SUB-LEBRITY *The Queer Life of a Show-Biz Footnote

by Leon Acord

"Vividly written... a superb memoir of a life well lived" David-Elijah Nahmod, Bay Area Reporter A droll, oddly inspirational memoir from the actor Breitbart called "a gay leftist activist," SUB-LEBRITY by Leon Acord ( Old Dogs & New Tricks ) is an honest, sometimes bitchy but always sincere story about growing up (very) gay in rural Indiana, achieving acting success outside the closet, and generating headlines with his very-public smackdown with Trump-loving Susan Olsen (Cindy, The Brady Bunch ). “A life in the arts is richly rewarding, even if it doesn't reward one with riches.” From Indiana farm boy to San Francisco queer-theatre veteran ... From creator/star of the seminal gay web TV series Old Dogs & New Tricks to his infamous role as Cindy Brady's political arch-enemy ... Leon Acord's story, told in his singular, cheeky voice, is “like any other Hollywood memoir...the only difference is, I'm not famous!” With photos & stories from dozens of film & theatre roles, plus tales of bad auditions and a sampling of his hate mail, you'll learn exactly why Acord never became a star!

378 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2020

About the author

Leon Acord isn't a household name — but he’s an award-winning actor/writer who's carved out a career on his own terms. He’s balanced theater, indie film, writing & personal authenticity — and he’s written candidly about his journey. He created, wrote & starred as "Nathan Adler" in the streaming TV series Old Dogs & New Tricks (2011-2016) on Tubi & Amazon Prime. Leon has appeared in numerous film and theatrical productions, including portraying Quentin Crisp in Los Angeles and San Francisco productions of Jeffrey Hartgraves' stage hit Carved in Stone, and in West Coast premieres of Message to Michael, Last Sunday in June, Dreamboy, and Thief River at New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco. In LA, he's appeared in world premieres of the plays Scheme of Things and Salsa Saved the Girls, and twice played the Ghost of Jacob Marley in gay apparel: A Christmas Carol. He's appeared in feature films Open, Final Remains, Hot Guys with Guns, and Some Prefer Cake (to name a few), and in dozens of short films, including film-fest favs Deer Season, Foucault WHO?, and aWake. His 2023 book, Expletives Not Deleted, is available in paperback & e-book on Amazon. His memoir SUB-LEBRITY: The Queer Life of a Show-Biz Footnote (2020) was a five-star Amazon bestseller. He wrote his one-man show Last Sunday in June (1997) and co-authored the 2014 play Setting the Record Gay. He was a Back Stage "Take Five" columnist throughout 2009, and a former contributor to Huffington Post. He's written for San Francisco Examiner, WeHo News, the journal Human Prospect, and an upcoming essay collection Patricia Nell Warren and 'The Front Runner': 50 Years Later. He currently lives in West LA with husband Laurence Whiting & their cat Toby.

Reviews

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! Coming from Indiana myself, but moving across the pond to the UK, I was able to relate to so much in this book. I loved the layout, the stories, the gritty details, the blend of cheek and the pure will to succeed.

Overall, it puts the life of anyone of a minority, to story as it shares the trials endured, just to try and succeed. Seeing the facts, all laid, with details and memorabilia really brought it to life.

I found the read was exciting and really kept the pages turning for me. I knew I would likely enjoy it, but I didn’t expect I would fully fall in love with Leon’s story. It is written well and made for a very enjoyable story to live. I highly recommend this book!

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy stories about Hollywood, and this was no exception. A (mostly) fun/funny and quick read. Really enjoyed it, full review to come.
++++++++++++++++

You can find my full review here:
http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.bl...

[Jeanne Felfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that the creator of the hilarious series Old Dogs New Tricks had written a memoir, I had to get it. It's weird that an over 60 cis female would be interested in either the series or the book. However, I was inexplicably drawn to both. Full disclosure...I met Leon at a wedding several years ago...I mean like for 10 seconds. But he instantly reminded me of my older gay cousin who introduced me to what "gay" meant in a fun way back in the 70s. Sadly, I lost my cousin to Aids long ago, but when I met Leon I was transported back to 1970(ish) and was able to imagine my cousin all grown up and living in a world that now accepted gay men in a way he didn't get to enjoy. Leon has the same goofy, funny vibe.

All that said, on to my thoughts on the book. I read this one slowly, over the course of weeks (since I was also finishing writing my second novel and that had most of my focus). Savored is a more accurate word than read, because this story is so full of tender and hilarious moments that one should linger and fully enjoy it. As a non-Hollywood person (except vicariously through a relative) it was cool to get some dish on the inside workings of this world that is fascinating and strange and something no outsider could ever possibly understand. Well, Leon made me feel like I was on the journey with him. As a fellow author, I can't even imagine doing what he's done to live that life of his dreams, although I'd love to see some of my work on the screen.

Buy it. Read it. Love it.

[Terry Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Amanda Gari for recommending this book. I just finished reading this book and feel like I have found a new friend! Leon Acord is so inspiring and after everything he went through, he persisted and is still doing what he loves. 'SUB-LEBRITY" is honestly one of the best things I have read in recent memory and I believe every reader will be riveted by Leon's story, his passion, and determination. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down! You will also learn to appreciate footnotes. :)

Leon was able to wordsmith so many feelings, making them come alive with his visualizations. A great picture of behind the scenes of theater, acting, Hollywood and most importantly, the POV of gay person's lifelong fight for equality, love, and acceptance! We have so much work to do, but with beautiful souls like Leon and his husband, Laurence, we'll get there so much sooner!

You will laugh (a lot) and you will cry (I did twice throughout) but it is so captivating and well-written, you will genuinely be disappointed when you finish reading it, only because there is no more and you do not know what you will do without this book. It is like you just lost a friend.

Well, I have to go binge-watch 'Old Dogs & New Tricks' and anxiously wait until Leon releases another book! Or maybe I will re-read this wonderful book? What an excellent idea! :)

[Nigel David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actor, producer, director and writer Leon Acord may not be 'famous' but during his four decades in the profession he has had successes which many others might envy. He can now add 'author' to his resume. I loved reading this book. It is honest, funny, touching and ultimately life enhancing. Leon has managed to navigate those decades in the profession of acting (which can be very challenging in many ways) while keeping his soul intact!

[Josetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally made it through the book! I liked it -- I just read slowly (and pretty much act it out in my head) and usually 5-6 books at a time. Full disclosure: I have been a fan of Leon's for quite a while. (Have we ever actually met?? I'm really not sure, but it seems so. My memory of such things is pretty bad. Ask Erik.) Yes, we also have at least one mutual friend.

I rather enjoyed the writing as much as the stories, like having a conversation with a loquacious friend. I relate to his midwestern youth watching Bewitched and Carol Burnett, as well as his early Big City naivete. Now, of course, he's a Hollywood actor!

While reading the chapters on Old Dog & New Tricks, I was compelled to rewatch. I had forgotten so much of that. It was fun getting to hear the stories of the actors apart from their roles. Brad, anyone?? I am still processing that one.

I really cannot write reviews. I am always left with "impressions" rather than details. I often say, "Yes, I read that book and I liked it, but I could read it again today because I've forgotten it." (Same with films.) I can say that if you want a fun read about some people you might know, even vicariously, a.k.a. the Cindy Brady brat, and some insight on what it's like for the working actors who aren't quite celebrities, this is a good place to go.