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Revenge of the Nerd: Or . . . The Singular Adventures of the Man Who Would Be Booger
Risky Business. Revenge of the Nerds. Better Off Dead. Moonlighting. Supernatural. American Dad. New Girl. What do all of these movies and television shows have in common?
Curtis Armstrong.
A legendary comedic second banana to a litany of major stars, Curtis is forever cemented in the public imagination as Booger from Revenge of the Nerds. A classically trained actor, Curtis began his incredible 40-year career on stage but progressed rapidly to film and television. He was typecast early and it proved to be the best thing that could have happened.
But there’s more to Curtis’ story than that.
Born and bred a nerd, he spent his early years between Detroit, a city so nerdy that the word was coined there in 1951, and, improbably, Geneva, Switzerland. His adolescence and early adulthood was spent primarily between the covers of a book and indulging his nerdy obsessions. It was only when he found his true calling, as an actor and unintentional nerd icon, that he found true happiness. With whip-smart, self-effacing humor, Armstrong takes us on a most unlikely journey—one nerd’s hilarious, often touching rise to the middle. He started his life as an outcast and matured into…well, an older, slightly paunchier, hopefully wiser outcast.
In Hollywood, as in life, that counts as winning the game.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2017
19 people are currently reading
964 people want to read
About the author
Curtis Armstrong
6 books109 followersCurtis Armstrong was born in Michigan in 1953. He divided his early years between Detroit—a town apparently so nerdy that the word “nerd” was coined there in 1949--and Geneva, Switzerland, which by comparison, wasn’t nerdy at all. Following a childhood spent mainly between the covers of books, Armstrong discovered the theatre.
He studied at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Rochester, Michigan, which led to a forty-plus year acting career that shows no signs of slowing. After eight years of stage work in New York and around the country, Armstrong was cast in his first film, Risky Business, starring Tom Cruise. It was the beginning of a string of classic comedy films and television shows, including Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer, TV’s Moonlighting and, most significantly, Revenge of the Nerds, in which he played the iconic role of Booger.
Since then Armstrong, a nerd icon himself has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows including, recently, Supernatural and The New Girl. He co-created and co-hosted the hit comedy-reality show King of the Nerds, which brought his nerd narrative full circle. He is married to writer Elaine Aronson, and has one daughter, Lily.
He studied at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Rochester, Michigan, which led to a forty-plus year acting career that shows no signs of slowing. After eight years of stage work in New York and around the country, Armstrong was cast in his first film, Risky Business, starring Tom Cruise. It was the beginning of a string of classic comedy films and television shows, including Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer, TV’s Moonlighting and, most significantly, Revenge of the Nerds, in which he played the iconic role of Booger.
Since then Armstrong, a nerd icon himself has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows including, recently, Supernatural and The New Girl. He co-created and co-hosted the hit comedy-reality show King of the Nerds, which brought his nerd narrative full circle. He is married to writer Elaine Aronson, and has one daughter, Lily.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 10, 2017
I have been around the block with memoirs and auto-biographies and they are truly one of my most favorite genres. Usually I avoid celebrity ones (the exceptions being the comedic geniuses of Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kahling since those are really more like tear-inducing essay collections) because I can smell a ghost writer from a mile away. I want to say there's nothing wrong with using a ghost writer, that even someone without a naturally narrative voice deserves to be able to tell their story in this format if they like. And while that's true, you have to admit that their books have a sanitized, airy quality to them. I think it's the lack of personal emotion behind the words because all they've done is relay a story to someone or other a publisher set them up with to do the heavy lifting. Even the ghost-written memoirs that set out to be the most sordid of confession stories tend to come across as insincere. I've read Twitter feuds with more conviction.
Curtis Armstrong's debut memoir (and I say debut because I will only be satisfied if more follow) is quite the opposite. You can feel his emotions coming off the pages: elation at his acceptance into the Academy for Dramatic Art, innocent awe during his first feature film, Risky Business, frustration during the notoriously tumultuous yet beloved TV series Moonlighting, adoration for the production and fans of Supernatural, the list goes on and on.
If you're like me and whip out at your phone after (okay, sometimes even during) a movie or TV episode to scour IMDb and wikis for every detail you can find on what you're watching (I'm especially looking at you, Orphan Black) this book will be a delight to read. Curtis puts the "personal" in "personal anecdotes", including some journal entries from his times on set. Even the details of negative experiences and people of his career are shared with a maturity and respectability that, again, you simply can't find in a ghost-written book deal.
I don't know if I've adequately expressed how obvious the love is that comes from this book, so all I can say is that you should read it to believe it. His love for literature, art of all kinds, acting, family, friends, and, yes, even those projects and people that tried and tested him over his multi-decade career, is palpable through the pages.
Curtis Armstrong's debut memoir (and I say debut because I will only be satisfied if more follow) is quite the opposite. You can feel his emotions coming off the pages: elation at his acceptance into the Academy for Dramatic Art, innocent awe during his first feature film, Risky Business, frustration during the notoriously tumultuous yet beloved TV series Moonlighting, adoration for the production and fans of Supernatural, the list goes on and on.
If you're like me and whip out at your phone after (okay, sometimes even during) a movie or TV episode to scour IMDb and wikis for every detail you can find on what you're watching (I'm especially looking at you, Orphan Black) this book will be a delight to read. Curtis puts the "personal" in "personal anecdotes", including some journal entries from his times on set. Even the details of negative experiences and people of his career are shared with a maturity and respectability that, again, you simply can't find in a ghost-written book deal.
I don't know if I've adequately expressed how obvious the love is that comes from this book, so all I can say is that you should read it to believe it. His love for literature, art of all kinds, acting, family, friends, and, yes, even those projects and people that tried and tested him over his multi-decade career, is palpable through the pages.
June 30, 2017
Full disclosure: I love Curtis Armstrong. As an actor, yes, but more than that, Curtis is a personal friend and very dear to me. When he handed me a copy of the advance uncorrected proof of Revenge of the Nerd, abashed and acutely aware of the “uncorrected” bit, I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I’m something of a connoisseur of celebrity memoirs. I have several bookshelves cluttered with the autobiographical scribblings of everybody from Christopher Lee—whose considerable abilities as an actor are only eclipsed by his varied life and skills as a raconteur—to Christopher Hitchens—whose intellect and deft navigation of the English language left me so agog, I read Hitch-22 straight through three times. I didn’t want Curtis to panic and snatch back his book.
For my part, I was slightly nervous to read Revenge of the Nerd. As I said, I love Curtis. What if his book just wasn’t all that interesting? Worse yet, what if it wasn’t all that well-written? I’m an English professor, and when it comes to awkward syntax, clichéd metaphor, and stilted prose, I have a very quick gag reflex. What if I learned something about my friend that I didn’t want to know? What if I learned he was a jerk to his co-stars or that he was a Republican, or some other such horror? I needn’t have worried in the least. Revenge of the Nerd is a masterfully composed, fleet-footed navigation through a fascinating life and career.
In terms of the content, there just isn’t one boring page in this whole book. I began playing a game with friends envious of my early access to the volume: they’d offer a random page number and I’d flip to the page and say what jumped out at me. From hilarious self-effacing personal stories to after-hours tales from film and television sets with a never-ending parade of Hollywood’s best and brightest, we never missed. Not once did we turn to a page and think, “meh, gimme a different number.” This thing is packed from cover to cover. I swear to God, I woke up an hour early on a Monday morning just so I could read more of it.
As for the writing, well, it should give you some idea of the easy wit Curtis infuses into his prose when I tell you that I’ve cleared a space on my bulging bookshelf for Revenge of the Nerd, and it isn’t in the section of my library devoted to celebrity memoirs. It’s shelved in my bookcase devoted to P.G. Wodehouse, for whom we both share an abiding love. Folks who are just after a bit of L.A. gossip will not find this book wanting, but for those of us who are voracious readers, Curtis’s prose is like an Easter egg hunt for bibliophiles. I could hear the books he loves in his composition style, and every time I came across a turn of phrase that echoed Wodehouse, Conan Doyle, or another of the multitude of authors I know Curtis reads and re-reads, I warmed with an extra wave of pleasure.
Given my choice, there are few places I’d rather be than sitting across a table from Curtis Armstrong, a bottle of scotch between us, and hours ahead to fill with stories, banter, and general nerding out. Unfortunately, I don’t get to see Curtis as often as I’d like, but the next best thing is reading Revenge of the Nerd. I cannot recommend it enough.
For my part, I was slightly nervous to read Revenge of the Nerd. As I said, I love Curtis. What if his book just wasn’t all that interesting? Worse yet, what if it wasn’t all that well-written? I’m an English professor, and when it comes to awkward syntax, clichéd metaphor, and stilted prose, I have a very quick gag reflex. What if I learned something about my friend that I didn’t want to know? What if I learned he was a jerk to his co-stars or that he was a Republican, or some other such horror? I needn’t have worried in the least. Revenge of the Nerd is a masterfully composed, fleet-footed navigation through a fascinating life and career.
In terms of the content, there just isn’t one boring page in this whole book. I began playing a game with friends envious of my early access to the volume: they’d offer a random page number and I’d flip to the page and say what jumped out at me. From hilarious self-effacing personal stories to after-hours tales from film and television sets with a never-ending parade of Hollywood’s best and brightest, we never missed. Not once did we turn to a page and think, “meh, gimme a different number.” This thing is packed from cover to cover. I swear to God, I woke up an hour early on a Monday morning just so I could read more of it.
As for the writing, well, it should give you some idea of the easy wit Curtis infuses into his prose when I tell you that I’ve cleared a space on my bulging bookshelf for Revenge of the Nerd, and it isn’t in the section of my library devoted to celebrity memoirs. It’s shelved in my bookcase devoted to P.G. Wodehouse, for whom we both share an abiding love. Folks who are just after a bit of L.A. gossip will not find this book wanting, but for those of us who are voracious readers, Curtis’s prose is like an Easter egg hunt for bibliophiles. I could hear the books he loves in his composition style, and every time I came across a turn of phrase that echoed Wodehouse, Conan Doyle, or another of the multitude of authors I know Curtis reads and re-reads, I warmed with an extra wave of pleasure.
Given my choice, there are few places I’d rather be than sitting across a table from Curtis Armstrong, a bottle of scotch between us, and hours ahead to fill with stories, banter, and general nerding out. Unfortunately, I don’t get to see Curtis as often as I’d like, but the next best thing is reading Revenge of the Nerd. I cannot recommend it enough.
September 13, 2017
Full Review on The Blog
www.carolineandrus.com/blog
I have not seen any of the movies for which Curtis Armstrong is famous.
I am a fan of his portrayal of Metatron on Supernatural though, so I gladly read this memoir.
If you want behind the scene stories from his movies - including juicy gossip about Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and others - then check out this book.
Fans of Curtis Armstrong and those who have never seen his work alike will get a kick out of his fabulous stories and (often self-deprecating) humor. A+ Curtis. Thanks for the ride!
www.carolineandrus.com/blog
I have not seen any of the movies for which Curtis Armstrong is famous.
I am a fan of his portrayal of Metatron on Supernatural though, so I gladly read this memoir.
If you want behind the scene stories from his movies - including juicy gossip about Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and others - then check out this book.
Fans of Curtis Armstrong and those who have never seen his work alike will get a kick out of his fabulous stories and (often self-deprecating) humor. A+ Curtis. Thanks for the ride!
June 26, 2017
Chances are if you were around in the 1980s you are at least somewhat familiar with actor Curtis Armstrong. You might not recognize his name, but he certainly has left an impression as the humorous sidekick in such movies as Risky Business, Better Off Dead, and of course the Revenge of the Nerds films. In his memoir, Curtis talks about growing up as a nerd when it had a more negative connotation than it does now, and his career in the film and television industry.
I grew up in the '80s and love pop culture so I definitely found the chapters of the book talking about his career the most interesting. He has worked with a ton of actors including Tom Cruise, John Cusack, John Goodman, and Bruce Willis. He kept a journal while working at the time which allows him to share a lot of behind the scenes shenanigans that he might not have remembered years later. One of my favorite stories he shares is how in the off hours of the Revenge of the Nerds filming, the resourceful John Goodman ripped a painting off his hotel room wall so some guys could do some blow off of it. I also loved Curtis discussing his time on the tv show Moonlighting. Most people remember that Cybil Shepard and Bruce Willis didn't get along with each other, but he really goes into detail about what a nightmare of a set that truly was during his time there. And while this book is filled with juicy bits of gossip it feels more like a telling it like it was instead of in a mean-spirited way or just a chance to make a few bucks.
I think what makes this book so enjoyable is that Curtis Armstrong feels like he is one of us. He gets the whole fandom culture. He understands what it is like to be picked on by classmates. And even though he might have been apprehensive about taking on the role of Booger at first, he embraces the fact that the character and films hold a special place in fans' hearts. And with time he has become proud of this role and all of the others that have allowed him to have the career of a steady, working actor.
I received a free ARC from St. Martin's Press but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinions.
I grew up in the '80s and love pop culture so I definitely found the chapters of the book talking about his career the most interesting. He has worked with a ton of actors including Tom Cruise, John Cusack, John Goodman, and Bruce Willis. He kept a journal while working at the time which allows him to share a lot of behind the scenes shenanigans that he might not have remembered years later. One of my favorite stories he shares is how in the off hours of the Revenge of the Nerds filming, the resourceful John Goodman ripped a painting off his hotel room wall so some guys could do some blow off of it. I also loved Curtis discussing his time on the tv show Moonlighting. Most people remember that Cybil Shepard and Bruce Willis didn't get along with each other, but he really goes into detail about what a nightmare of a set that truly was during his time there. And while this book is filled with juicy bits of gossip it feels more like a telling it like it was instead of in a mean-spirited way or just a chance to make a few bucks.
I think what makes this book so enjoyable is that Curtis Armstrong feels like he is one of us. He gets the whole fandom culture. He understands what it is like to be picked on by classmates. And even though he might have been apprehensive about taking on the role of Booger at first, he embraces the fact that the character and films hold a special place in fans' hearts. And with time he has become proud of this role and all of the others that have allowed him to have the career of a steady, working actor.
I received a free ARC from St. Martin's Press but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinions.
March 20, 2017
I read an early copy of this book, and found it delightful and well-written even as a rough draft. Beyond the anecdotes about the famous feuds and celebrities, and the behind-the-scene tidbits about how some of the most and least memorable films came to be, it goes beyond the surface and offers real insight into the ups and downs of what it means to be a working actor. This is a must read not only for nerds or those who love movies, but for anyone considering a career in entertainment.
April 23, 2017
I totally adore celebrity memoirs, and this fulfilled all I look for - a not as-famous celeb who can speak from a more grounded perspective, yet still be known enough to have some great stories about really famous celebrities. Curtis has had a long and varied career, and has plenty to share on the craft and how he's evolved. Even if you only know him as Booger, you'll still get a kick out of it.
October 14, 2022
Delightful and insightful!
July 24, 2017
Just finished this wonderful memoir by one of my favorite actors. Funny, warm, introspective and a love letter to his acting career and all things nerdy. If you admire Curtis and his dedication to "nerdvana" m, pick this up ASAP
June 8, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Curtis shares the good times and the bad in a brilliantly funny read.
Curtis shares the good times and the bad in a brilliantly funny read.
March 17, 2017
A fun read with an author you can immediately get comfortable with. Curtis has been on both sides of fandom and has a rare respect to be found in actors. I mostly knew him from Supernatural and King of the Nerds, but this guy has been around bringing beloved characters to life for a long time, and I can't wait to rewatch some of his films with a new appreciation.
June 7, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
Curtis Armstrong is an absolute delight to read. He is a witty and straightforward storyteller. His honesty is tempered with kindness. I had so much fun reading this memoir that I resented having to put it down for work.
I expected to enjoy his stories about his career, but I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable his stories were about his childhood and school years. I love his unabashed embracing of being a nerd and nerdiness in general.
If you enjoyed Curtis Armstrong in any of his many notable roles, you will enjoy this book tremendously.
Curtis Armstrong is an absolute delight to read. He is a witty and straightforward storyteller. His honesty is tempered with kindness. I had so much fun reading this memoir that I resented having to put it down for work.
I expected to enjoy his stories about his career, but I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable his stories were about his childhood and school years. I love his unabashed embracing of being a nerd and nerdiness in general.
If you enjoyed Curtis Armstrong in any of his many notable roles, you will enjoy this book tremendously.
October 2, 2017
Hello Reading slump,estuve comparando todo el rato la bio de Metatrón con la de Charlie (Felicia) por lo que no la disfruté y se me hizo eterna.
July 5, 2018
I really enjoyed some of the backstory for some of my favorite movies growing up. I am, and always have been, a nerd. Comic books, Star Wars figures, etc. kept the ladies away and allowed me to try my hand as the king of the dorks. Armstrong's insights into nerd culture and his quirky career path were interesting and will surely appeal to those who grew up wishing they had been a Trip Lamb, embarrassing their Alpha Beta tormenters and getting the girl of their dreams. (In my case, one for two - I've never taken to vindictive behavior.)
August 23, 2017
Thoughtful, well-written memoir of a classically trained, working character actor, with enough honest commentary on his co-stars to keep the more shallow of us entertained. Marvel at Tom Cruise's arrogance, fully formed at the age of 19. Marvel at John Cusack's dickishness, also fully formed at age 19. Try and decide who was worse, Cybill Shepard or Bruce Willis. Seriously, though this really was a lovely read.
August 4, 2018
I absolutely loved this audiobook, read by the author! It was interesting to hear about what it was like to film Risky Business, Revenge of the Nerds, Moonlighting, and Supernatural. My favorite thing about the book, though, was relating to Curtis Armstrong's life as a nerd. I would highly recommend this book to all of my fellow nerds!
March 31, 2019
Armstrong is a great writer and this is a pleasure to read!
May 9, 2017
Curtis Armstrong, is a god amongst men with this fully realised and deeply felt memoir of his coming of age and life as a character actor supreme.
I have been a fan of Curtis Armstrong ever since I had seen him in ‘Risky Business’ back in 1983 and have followed his career ever since. I would look forward to seeing him in ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and I was even standing at line for the opening of ‘Better Off Dead’ which is one of my favourite films. Hell, I even have the soundtrack with the great EG Daily performing on the screen and LP/Cassette. When I think he may have disappeared from our lives, he would reappear in something bringing all the light and talent to whatever role he is given. He is a true actor and makes every character memorable.
I was hesitant to read this memoir as sometimes spending too much time with any one person can disrupt any preconceived ideas that you can have. I remember reading Meredith Baxter Birney’s autobiography and after 500 pages of her whining about how wrong her life is and how she is now a lesbian, I can’t even bear to watch reruns of Family Ties anymore. Anyway, I digress from the task at hand, it made me somewhat cautious to start to read this but I am glad I threw caution to the wind.
Curtis Armstrong has really put his thoughts and heart on the page and he is fully honest. He also looks at himself and embraces his flaws and doesn’t spend a lot of time apologising for who he is but deeply engages in his experiences. He has a magnificent way of writing that it feels personal and it feels like he is having a personal dialogue with the reader. From his early upbringing in Detroit and his being slightly out of step with those around him, to coming of age in Switzerland and finishing off his schooling back in Detroit. He tackled this with extreme insight and knew exactly with to deflect but embrace the person he was.
His acting education was very informative and he was able to allow the reader to fully get involved with his experience. He is able to embrace these years and involve you in where he was mentally and socially. He also has an impeccable way to bring the reader into this world and give them a totally understanding of the time and era. He has placed you firmly in his steps which are a very remarkable trait that he has really accomplished.
Armstrong does not shy away from his film experiences and is able to find the humour and pathos without being crude or mean. He was there at the start of some of the top names of film starting with Tom Cruise in Risky Business, John Crusak in Better Off Dead and One Crazy Summer and even television alumni such as Timothy Bufield in Revenge of the Nerds. He gives you a glimpse of their personalities and sometimes outrageous behaviour without being unwarranted. This is what really opens up his memoirs in the depth of the film making process and how the many personalities approach this medium.
The Moonlighting years were a real eye opener with the shenanigans taking place between his two co-stars Bruce Willis and Cybil Sheppard. Again, this could have been done scathingly but Armstrong takes the approach of revealing it for what it was. He doesn’t take sides and only provides the facts without being committal to who was the bigger brat. I did feel for him as he tried to stay afloat in a situation that must have been unbearable.
The author has enabled to keep friendships within his working life with some of his co-stars which tells you the kind of man he is. Someone who is able to keep friendships in an industry where people pass through your professional life as close until your next job and being able to maintain those friendships gives you an idea of the strong character Curtis really is.
His career has continued and his years working in the hit show ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The New Girl’ were a revelation on how the television industry has changed since the 80’s and how everyone seems to be getting their inner nerd on.
This book is a breath of fresh air and a real eye opener to an unforgettable talent. I could not put this book down and I could not read enough. The only negative I can really add, is that I wish there was more but it is always good to keep the people wanting more.
When celebrities are writing their memoirs, they should really use this book as a text book on the way that it should be done. Excellent and if I could give this more than five stars, it would be an easy fifteen. This is the must read and we will be placing this on our book of the month and Summer Reads for 2017 list. Phenomenal.
I have been a fan of Curtis Armstrong ever since I had seen him in ‘Risky Business’ back in 1983 and have followed his career ever since. I would look forward to seeing him in ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and I was even standing at line for the opening of ‘Better Off Dead’ which is one of my favourite films. Hell, I even have the soundtrack with the great EG Daily performing on the screen and LP/Cassette. When I think he may have disappeared from our lives, he would reappear in something bringing all the light and talent to whatever role he is given. He is a true actor and makes every character memorable.
I was hesitant to read this memoir as sometimes spending too much time with any one person can disrupt any preconceived ideas that you can have. I remember reading Meredith Baxter Birney’s autobiography and after 500 pages of her whining about how wrong her life is and how she is now a lesbian, I can’t even bear to watch reruns of Family Ties anymore. Anyway, I digress from the task at hand, it made me somewhat cautious to start to read this but I am glad I threw caution to the wind.
Curtis Armstrong has really put his thoughts and heart on the page and he is fully honest. He also looks at himself and embraces his flaws and doesn’t spend a lot of time apologising for who he is but deeply engages in his experiences. He has a magnificent way of writing that it feels personal and it feels like he is having a personal dialogue with the reader. From his early upbringing in Detroit and his being slightly out of step with those around him, to coming of age in Switzerland and finishing off his schooling back in Detroit. He tackled this with extreme insight and knew exactly with to deflect but embrace the person he was.
His acting education was very informative and he was able to allow the reader to fully get involved with his experience. He is able to embrace these years and involve you in where he was mentally and socially. He also has an impeccable way to bring the reader into this world and give them a totally understanding of the time and era. He has placed you firmly in his steps which are a very remarkable trait that he has really accomplished.
Armstrong does not shy away from his film experiences and is able to find the humour and pathos without being crude or mean. He was there at the start of some of the top names of film starting with Tom Cruise in Risky Business, John Crusak in Better Off Dead and One Crazy Summer and even television alumni such as Timothy Bufield in Revenge of the Nerds. He gives you a glimpse of their personalities and sometimes outrageous behaviour without being unwarranted. This is what really opens up his memoirs in the depth of the film making process and how the many personalities approach this medium.
The Moonlighting years were a real eye opener with the shenanigans taking place between his two co-stars Bruce Willis and Cybil Sheppard. Again, this could have been done scathingly but Armstrong takes the approach of revealing it for what it was. He doesn’t take sides and only provides the facts without being committal to who was the bigger brat. I did feel for him as he tried to stay afloat in a situation that must have been unbearable.
The author has enabled to keep friendships within his working life with some of his co-stars which tells you the kind of man he is. Someone who is able to keep friendships in an industry where people pass through your professional life as close until your next job and being able to maintain those friendships gives you an idea of the strong character Curtis really is.
His career has continued and his years working in the hit show ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The New Girl’ were a revelation on how the television industry has changed since the 80’s and how everyone seems to be getting their inner nerd on.
This book is a breath of fresh air and a real eye opener to an unforgettable talent. I could not put this book down and I could not read enough. The only negative I can really add, is that I wish there was more but it is always good to keep the people wanting more.
When celebrities are writing their memoirs, they should really use this book as a text book on the way that it should be done. Excellent and if I could give this more than five stars, it would be an easy fifteen. This is the must read and we will be placing this on our book of the month and Summer Reads for 2017 list. Phenomenal.
August 6, 2017
Better Off Dead is one of my favorite movies. Top five. I even have the movie soundtrack on cassette. Yes, I am of *that* generation. So how could I not read the autobiography of the man who played Charles De Mar?
Seriously, though, Curtis Armstrong is one of those underappreciated actors. Not in the "Hey, it's THAT Guy" category (at least not to me,) but I've always liked all the characters he's played in everything I've seen. I am more a TV person than a movie person, so I'm more familiar with his work on Moonlighting (which my parents, brother, and I faithfully watched every week), Supernatural, and The Emperor's New School cartoon (I love me some Kuzco!) Of course, like most people my age, I saw the first two Revenge of the Nerds movies (and rooted for the nerds, being more than a little nerdy myself.) But Curtis is more than just a good actor, he's a humble man who despite some wildness in his younger days (of the cigarettes-drugs-and-sex variety) he always comes across as a gentleman. I'm not sure if it's because of his love of classic books or his classical theatre training, but his intelligence shines through in all that he writes.
The last two entertainers' autobiographies that I read were, I don't know, trying too hard to be funny? So Curtis's book was such a breath of fresh air since it was understated and thoughtful. I am really, REALLY glad that I read this book.
This quote, I think, was the highlight of the book for me. Such truth.
"These days, one of the ways we identify as nerds is by accepting a higher truth--that we don't have to grow out of these things as we grow older. It may be Nancy Drew or Sherlock Holmes, Batman or Pokémon, The Twilight Zone or the Twilight movies: when we bring them along with us on our path, it only enhances the journey. One of the true signs of maturity is realizing that not gracefully surrendering the things of youth actually make us better grown-ups. If more people embraced their inner nerd, the better off everyone would be."
Thank you Curtis Armstrong, for writing this book...I feel like I am a better person for having read it, which is one of the reasons why I read in the first place.
Seriously, though, Curtis Armstrong is one of those underappreciated actors. Not in the "Hey, it's THAT Guy" category (at least not to me,) but I've always liked all the characters he's played in everything I've seen. I am more a TV person than a movie person, so I'm more familiar with his work on Moonlighting (which my parents, brother, and I faithfully watched every week), Supernatural, and The Emperor's New School cartoon (I love me some Kuzco!) Of course, like most people my age, I saw the first two Revenge of the Nerds movies (and rooted for the nerds, being more than a little nerdy myself.) But Curtis is more than just a good actor, he's a humble man who despite some wildness in his younger days (of the cigarettes-drugs-and-sex variety) he always comes across as a gentleman. I'm not sure if it's because of his love of classic books or his classical theatre training, but his intelligence shines through in all that he writes.
The last two entertainers' autobiographies that I read were, I don't know, trying too hard to be funny? So Curtis's book was such a breath of fresh air since it was understated and thoughtful. I am really, REALLY glad that I read this book.
This quote, I think, was the highlight of the book for me. Such truth.
"These days, one of the ways we identify as nerds is by accepting a higher truth--that we don't have to grow out of these things as we grow older. It may be Nancy Drew or Sherlock Holmes, Batman or Pokémon, The Twilight Zone or the Twilight movies: when we bring them along with us on our path, it only enhances the journey. One of the true signs of maturity is realizing that not gracefully surrendering the things of youth actually make us better grown-ups. If more people embraced their inner nerd, the better off everyone would be."
Thank you Curtis Armstrong, for writing this book...I feel like I am a better person for having read it, which is one of the reasons why I read in the first place.
August 26, 2017
With all possible love and respect for one of my favorite character actors, this book didn't do much for me. This is a classic: Your Mileage May Vary situation, though, in that I was not, am not, and will never be particularly interested in the goings-on of Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, or Cybil Shepherd, and those "salacious" sections seem to be what the book largely builds to.
Or rather I suspect they are a sop to readers as instead Armstrong loves to write about his nerd-cred and social-justice bona-fides. Here's the thing: his performances convey that. He's not one of the despicable actors; everything about him is lovable on some level, even when he is obliquely admitting to Hollywood excess taking their toll on his marriage.
The prose is lively and funny. There are moments of deep personal honesty, and his descriptions of the weirdness of working on several of the other (non-Moonlighting) dysfunctional sets are pretty great (shades of With Nails: The Film Diaries of Richard E. Grant, though in fairness to Armstrong, Grant's funnier Willis anecdotes are somewhat further into Bruce's insanity-trajectory), but it feels like the book he really wanted to write isn't a memoir. Let's hope he gets to write that one next.
Or rather I suspect they are a sop to readers as instead Armstrong loves to write about his nerd-cred and social-justice bona-fides. Here's the thing: his performances convey that. He's not one of the despicable actors; everything about him is lovable on some level, even when he is obliquely admitting to Hollywood excess taking their toll on his marriage.
The prose is lively and funny. There are moments of deep personal honesty, and his descriptions of the weirdness of working on several of the other (non-Moonlighting) dysfunctional sets are pretty great (shades of With Nails: The Film Diaries of Richard E. Grant, though in fairness to Armstrong, Grant's funnier Willis anecdotes are somewhat further into Bruce's insanity-trajectory), but it feels like the book he really wanted to write isn't a memoir. Let's hope he gets to write that one next.
March 23, 2018
This was so interesting! Not sure what I expected - should have known that "Booger" was a far, far different character than Mr. Armstrong. Neat backstage stories from "Risky Business, "Revenge of the Nerds," "Moonlighting," and more. After reading this, I would love to meet the author.
July 4, 2017
I like reading bio/autobios and this one caught my eye because I have seen Revenge of the Nerds a few times so knew who Booger was, which was played by Curtis Armstrong.
This is the author's story. He was born in Detroit in the early 1950s. His maternal side is Italian-immigrant working class and his paternal side is American "executive class". As he was growing up, he was aware there was racial and class hostility between the two families. His father was transferred to Switzerland for a few years when Curtis was young and they eventually moved back to Detroit. Curtis became interested in acting and his first love was/is the theatre.
The book starts off with the telling of the author's childhood and then moves on to have a chapter devoted to some of the more well-known things he has done ... movies like Risky Business and Revenge for the Nerds and TV shows such as Moonlighting, Supernatural and The New Girl. It was interesting to get the behind the scenes scoop of his experiences from his point of view. Some of the things he talked about weren't overly complimentary (like how frisky Tom Cruise was during the shooting of Risky Business and the tensions between Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis during Moonlighting) but he did it in an honest and not mean manner.
For the most part, I liked the writing style and found it amusing. I think he'd be fun to have a beer with. I found the book a bit slow in the beginning, though, but thought it picked up with chapter about Revenge of the Nerds and onwards. The focus is on his career and there is very little about his personal life (his wife and famly). As a head's up, there is swearing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/07...
This is the author's story. He was born in Detroit in the early 1950s. His maternal side is Italian-immigrant working class and his paternal side is American "executive class". As he was growing up, he was aware there was racial and class hostility between the two families. His father was transferred to Switzerland for a few years when Curtis was young and they eventually moved back to Detroit. Curtis became interested in acting and his first love was/is the theatre.
The book starts off with the telling of the author's childhood and then moves on to have a chapter devoted to some of the more well-known things he has done ... movies like Risky Business and Revenge for the Nerds and TV shows such as Moonlighting, Supernatural and The New Girl. It was interesting to get the behind the scenes scoop of his experiences from his point of view. Some of the things he talked about weren't overly complimentary (like how frisky Tom Cruise was during the shooting of Risky Business and the tensions between Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis during Moonlighting) but he did it in an honest and not mean manner.
For the most part, I liked the writing style and found it amusing. I think he'd be fun to have a beer with. I found the book a bit slow in the beginning, though, but thought it picked up with chapter about Revenge of the Nerds and onwards. The focus is on his career and there is very little about his personal life (his wife and famly). As a head's up, there is swearing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/07...
December 15, 2018
The cartoon Animaniacs often lampooned Jerry Lewis as a pretentious auteur who could be reduced to his goofy onscreen persona after enough Bugs Bunnyesque torment. That dichotomy - onscreen goofball, offscreen Artiste - is the impression I came away with.
Armstrong, known for some iconic Goofy Friend roles in 80s youth comedies -- Booger in Revenge of the Nerds, Charles Demar in Better Off Dead, Tom Cruise's buddy in Risky Business, the nebbish assistant in Moonlighting -- has an autobiography that reads like a transcript of Inside the Actor's Studio. It's interesting, and there's some backstage dirt, but so much of it reads like "this was all so beneath me." He was a serious student of acting, so serious that he apologized at his acting-school reunion for the myriad lighter roles he'd taken. The response - dude, you've made a consistent living for decades as an actor, what could you be sorry for? - is revealing.
It's not that the biography is bad, it just felt overwritten, like he was desperate to show, "see, I'm not the dummy you see on your screens!" I never thought you were; stop trying so hard. There is a surfeit of interesting material, but he spends a long time before getting to the roles and castmates of greatest interest. Some of the gossip is interesting, or amusing, but some is sad. I had enjoyed the work of "Savage" Steve Holland, and it was heartbreaking to learn how he had been treated by some in the cast of his films.
For an actor in so many fun films and television shows, I'd hoped for a more fun book. The overall tone, sadly, is more somber than I expected. Still interesting, but a bit of a downer.
Armstrong, known for some iconic Goofy Friend roles in 80s youth comedies -- Booger in Revenge of the Nerds, Charles Demar in Better Off Dead, Tom Cruise's buddy in Risky Business, the nebbish assistant in Moonlighting -- has an autobiography that reads like a transcript of Inside the Actor's Studio. It's interesting, and there's some backstage dirt, but so much of it reads like "this was all so beneath me." He was a serious student of acting, so serious that he apologized at his acting-school reunion for the myriad lighter roles he'd taken. The response - dude, you've made a consistent living for decades as an actor, what could you be sorry for? - is revealing.
It's not that the biography is bad, it just felt overwritten, like he was desperate to show, "see, I'm not the dummy you see on your screens!" I never thought you were; stop trying so hard. There is a surfeit of interesting material, but he spends a long time before getting to the roles and castmates of greatest interest. Some of the gossip is interesting, or amusing, but some is sad. I had enjoyed the work of "Savage" Steve Holland, and it was heartbreaking to learn how he had been treated by some in the cast of his films.
For an actor in so many fun films and television shows, I'd hoped for a more fun book. The overall tone, sadly, is more somber than I expected. Still interesting, but a bit of a downer.
June 10, 2019
I really wanted to love this book. I grew up watching Armstrong in Revenge and Moonlighting. Thanks to this book, I am now aware of the myriad of other acting projects I have yet to see him in and I have some watching to catch up on. However, I cannot say I enjoyed this book. I often found myself bored and usually read it in small chunks, putting it down for weeks and months before picking it up again. I finally willed myself to finish reading the last 80 pages on a road trip more than a year after I began it. I found this memoir to be more of diplomatically spoken observations of his very famous co-workers over the years, and aside from the first few chapters and afterword, a lot less of his personal experiences. Of what he said of he personal life, I found it odd he spoke more of his ex-wife, whom he was married to for a short time in his early career, than of his current wife and daughter, who got a quick nod at the end of the book. I was hopeful for some quirky and witty narrative, but instead found myself often confused by his disjointed stories. I still admire him as an actor, but am not eager to read any more of his writings, should he create any in the future.
July 31, 2017
This is one of those rare books that had me laughing one moment and crying the next. The few books I've read that do that for me have, inevitably, become my favorites and hold a special place in my heart. This one is certainly no exception.
Having met Curtis Armstrong, it was easy for me to hear his voice in my head as I read this. (Which should make listening to the audiobook all the more interesting!) Unlike so many other memoirs I've read, which either glorify or tear apart various projects the author was involved in, Curtis was very fair and evenhanded in writing about his experiences throughout his career. I never felt he was blaming anyone for anything; something you really don't find in a memoir. His attitude throughout the book seemed to be, "Okay, here it all is. This is the story of my continuing life. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the patently absurd. All of it in its hysterical glory. So far, it's been one hell of a ride and I plan on it continuing it for quite a bit to come."
I'm glad you do, Curtis. Because I would love to see a sequel.
Having met Curtis Armstrong, it was easy for me to hear his voice in my head as I read this. (Which should make listening to the audiobook all the more interesting!) Unlike so many other memoirs I've read, which either glorify or tear apart various projects the author was involved in, Curtis was very fair and evenhanded in writing about his experiences throughout his career. I never felt he was blaming anyone for anything; something you really don't find in a memoir. His attitude throughout the book seemed to be, "Okay, here it all is. This is the story of my continuing life. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the patently absurd. All of it in its hysterical glory. So far, it's been one hell of a ride and I plan on it continuing it for quite a bit to come."
I'm glad you do, Curtis. Because I would love to see a sequel.
June 13, 2019
So enjoyable! A thoughtful, funny, and interesting memoir. I sped through it, and wanted more. Armstrong is an intelligent and self-aware (without being self-indulgent) writer, who has a handy with with narrative. I can hear his voice and inflections in my head, telling the stories, which makes them even richer.
The Hollywood backstage tales were enjoyable; but I particularly liked the parts about Armstrong's love of books, theater, and music. Actually, I would have liked even more about the music--I know that he wrote the liner notes to a Nilsson CD anthology, and I'd like to know the story behind that. But with a life this rich, I suppose he couldn't cram it ALL in. Maybe in volume 2?
I'm a member of the P.G. Wodehouse Society (as is Armstrong, although I don't know him--I only met him in passing, at a convention, but now I wish I'd talked more with him). So I loved that he peppered the book with quotes and references to Wodehouse.
A good read! He feels like a kindred spirit.
The Hollywood backstage tales were enjoyable; but I particularly liked the parts about Armstrong's love of books, theater, and music. Actually, I would have liked even more about the music--I know that he wrote the liner notes to a Nilsson CD anthology, and I'd like to know the story behind that. But with a life this rich, I suppose he couldn't cram it ALL in. Maybe in volume 2?
I'm a member of the P.G. Wodehouse Society (as is Armstrong, although I don't know him--I only met him in passing, at a convention, but now I wish I'd talked more with him). So I loved that he peppered the book with quotes and references to Wodehouse.
A good read! He feels like a kindred spirit.
April 10, 2018
Children of the 1980s are very familiar with Curtis Armstrong and his role in comedy movies and a stint on TV's "Moonlighting". Who could forget the memorable Booger from "Revenge of the Nerds"? Of course, his memoir includes plenty of humorous anecdotes and memories from those days. But it shows a side of the talented actor that many fans haven't seen before.
The classically trained actor, who spent part of his childhood in Europe, was used to performing Shakespeare and well-known plays by renowned authors. So when he got the call to portray a nose-picking outcast, he understandably hesitated. But the rent has to be paid, and the rest is history. I'm so glad he took the plunge.
I enjoyed reading about his interesting life, and getting some background on those roles he portrayed so well. I also liked reading about a person who is always looking to continue learning new things.
The classically trained actor, who spent part of his childhood in Europe, was used to performing Shakespeare and well-known plays by renowned authors. So when he got the call to portray a nose-picking outcast, he understandably hesitated. But the rent has to be paid, and the rest is history. I'm so glad he took the plunge.
I enjoyed reading about his interesting life, and getting some background on those roles he portrayed so well. I also liked reading about a person who is always looking to continue learning new things.
June 12, 2018
This is an entertaining (if breezy) memoir by one of the great character actors of the 80s. Armstrong is thoughtful and literate, with prose and recollections that kept me turning the pages.
However, I was left feeling not quite satisfied. Armstrong starred in One Crazy Summer, Better Off Dead and Revenge of the Nerds, three classic 80s films that I have a deep fondness for. While he tells some great insider stories and a little bit of behind the scenes with the likes of John Cusack, Demi Moore and others, it just wasn’t as insider-y as I hoped. Maybe it’s because he deployed discretion and avoided the salacious tell-all approach, but these cult films deserve more time and treatment, and I was hoping the author would be able to deliver. Unfortunately, that doesn’t quite happen in the course of the books.
It’s a fun and solid read but I can’t fully recommend it to anyone but the most diehard fans of these cult classics.
However, I was left feeling not quite satisfied. Armstrong starred in One Crazy Summer, Better Off Dead and Revenge of the Nerds, three classic 80s films that I have a deep fondness for. While he tells some great insider stories and a little bit of behind the scenes with the likes of John Cusack, Demi Moore and others, it just wasn’t as insider-y as I hoped. Maybe it’s because he deployed discretion and avoided the salacious tell-all approach, but these cult films deserve more time and treatment, and I was hoping the author would be able to deliver. Unfortunately, that doesn’t quite happen in the course of the books.
It’s a fun and solid read but I can’t fully recommend it to anyone but the most diehard fans of these cult classics.
June 27, 2018
I loved the peek at the insides of some of my favorite movies and shows (and one show I never did like for the on-air bickering) - but mostly, I loved this book for the glimpse into the real Curtis. Although the details differ, many aspects of his life are relatable (family moving around, never fitting in, a passion for things considered "nerdy") so the building blocks of what built Curtis are similar to what builds many nerds. He sees and reveals even painful memories with gentle humor. His eloquence is delicious and the inflection and spirit in his reading made the chapters fly by. It's raised the bar for how memoirs should be done. Any fan of his work will enjoy this book!
As this is as good a place as any - also thank you, Curtis, for being a groovy human. I started following Curtis on Twitter when King of the Nerds was airing, and the nurturing relationships with the kids were sweet to see.
As this is as good a place as any - also thank you, Curtis, for being a groovy human. I started following Curtis on Twitter when King of the Nerds was airing, and the nurturing relationships with the kids were sweet to see.
August 7, 2017
You might wonder what could be so interesting in the memoir of a C-list actor whose most famous roles were thirty years in the past. If so, too bad for you, because this book is a delight. I first decided to pick it up after reading an excerpt about "Risky Business" that was on The Hollywood Reporter. Armstrong straddles the line between dishy gossip and respectful reminiscence, telling behind-the-scenes tales of the aforementioned Tom Cruise breakout role, "Revenge of the Nerds" (the John Goodman story is worth it alone), "Moonlighting," and more.
My quibbles are few: some factual errors (It's Eddie Deezen, not "Eddie Desey;" Tom Villard was on "We Got it Made," not "Bosom Buddies."), too many names of unknowns listed in the beginning. But Armstrong is a great storyteller, and it was a fun way to spend a little time.
My quibbles are few: some factual errors (It's Eddie Deezen, not "Eddie Desey;" Tom Villard was on "We Got it Made," not "Bosom Buddies."), too many names of unknowns listed in the beginning. But Armstrong is a great storyteller, and it was a fun way to spend a little time.
August 19, 2017
Always been a fan of Charles DeMar and Booger, so I found this book highly enjoyable and fun to read. It was great to read about the behind the scenes goings on of movies like Risky Business, One Crazy Summer, Better Off Dead and Revenge Of The Nerds, Armstrong even gives you a strong understanding of where he came from to get to being a career actor in Hollywood. I wanted to give the book 5 stars, but I couldn't largely because of the political tones he takes at times in the book. In an era of tolerance, he seems to want to vilify, at times, those who have differing opinions than he does. But even with that being said, I still loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the biography of a character named Booger.
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