My Pride: Mastering Life's Daily Performance (Broadway's Record-Breaking Lion King)

by Alton Fitzgerald White

Drawing on his own life and career and the rich lore of The Lion King , Alton Fitzgerald White, Broadway's longest running "King," delivers his message of service -- taking responsibility for and deriving happiness from commonplace achievements -- as a philosophy that anyone can get through each day with satisfaction, pride and a sense of accomplishment.



If you've ever wondered how an actor can perform the same role hundreds of times without burning out, in White's book you'll meet someone who does it for thousands more with unbated joy and renewal of purpose. From his life experience, White has learned the secret of tapping his inner resources to meet the challenge of routine and repetition in work and relationships.




Searching for that perfect gift for the Broadway fan in your life? Explore more from Disney

Genres: Memoir

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2017

Reviews

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of watching Alton Fitzgerald White and Ashley Brown perform together for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series at the 2025 Festival of the Arts in Epcot back in January. Since that time I have been wanting to listen to his autobiography and was thrilled to revisit him, and his story, at this point in the year where I have been going through some major changes myself (i.e. a job change). Alton’s story, and his gratitude throughout, was nothing short of inspirational. Cannot wait to add his Disney My Way album into my Spotify rotation too!!

[Megan Deppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really fascinating to read about the life of such a powerful voice, and I'm really disappointed that I missed him as Mufasa (by ten months, no less). But even more interesting is how you can take his lessons from the stage and apply them to almost any career, as well as take his advice in how to live your life so that you are getting everything out of it that you possibly could want. His writing voice is as strong as his singing voice and I'm glad that I could learn from him.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Alton Fitzgerald White speak at the Educational Theater Association conference in Denver this year. When I heard that he narrated his book on Audible, I knew that I would have to listen.

I really enjoyed this book. I spoke to me on many levels.

I definitely plan on recommending this book to all of the high school age actors that I teach. In fact, I might want to use it in my acting class.

[David Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I think it is an informational book about a path to Broadway. But more than that, he provides lots of advice on how to live a great life. I loved the book.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why even watch the 2019 Lion King when you can read this? Better yet, listen to his melodious voice on audiobook!

[Dawn E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Highlights the tenacity of walking your path and staying in energetic alignment with the life you know you're supposed to live and deserve. Bravo Alton! Bravo!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a journey he’s had! I’ll have to find my Lion King playbill from 2013 and see if he performed when I saw the show.

[Phillip Wallens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a perfect read for me this summer. I’m not one to finish a book let alone within a season, but this book I could not put down. Mr. Alton brings us on his journey overcoming childhood, racial, and professional adversities to becoming a prominent stage actor. His accomplishment among many others has been Broadway’s “Lion King’s” longest-reigning Mufasa. This is not just a regular autobiography but is meant as a guide for living with gratitude everyday in our lives. Each chapter focuses the reader toward taking count of the opportunities in their life: taken, missed, and awaiting. Even though artists will be more than familiar with the challenges, opportunities, and decisions made by White, every person, no matter what your life ambitions are can take something away from and be inspired by reading this book.

[Gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, the most interesting aspect of this book was learning the inner workings of an actors life on Broadway, rather than really gaining inspiration or life help, although there was definitely some of that. I don’t have much to say about this book really, it was an easy read by an author who you could tell hadn’t written before, and while some advice seemed standard and nothing new, there were occasionally quotes that I felt were especially enlightening. I would definitely recommend this book to Broadway fans though, as it shared some details of an actors experience working with the business side of Broadway, rather than just performing, which is a neat perspective not often seen.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a while, but by the middle of the book I was totally hooked! I loved hearing about growing up as a performer. I also loved the look into the world of Broadway. It was fascinating to hear about the fluidity of roles and shows. It was an extra treat that the book is read by the author himself!