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Aaron Spelling: A Prime-Time Life
Aaron Spelling is one of the most successful showmen of all time. No one else has produced as many television programs nor enjoyed such career longevity--35 years and still counting. Now, Spelling tells his story--personal, revealing, and filled with stories about Hollywood greats such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Heather Locklear, Sharon Stone, and Nick Nolte. of photos.
228 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1996
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About the author
Aaron Spelling
3 books1 followerAaron Spelling was an American film and television producer. As of 2009, Spelling's company holds the record as the most prolific television producer, with 218 producer and executive producer credits. He is survived by his second wife, Candy Gene (née Marer), whom he married in 1968, and their two children, Randy Spelling and Tori Spelling.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 7, 2016
Although published 12 years ago (2002), this autobiography is a fun one. In the audio book, Spelling narrates his story with a beautiful balance of retrospection and humbleness. It's a great delivery, that really delivers an uplifting and entertaining story. The script is well-written and engaging. The audio book version is only offered in the abridged format; I was eager for it to be longer.
December 14, 2020
Special place in my heart for this darling man. He called me "Lucky Penni" and I loved helping promote his show Sunset Beach.
Great read. Funny and light and interesting. Did you know he was once married to Carolyn Jones aka Morticia Adams?!?
Great read. Funny and light and interesting. Did you know he was once married to Carolyn Jones aka Morticia Adams?!?
September 7, 2024
Disappointed that Spelling was superficial in reviewing some of the most memorable television of the 20th century. He credited all his collaborators, which is a refreshing departure from so many ego-driven memoirs. Tone and voice made it very readable. I just wish it had been longer.
August 2, 2022
Absolutely stellar autobiography from the best television producer ever! Aaron Spelling was a television genius! I loved this book as well!
April 30, 2024
What a great read.
As someone who works in TV, and idolised Aaron Spelling since childhood, this book, written by him, is an amazing insight into his journey.
From his beginnings and first writing credits, to how he went on to become the King Midas of Television - always ahead of the rest, setting trends in primetime, and having a beyond perfect eye for television detail and knowing what audiences want.
Aaron Spelling has worked, created, written and produced countless shows spanning numerous genres and many have become top shows on Television across the World - from the anthology shows of the 60s, to the spy shows of the 70s, to the great anthology shows of the 80s like Hotel and Fantasy island and the super soap of the 80s , Dynasty
He says he was born again with the creation of Beverly Hills 90210 - which redefined Primetime for younger audiences, and came at a time when he had no TV shows on air during the particular TV season - he usually had several on air at the same time. 90210 of course set the trend for primetime drama and soap and paved the way for his other super soap of the 90s, Melrose Place.
The book shares insights into the process of creating TV shows, from how the idea came about, to the casting - and even shares script pages from the many shows he has produced and created.
It also serves as a Who's Who in Television as he shares details about his relationships with some of TVs greatest - even detailing how Heather Locklear became his lucky charm!
A great read and recommended to anyone who has an interest in the World of Television.
I borrowed this book from the Internet Archive online and have to hunt down a physical copy for my Must Have - Must own Collection!
As someone who works in TV, and idolised Aaron Spelling since childhood, this book, written by him, is an amazing insight into his journey.
From his beginnings and first writing credits, to how he went on to become the King Midas of Television - always ahead of the rest, setting trends in primetime, and having a beyond perfect eye for television detail and knowing what audiences want.
Aaron Spelling has worked, created, written and produced countless shows spanning numerous genres and many have become top shows on Television across the World - from the anthology shows of the 60s, to the spy shows of the 70s, to the great anthology shows of the 80s like Hotel and Fantasy island and the super soap of the 80s , Dynasty
He says he was born again with the creation of Beverly Hills 90210 - which redefined Primetime for younger audiences, and came at a time when he had no TV shows on air during the particular TV season - he usually had several on air at the same time. 90210 of course set the trend for primetime drama and soap and paved the way for his other super soap of the 90s, Melrose Place.
The book shares insights into the process of creating TV shows, from how the idea came about, to the casting - and even shares script pages from the many shows he has produced and created.
It also serves as a Who's Who in Television as he shares details about his relationships with some of TVs greatest - even detailing how Heather Locklear became his lucky charm!
A great read and recommended to anyone who has an interest in the World of Television.
I borrowed this book from the Internet Archive online and have to hunt down a physical copy for my Must Have - Must own Collection!
November 29, 2017
This book was written 20 years ago, in 1996. I watch many of the Aaron Spelling shows on TV back in the 70's through the 90's. I especially loved Charlie's Angels, Love Boat, and 90210. Aaron talks about his life growing up with immigrant parents, living on the wrong side of the tracks in Dallas, TX, being bullied and beat up every day because he was Jewish. He hated it so much, he just stayed home sick, and refused to go back to school. A teacher visited and gave him 6 books told him, that if he wrote 6 book reports, he wouldn't have to go back to the same grade. Through this, he read many more books, including O. Henry and Mark Twain. After a stint in the Air Force, going to Southern Methodist University from the G.I. Bill, he first moved to New York City, and later to Hollywood, to become and actor, and later a writer for TV shows.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews