Up From Down: A Journal

by Gary Frank

This book is a journal, chronicling Gary Frank's life and times as an Emmy Award winning Actor for the 1970's television series "Family". Despite the success that may conjure, he faced a number of personal demons that threatened to destroy his career and his relationships with his wife, daughter and entire family. Indeed, it took hitting the bottom of the bottom for him to vanquish his evils and win back the love and respect he so desperately needed and wanted. Through intense therapy and support from everyone, he traveled the long road to recovery, and found his way home, a place he'd never known before. Now, he's not the villain in his own life, nor is he afraid of embracing the love so generously given him from family and friends. Ending his intense pain and suffering, he has finally become the person he was intended to be - he is Gary Frank, beloved individual and respected Actor.

217 pages, Hardcover

Published January 28, 2026

About the author

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Reviews

[Sharon SanAngelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so Good!

Please excuse me that I am not as expressive in writing a review as I would like to be. I want to say that I read this because I am a fan of the old tv series Family. Gary Frank played Willie, the oldest son of the Lawrence family. I think you can watch some of the episodes on YouTube. But I don’t believe you have to, to enjoy this book. It is a book about Gary’s life written in journal fashion. Gary didn’t have a sweet, loving family like his character on television did. Gary’s story is really hard a lot of the time. Gary is a really great writer who has the words and the power to suck me right in. It’s not long. It can be read in one sitting. I didn’t, because I needed to let it sit for a while to process before moving on. It’s really good. It’s not just some old redemption story. Gary does wind up almost losing it all. It’s so honestly and so well written. And I really did care about him and his family as I read. It stayed with me after I finished. I think people should read it. I think it has something important to say, even though he is literally just sharing his own story. I loved this book and I will read it again. I do caution that some of the themes could be a trigger, but I hope you read it and find it as good as I do.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rocky road, but a beautiful realization

Gary was so honest in his book, and shared his demons openly. He now is on a good path with love and appreciation for his wife and family. Gary is a wonderful writer. Hope he continues writing.