Under Running Laughter

by Dean Jones

An autobiography by Dean Jones, Dean recounts his journey from hedonistic actor to fulfillment in a relationship with God.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, American

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up on a lot of old live-action Disney movies and I always liked Dean Jones movies. Since my early 20's, I've been collecting books that those films were based on. While I tend to shy away from actor Biographies (usually it makes me not want to watch their movies), I was excited to read this one.
Dean Jones went through a lot of dark stuff in his life as well as lived a very sinful, self-centered lifestyle. I liked how Jones didn't delve into a lot of detail but made it clear what he had done wrong.

Now, with that said, some of the theology was off. Dean Jones ended up in a charismatic church. While I do believe that spiritual gifts such as speaking in tungs, healing and prophesy still exist today (even though I have never personally experienced them); I have an issue with a lot of the theology of charismatic churches. I especially hate it when I see people getting discouraged because they don't get their result they want and blame it on a lack of faith.

[Jennifer Mcfarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband is a volunteer with the Reno Film Festival, which in 2008 had invited Dean Jones and his wife Lory Basham Jones to come and receive an award and speak about some of his film work. We were interested in finding out more about Dean, so we read this autobiography, and we loved it! Dean recounts his journey from hedonistic actor to fulfillment in a relationship with God. When we met Dean and Lory in person, we found them to be friendly, generous, and authentic. We spent a wonderful weekend interacting with them at the Film Festival, and when they left Reno, we missed them as new-found friends. Since most people will not have an opportunity to meet Dean and his wife, we highly recommend this book as a way to get to know the man, the actor, and the Christian brother.

[Rebecca van den Ham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and well-written story of his journey to salvation. Interesting, too, since the church he ends up in is very different from my experience.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never knew the depth of despair this comedic actor's despair. I'm glad that he reached out to the One who could heal him and that we'll meet in Heaven.