In the Volume: My Life in Film and TV

by Alex Hyde-White

London born author Alex Hyde-White's English father named him Punch, hoping it would be lucky, and he started his life as a precocious son of a rather famous actor. In In the Volume, actor Hyde-White shares his story from Hollywood's front lines, which spans more than four decades of the most transformational period in film and television history. This memoir chronicles Hyde-White's early life growing up in England; moving to Palm Springs in the 1960's; graduating from high school at sixteen; getting started in Hollywood; working as a cab driver, bartender, waiter, and ski shop clerk while looking for acting gigs; playing his first part in a movie as the photographer in The Toy; and more, acting in some huge box office hits. In the Volume reveals Hyde-White's journey, at times majestic, magical, wondrous, and fulfilling. These intimate tales of triumph and failure offer both caution and inspiration.

404 pages, Paperback

Published September 29, 2022

About the author

London born, raised in SoCal in Palm Springs. PSHS Alum lettered in baseball, tennis and golf. Attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC for a year when he was 16. Became contract player at Universal Studios, as part of the last group to be under the long-term Hollywood contract. Played Broadway when he was 23. Starred in first film at the age of 25. Highlights of tv career include playing a US Olympic middle-distance runner in the recreation of the First Olympics: Athens 1896, playing Navy flyer aboard the USS JFK, playing Custer, Burnside. Worked with the great Spielberg three times, Garry Marshall, Elaine May, Richard Donner, Delbert Mann, J. Lee Thompson are memorable directors. Played scenes with Beatty, Walken, Hoffman, Gere, Julia Roberts, Virginia Madsen, Peter Cushing, Roddy McDowell, Kate Mulgrew. First son born when he was 31, second son born when he was 42. Played on the Celebrity Players Golf Tour from 1998 until 2006. Produced two films, including personal opus "Three Days (of Hamlet)". Has become an in demand Narrator of Audiobooks, and with his dual cultural UK/US heritage is equally comfortable with American and British accents, voices and characters. Founder/Owner of Punch Audio.

Reviews

[Albert Vroomen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting views of the movie industry and cinematic history from a personal point of view through the eyes of Alex Hyde-White, known as "Punch"

[Marianne Pestana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Volume: My Life in Film and TV by Alex Hyde-White delivers a heartfelt and candid memoir that captures the spirit of Hollywood through his unique lens. He begins with his early life in England and Palm Springs, setting the stage for a journey shaped by both privilege and persistence. His stories of working odd jobs while chasing acting roles highlight the grit behind the glamour. Readers gain insider insight into the making of films like The Toy and other box office hits, all told with humor and humility. Hyde-White reflects on the legacy of his famous father while carving out his own path, exploring the tension between expectation and independence. The memoir balances tales of triumph with lessons learned from setbacks, making it both relatable and inspiring. Above all, his narrative shines as a tribute to resilience, creativity, and the enduring love of storytelling that defines a life in film and television.

[Justin Soderberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Alex Hyde-White outside the fact that he played Mr. Fantastic in the unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four movie, but after reading In The Volume we discovered so much more about the longtime actor.

London born author Alex Hyde-White's English father named him Punch, hoping it would be lucky, and he started his life as a precocious son of a rather famous actor. In In the Volume, actor Hyde-White shares his story from Hollywood's front lines, which spans more than four decades of the most transformational period in film and television history. This memoir chronicles Hyde-White's early life growing up in England; moving to Palm Springs in the 1960's; graduating from high school at sixteen; getting started in Hollywood; working as a cab driver, bartender, waiter, and ski shop clerk while looking for acting gigs; playing his first part in a movie as the photographer in The Toy; and more, acting in some huge box office hits.

In the Volume reveals Hyde-White's journey, at times majestic, magical, wondrous, and fulfilling. These intimate tales of triumph and failure offer both caution and inspiration.

Alex Hyde-White's memoir is filled with intimate tales of both triumph and failure that offer readers a candid look at the highs and lows of life in Hollywood. From starring in hits to facing rejection and disappointment, Hyde-White's story is one of perseverance and dedication to his craft. His experiences serve as both cautionary tales and sources of inspiration for aspiring actors and entertainment industry professionals.

One of the most striking aspects of In the Volume is Hyde-White's ability to eloquently share his personal journey with readers. His writing is engaging, heartfelt, and filled with humor and insight into the inner workings of Hollywood. Whether recounting moments of joy on set or sharing stories of struggle behind the scenes, Hyde-White's memoir is a captivating read that offers a rare glimpse into the world of show business.

Alex Hyde-White's memoir In the Volume is a great read for those wanting to know more about Mr. Fantastic and his journey to Hollywood. However, this book is not going to be for everyone.