in 2021, in which she expressed solidarity with Britney Spears, She went into some detail on that. She wrote that supporting her parents damaged their relationship. You can read about that in Wikipedia but it is not even mentioned here.
Altogether a missed opportunity.
July 5, 2024
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
Russ Tamblyn.
My guess is that anyone who knows the name likely knows him because of either his phenomenal performance in the original West Side Story movie or, for slightly younger audiences, his work as the off-kilter doctor on the TV series Twin Peaks. I fall primarily into the first group, having grown up admiring his work as a dancer in West Side Story and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I'm familiar with his work on Twin Peaks, and enjoyed it, but for me, it was dancer Russ Tamblyn acting in the show.
Reading an autobiography like this brings about some conflicting feelings. I admire some of Tamblyn's work and wanted to read more about the man, but the blunt honesty of drugs and sex is sometimes a letdown. I actually got a little depressed reading about Tamblyn's lowest years. But this might attest to his writing more than the events he relays.
Tamblyn writes with a boyish, ebullient enthusiasm. One gets the sense that Tamblyn has so much to say and he can hardly contain himself, letting every thought tumble out as it comes to him. I felt this way particularly in the early portion of the book, almost chuckling at how quickly some of his thoughts changed. He definitely settles into a groove as he goes.
As a child actor and then a contract player, Russ Tamblyn's early days were gravy. But like a lot of child actors (one of his best friends was Bobby Driscoll), Hollywood seemed to abandon Tamblyn, though the way Russ writes it, he was ready to try stretching his artistic wings at about the same time. Unfortunately, money doesn't flow in when there's no studio sugar daddy.
Tamblyn spends a good amount of time recognizing his faults and double standards in his early marriage and one can't help but wonder if he's reaching out and apologizing through this autobiography. There's definitely catharsis in this writing.
Looking back on these more difficult years, Tamblyn still manages to seem a bit rosy, and perhaps that comes with perspective and because he's writing this now, while he's in a good place, having gone through a bit of a revival on screen (thanks to Twin Peaks), a good current marriage, a daughter who's seen success in Hollywood, and a (re)connection with a daughter he hadn't known about.
It's probably impossible to read an autobiography of a Hollywood personality without seeming like the narrator is name-dropping. Tamblyn's friends and associates throughout his life have been people in the same general (entertainment) business.
It is nice that we can finish this book on an 'up' note, especially given some of the very dark notes that Russ describes. He's definitely one of the lucky former child actors (the aforementioned Bobby Driscoll died tragically at age 31) and I think he recognizes that.
Looking for a good book? Actor, dancer, tumbler Russ Tamblyn shares his personal story of life as a child actor, through the contract performer days to the days when no one would hire him, and how he survived to tell the story, in Dancing on the Edge.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Russ Tamblyn.
My guess is that anyone who knows the name likely knows him because of either his phenomenal performance in the original West Side Story movie or, for slightly younger audiences, his work as the off-kilter doctor on the TV series Twin Peaks. I fall primarily into the first group, having grown up admiring his work as a dancer in West Side Story and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I'm familiar with his work on Twin Peaks, and enjoyed it, but for me, it was dancer Russ Tamblyn acting in the show.
Reading an autobiography like this brings about some conflicting feelings. I admire some of Tamblyn's work and wanted to read more about the man, but the blunt honesty of drugs and sex is sometimes a letdown. I actually got a little depressed reading about Tamblyn's lowest years. But this might attest to his writing more than the events he relays.
Tamblyn writes with a boyish, ebullient enthusiasm. One gets the sense that Tamblyn has so much to say and he can hardly contain himself, letting every thought tumble out as it comes to him. I felt this way particularly in the early portion of the book, almost chuckling at how quickly some of his thoughts changed. He definitely settles into a groove as he goes.
As a child actor and then a contract player, Russ Tamblyn's early days were gravy. But like a lot of child actors (one of his best friends was Bobby Driscoll), Hollywood seemed to abandon Tamblyn, though the way Russ writes it, he was ready to try stretching his artistic wings at about the same time. Unfortunately, money doesn't flow in when there's no studio sugar daddy.
Tamblyn spends a good amount of time recognizing his faults and double standards in his early marriage and one can't help but wonder if he's reaching out and apologizing through this autobiography. There's definitely catharsis in this writing.
Looking back on these more difficult years, Tamblyn still manages to seem a bit rosy, and perhaps that comes with perspective and because he's writing this now, while he's in a good place, having gone through a bit of a revival on screen (thanks to Twin Peaks), a good current marriage, a daughter who's seen success in Hollywood, and a (re)connection with a daughter he hadn't known about.
It's probably impossible to read an autobiography of a Hollywood personality without seeming like the narrator is name-dropping. Tamblyn's friends and associates throughout his life have been people in the same general (entertainment) business.
It is nice that we can finish this book on an 'up' note, especially given some of the very dark notes that Russ describes. He's definitely one of the lucky former child actors (the aforementioned Bobby Driscoll died tragically at age 31) and I think he recognizes that.
Looking for a good book? Actor, dancer, tumbler Russ Tamblyn shares his personal story of life as a child actor, through the contract performer days to the days when no one would hire him, and how he survived to tell the story, in Dancing on the Edge.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
Any man who can count among his good friends Henry Miller, Dennis Hopper and Neil Young probably has had an unusual life, and that is certainly the case with Russ Tamblyn. The 90 plus year old Tamblyn, best known to film lovers for the original “West Side Story” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” finally published his memoir “Dancing on the Edge” in 2024. From child actor to MGM contract player to B movie star to late career revival with “Twin Peaks,” Russ Tamblyn had a remarkable acting career. He shares anecdotes of famous actors he worked with in his long career: Glenn Ford, Debbie Reynolds, Paul Newman, Elvis Presley, Robert Mitchum, etc. Unlike some other young actors who saw their careers collapse as they grew into adulthood, Tamblyn in his twenties appeared headed for a long career acting in films and television. But in the 1960’s he found himself creatively trapped, so he pursued the fine arts instead. He and his wife settled with a counterculture arts community in the L.A.’s Topanga Canyon where he grew as an artist while leaving the “trappings of fame and success” behind. But later faced with increasing financial pressures, he gradually took acting jobs at regional theatres to make ends meet. His second wife was an alcoholic who refused treatment; her early death from cirrhosis of the liver was a central tragedy of Tamblyn’s life. But a mid-life third marriage brought him long sought personal happiness with the birth of his daughter Amber (who would become a successful actress) as well as the discovery of another daughter from an earlier affair.
Readers who mainly know Tamblyn from “West Side Story” will be happy with the insider’s look at the filming, especially the grueling choreography under Jerome Robbins. Tamblyn had a background in acrobatics not dance, so it makes his work in the film even more impressive. Readers will also enjoy the later anniversary celebrations of the film that Tamblyn shared with his remaining co-stars.
A generous selection of photos adds to the book’s appeal. Though a large section of the book is devoted to his alternate career in the fine arts, there’s more than enough content about his Hollywood days to satisfy film lovers. Recommended.
Readers who mainly know Tamblyn from “West Side Story” will be happy with the insider’s look at the filming, especially the grueling choreography under Jerome Robbins. Tamblyn had a background in acrobatics not dance, so it makes his work in the film even more impressive. Readers will also enjoy the later anniversary celebrations of the film that Tamblyn shared with his remaining co-stars.
A generous selection of photos adds to the book’s appeal. Though a large section of the book is devoted to his alternate career in the fine arts, there’s more than enough content about his Hollywood days to satisfy film lovers. Recommended.
May 31, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: As I was reading the book, I kept thinking what an amazing life Russ Tamblyn has led. His early stardom from child actor to young leading man was filled with so many movies and so many stars. As one of the last contract actors at MGM, it was a golden life. Talented and never afraid to take on a challenge, he made many memorable films but as the 1960s progressed and his contract with MGM was terminated, his willingness to dance on the edge led him to some horrible mistakes that could have been even worse. One lucky break was an allergy to cocaine which was the bane of the existence of many a famous person.
His book reads a bit like a who’s who with scarcely a person named who was not a friend, There were plenty of ups as well as downs, some of both quite extreme but somehow between his acting and dancing and his art work he lived a full life. The fact that he is still standing and able to tell his story when most of his friends from being a child star have perished is either a testament to his stamina or luck. Or perhaps it is a combination of both.
Four purrs and two paws up.
His book reads a bit like a who’s who with scarcely a person named who was not a friend, There were plenty of ups as well as downs, some of both quite extreme but somehow between his acting and dancing and his art work he lived a full life. The fact that he is still standing and able to tell his story when most of his friends from being a child star have perished is either a testament to his stamina or luck. Or perhaps it is a combination of both.
Four purrs and two paws up.
August 30, 2024
I listened to the audiobook, which was great because Russ Tamblyn reads it himself. It’s always interesting to read biographies or autobiographies, particularly when the person’s private life is quite different from their most famous public image as Tamblyn’s was. Best known for his starring roll and incredible dancing in West Side Story (and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), Russ Tamblyn spent most of his life as a fine artist (painting, collage, creative film) and Beatnik smoking pot and communing with poets and other creative artists (as well as sleeping around). He didn’t get involved in any major historical events of the 20th century such as the Civil Rights Movement or anti-Vietnam War protests — neither are mentioned, nor does he say where he was when the U.S. landed on the moon or Kennedy was shot. Instead, this book is a chronology of his life, his friends, his creative expression, and a handful of fun anecdotes from behind the scenes with other famous people. I enjoyed listening to him tell stories from his life.
April 6, 2024
I was most interested in this memoir because as a kid, what got me into musical theater was in large part the film version of ‘West Side Story’.
In the film, Tamblyn portrays Riff, leader of the Jets. He was my favorite character and as a kid I developed a slight crush on him (despite first seeing the film nearly 40 years after it was first released). Tamblyn’s memoir delivers in showing the scope of his varied film, theater, and fine art career, as well as offering many at times unflinching looks at his rebellious personal life. While I at times found his behavior pretty egregious, he’s nothing if not honest here.
My main complaint is I wish he expanded a bit more about WSS and its success afterward but I did learn so much I never knew about the actor. (Did you know he was good friends with Neil Young? I sure didn’t.)
My thanks to Blackstone Publishing for this ARC copy for review.
In the film, Tamblyn portrays Riff, leader of the Jets. He was my favorite character and as a kid I developed a slight crush on him (despite first seeing the film nearly 40 years after it was first released). Tamblyn’s memoir delivers in showing the scope of his varied film, theater, and fine art career, as well as offering many at times unflinching looks at his rebellious personal life. While I at times found his behavior pretty egregious, he’s nothing if not honest here.
My main complaint is I wish he expanded a bit more about WSS and its success afterward but I did learn so much I never knew about the actor. (Did you know he was good friends with Neil Young? I sure didn’t.)
My thanks to Blackstone Publishing for this ARC copy for review.
January 20, 2025
I enjoyed Mr. Tamblyn's autobiography on several levels. Enjoyed reading about his experiences in the Hollywood entertainment field, both the successes and the lean times. I was unaware of his passion for art nor his embracing of the Los Angeles/Hollywood counterculture scene which he did at a very young age. His stories about his friendships with the members of that group are really fascinating. He does not sound like an isolated person at all and his friendships of all types are important to him.
The autobiography is, I think, written with attention to how Mr. Tamblyn's story will be perceived today as well as in the future. That is unique as many autobiographies are written with sensational stories in mind in order to sell the book. His story is presented in an even-handed way, warts and all, and in a thoughtful fashion.
Recommended. I normally read books on a Nook e-reader but in this case I read an actual book with color and black and white photographs.
The autobiography is, I think, written with attention to how Mr. Tamblyn's story will be perceived today as well as in the future. That is unique as many autobiographies are written with sensational stories in mind in order to sell the book. His story is presented in an even-handed way, warts and all, and in a thoughtful fashion.
Recommended. I normally read books on a Nook e-reader but in this case I read an actual book with color and black and white photographs.
April 30, 2024
This was quite the interesting read. A memoir filled with too many stories to count from so many different times and eras in entertainment, from behind the scenes of a Hollywood backlot during the studios system years to creating art during the birth of the Beat generation, from wild parties to intimate family moments. The author does a great job of sharing all the wonders he's experienced without glossing over too greatly the pain and hurt that he both experienced and inflicted along the way. The story of a life well-lived. A very relatable, very human story, from the kind of celebrity and artist that often appears as if their lives couldn't be much like yours. Sure, read for the details of experiences we might only dream about, but stay for the truths we all live through during our own lives.
June 13, 2024
What a great collection of stories, and such a life well lived. As a small child, I was obsessed with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (I even named my son after Adam Pontipee) and West Side Story. So I was ready to hear about Russ’s Hollywood past. When as interesting as I had expected, it turns that that was the least interesting part of the whole collection. I admire the author’s ability to choose his own path and to trust himself when it was time to make moves….. I enjoyed following the stories as he evolved and grew in successive arenas- and somehow excelled in all of them at certain points in time. Along the way, he sought out interesting people with unique perspectives and grew along with them. This book is a helluva fun ride. Now when I think of Russ Tamblyn, instead of thinking “star”, I’ll be thinking, “iconoclast, seeker, and beloved”. Great book.
May 12, 2024
The instant I saw this one, I just had to read it! I absolutely adored Mr. Tamblyn as Gideon in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I watched it over and over, how on earth did he perform that dance???? A few years after I saw Seven Brides, I got to see West Side Story, and loved his performance there too.
You can kind of tell through these performances that Russ is a fun guy to be around, and the way he started living his life, for himself, you can believe it. I never knew until now, why I stopped seeing him in films. He will tell you right here in this book what he did when the MGM contract expired and how he fulfilled his happiness. There were some bumps on the road, but it seems like he found his happy in the end.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me get ahold of this one.
You can kind of tell through these performances that Russ is a fun guy to be around, and the way he started living his life, for himself, you can believe it. I never knew until now, why I stopped seeing him in films. He will tell you right here in this book what he did when the MGM contract expired and how he fulfilled his happiness. There were some bumps on the road, but it seems like he found his happy in the end.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me get ahold of this one.
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