There I Go Again: How I Came to Be Mr. Feeny, John Adams, Dr. Craig, KITT, and Many Others (2017) - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books (March 1,
2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1612348521
ISBN-13: 978-1612348520
Click Link for Purchase Information
William Daniels is an enigma—a rare chameleon who has enjoyed massive success both in Hollywood and on Broadway and been embraced by fans of successive generations. Few of his peers inspire the fervor with which buffs celebrate his most iconic roles, among them George Feeny in Boy Meets World, KITT in Knight Rider, Dr. Mark Craig in St. Elsewhere, and John Adams in the play and film 1776.
Daniels guides readers through some of Hollywood’s most cherished productions, offering recollections of entertainment legends including Lauren Bacall, Warren Beatty, Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Mike Nichols, Jason Robards, Barbra Streisand, and many more.
Looking back on his seventy-five-plus-year career, Daniels realizes that although he never had the courage to say “no” to being an actor, he backed into stardom. With his wife, actress Bonnie Bartlett, by his side, he came to realize that he wound up exactly where he was supposed to be: on the screen and stage.”
John Adams, Dr. Mark Craig, KITT, Mr. Feeny – all of these have one person in common – an extraordinary and talented actor by the name of William Daniels.
Whether you are a theater buff, movie fan, or someone who watches television – you probably know his voice and perhaps his name. But, few people know the man behind the voices and characters and how he landed the iconic roles some of us know him for.
Originally written out in his own handwriting, on yellow legal pads, Daniels chronicles his life leading up to the key roles that have distinguished his career.
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| [William Daniels' Autobiography] |
Often self-deprecating;
but filled with a humble honesty; Daniels chronicles his life from his
childhood in show-business to his time in the Army, his marriage to actress
Bonnie Bartlett and their family, to his time in theater before his roles in
film then television. He also tells of his two years as president of the Screen
Actors Guild (SAG).
If you’re looking for
“dirt” on others he has acted with – you won’t find it. This isn’t a scathing,
revealing “tell-all”. If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at the roles
of John Adams, Dr. Mark Craig, KITT, and Mr. Feeny – you won’t find that
either. Though there are some stories he has included in this memoir, and the
most touching is the “goodbye” scene from Boy Meets World.
As much as I wanted to
hear about John Adams (which my mom gives high accolades to) and even more
about the role of KITT (that’s what I know him as), it’s vitally important to
remember that Daniels is greater than the roles he has played. Daniels deserves
his entire story (and life) told.
In this book, you will
find a man who has had a remarkable career in each medium – theater, film, and
television. A man, who didn’t want to be an actor, but came to gradual
acceptance of it and didn’t just perform, but excelled.
A man who often said
“no”, only to find that a reluctant acceptance to the role brought not only
great success, but accolades and praise over 30-40+ years after the
performance.
Daniels’ story is one of
remarkable fortitude as well as persistence. And, despite some thinking he
isn’t a success – his marriage, his family, his longevity – prove otherwise.
His story proves that one doesn’t have to have a blockbuster movie or mega-star
status to be “successful”, but small roles can make a difference in the success
of a story as well as life. He also teaches us that sometimes, even if
accidentally, we end up where we’re supposed to be in life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
William Daniels is an actor and former
president of the Screen Actors Guild. He won two Emmy Awards for his role as
Dr. Mark Craig in St. Elsewhere and reprises his role as Mr.
Feeny in the Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World, the
sequel series to Boy Meets World.
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