Reel Lives: My Obsession with Hollywood Memoirs

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had my head buried in a book. My mother loves to tell people that when I was a kid, any time we went shopping, I’d skip right past the candy aisle and go straight for the books. No toys, no chocolate — just give me a good story and I was happy. So it’s no surprise that, as an adult, I’ve built up a massive collection of books — especially Hollywood memoirs. I can’t get enough of them!

There’s just something so irresistible about diving into the real lives of stars (and other people in the entertainment industry) — the triumphs, the heartbreaks, the comebacks, and the chaos. From Golden Age legends like Lee Grant to 1980s heartthrobs like Andrew McCarthy, from the ultimate character actor Paul Dooley to the ever-scandalous Charlie Sheen and the diva of all divas, Barbra Streisand — these stories have it all. Drama, adventure, glamour, and plenty of heroes (and villains) to root for.

In honor of my recent interview with Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts — whose newly released memoir Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far I absolutely devoured — I’ve put together a fun list of Hollywood memoirs that I’ve loved, plus a few that are still on my “must-read” list for you to consider for your own memoir collection. Afterwards you can hear my full conversation with Eric in Episodes 143 and 144 of Hollywood Obsessed podcast— trust me, it’s a good one.

So, this holiday season, skip the socks and scented candles. Instead, treat the movie lover in your life (or yourself!) to one of these must-read Hollywood memoirs — and prepare to become as memoir obsessed as I am.

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RUNAWAY TRAIN OR, THE STORY OF MY LIFE SO FAR — ERIC ROBERTS

Back in the early 1980s, Eric Roberts was Hollywood’s ultimate rising star—a dangerously handsome, fiercely talented actor with that irresistible bad boy energy. Women swooned, men envied him, and critics hailed him as one of the most promising leading men of his generation.

So when I discovered he’d written a memoir — co-authored with Vanity Fair’s Sam Kashner — I knew I had to get my hands on it. I tore through Runaway Train or, The Story of My Life So Far in just a few weeks, completely hooked. The book is everything you’d hope for from Eric: raw, funny, fearless, and brutally honest, packed with wild behind-the-scenes stories and thoughtful reflections from his 40-year rollercoaster of a career.

And of course, after finishing the book, I knew there was only one thing left to do — get him on my podcast! Our conversation was pure gold: fun, fast, emotional, and full of jaw-dropping Hollywood tales. Honestly, it blew my mind.

Listen to our unforgettable chat HERE

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DAMN GLAD TO MEET YOU — TIM MATHESON

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Tim Matheson on screen. He was the smooth-talking, impossibly charming ladies’ man Eric “Otter” Stratton, rush chairman of the infamous Delta Tau Chi fraternity in the classic 1978 comedy Animal House. That unforgettable grin, that effortless confidence—and, of course, that legendary line: “Damn glad to meet you.” (Fun fact: the role was originally offered to Chevy Chase. Lucky for us, he passed!)

Now, decades later, Matheson brings that same irresistible charm to his new memoir, Damn Glad to Meet You—and it’s one of the most entertaining reads of the year. Over the course of his incredible seven-decade career, Tim has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved and versatile talents. In his debut memoir, he takes readers behind the scenes of his fascinating journey, sharing stories about learning from and working alongside legends like Lucille Ball, Dick Van Dyke, Steven Spielberg, and Aaron Sorkin.

Matheson also opens up about his seamless shift from acting to directing, his unforgettable run on The West Wing (which earned him two Emmy nominations!), and the countless lessons he’s picked up along the way. It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of classic Hollywood magic.

I absolutely loved it—and now I’m on a mission to get Tim on Hollywood Obsessed Podcast to talk about his amazing life and career. Here’s hoping I get to say it to him myself: “Damn glad to meet you, Tim!”

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MOVIE DAD: FINDING MYSELF AND MY FAMILY ON SCREEN AND OFF — PAUL DOOLEY

You might not know his name—but I guarantee you know his face. And after reading his wonderfully entertaining memoir, you’ll never forget him. Beloved character actor Paul Dooley has one of those instantly recognizable “movie dad” faces. He’s played the father in classics like Sixteen Candles, Breaking Away, and Runaway Bride, and has spent over sixty-five years lighting up screens big and small in movies, TV shows, commercials, and stage productions.

In his 2022 memoir, Movie Dad: Finding Myself and My Family On Screen and Off, Dooley pulls back the curtain on the real man behind those familiar fatherly roles. Before becoming Hollywood’s go-to dad for stars like Julia Roberts, Molly Ringwald, Toni Collette, and Mia Farrow, Dooley faced profound personal struggles—including a painful family crisis that nearly derailed his life. Through humor, heartbreak, and resilience, he found his way back, transforming those experiences into the very qualities that made him such a believable on-screen father.

The book brims with hilarious and touching anecdotes from every corner of his remarkable career—from his days as a writer on The Electric Company to the staggering 640 commercials he filmed (which explains why he’s so friggin recognizable!). It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of Hollywood history.

Needless to say, Paul Dooley is now high on my wish list of future podcast guests. Fingers crossed he says yes—because this Movie Dad has one hell of a story to tell.

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I SAID YES TO EVERYTHING — LEE GRANT

Oscar-winning actress, documentarian, and director Lee Grant is nothing short of a Hollywood legend. From her powerful screen debut in the 1951 noir Detective Story to her unforgettable turn as Mrs. Colbert in In the Heat of the Night, she’s delivered one incredible performance after another. Whether she was dazzling audiences in Valley of the Dolls, showing off her comedic chops in Plaza Suite, winning an Oscar for Shampoo, or breaking hearts in Voyage of the Damned, Grant has done it all—and then some. (Airport ’77, Damien: Omen II... the list of hits goes on and on!)

So when I picked up her 2014 memoir, I Said Yes to Everything, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a fascinating, funny, and deeply moving look at a woman who’s lived several lives in one. Grant writes candidly about her meteoric rise as a Broadway star and Vogue “It Girl,” her early Oscar nomination at just 24, and the devastating years she spent blacklisted in Hollywood—only to fight her way back and emerge stronger than ever.

And here’s the best part: I actually had the privilege of meeting Lee Grant last year at a screening of her 1980 directorial debut, Tell Me a Riddle, in the Village. She was gracious, sharp, and utterly magnetic at 100 years young—and yes, she signed my copy of her magnificent memoir. If you want to read a real Hollywood story, do yourself a favor and grab a copy on eBay or Amazon today. Trust me, you’ll be saying yes to every page.

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BRAT: AN 80’S STORY — ANDREW McCARTHY

As a kid growing up in the ’80s, I was obsessed with the Brat Pack—Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, and of course, Andrew McCarthy. They were the coolest stars in Hollywood, the young icons everyone in my high school wanted to be. So when I discovered that Andrew had written his 2021 memoir, Brat: An ’80s Story, I couldn’t wait to dive in—and it did not disappoint.

McCarthy takes readers behind the scenes of his most beloved films—Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire, Weekend at Bernie’s, and Less Than Zero—while revealing the emotional and often turbulent reality behind the fame. It’s an honest, beautifully written reflection on innocence lost, sudden stardom, and self-discovery. What makes the book especially compelling is McCarthy’s insight as both a writer and director, offering a thoughtful look back at the whirlwind days of the ’80s through wiser, more introspective eyes.

The memoir also inspired the Hulu documentary Brats, which McCarthy directed himself—a fascinating look at the Brat Pack phenomenon and how it shaped (and haunted) its stars. I even had the chance to meet Andrew at a screening of the film and get my copy of Brat signed! Now, I’m just hoping to get him on Hollywood Obsessed soon—because trust me, he’s got stories.

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DIRECTED BY JAMES BURROWS: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More — JAMES BURROWS

If you’re a TV lover—especially a fan of sitcoms—then James Burrows’ 2022 memoir, Directed by James Burrows, is nothing short of the holy grail of behind-the-scenes books. Burrows, the genius who made America laugh for decades through The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, and Will & Grace, shares a treasure trove of never-before-told stories about casting, chemistry, and the creative chaos that turned these shows into television gold.

Throughout the book, Burrows reflects on his five-decade career with humor, humility, and wisdom—offering candid insights into his biggest triumphs, his toughest challenges, and the countless lessons he’s learned along the way. He also dishes on what it was like to help launch the careers of stars like Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Aniston, Debra Messing, and Melissa McCarthy, to name just a few.

Fun fact: Burrows has directed over 1,000 episodes of television and more than 75 pilots that went to series—more than any other director in history! After reading his fantastic memoir cover to cover, my appreciation for his shows (and his genius touch) grew even stronger. If you love great TV and want to know how the magic really happens, this book is an absolute must-read.

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DESPERATELY SEEKING SOMETHING — SUSAN SEIDELMAN

Another blast from the past! If there’s one film from the 1980s that defined cool for me, it’s Desperately Seeking Susan—Madonna’s first movie, directed by the fabulously fearless Susan Seidelman. So when I saw she had written her memoir, Desperately Seeking Something, I ran to the bookstore and dove right in.

This witty, sharp, and inspiring memoir captures the journey of one of the most trailblazing female directors of the ’80s and ’90s. Seidelman takes readers behind the camera on her fearless punk debut Smithereens—the first American indie film ever to compete at Cannes—and the smash hit Desperately Seeking Susan, which launched her four-decade career in film and television. She shares stories from an incredible body of work that includes She-Devil, Gaudi Afternoon, Boynton Beach Club, Musical Chairs, The Hot Flashes, and even the pilot episode of Sex and the City!

Seidelman’s voice is as bold and entertaining as the films she creates. I absolutely loved this memoir—and I’m thrilled to share that I reached out to her, and she agreed to be a guest on my podcast Hollywood Obsessed! Stay tuned—our fascinating two-part conversation will be dropping soon, and trust me, it’s well worth the wait.

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VAGABOND — TIM CURRY

I have to admit—I haven’t read this memoir yet, so I can’t review it just now. But if Vagabond is anywhere near as brilliant, colorful, and unpredictable as its subject, then it’s bound to be one hell of a read!

Over the past five decades, Tim Curry has built one of the most iconic and versatile careers in entertainment. From his electrifying breakout as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to his unforgettable turns as Rooster Hannigan in Annie, Wadsworth in Clue, and the terrifying Pennywise in It, Curry has redefined what it means to be a true “character actor.” Onstage, he’s earned three Tony nominations and two Laurence Olivier nods for performances that blend wit, charisma, and sheer theatrical brilliance—including his Tony-nominated portrayal of King Arthur in Spamalot on Broadway and the West End.

Curry’s range doesn’t stop there—he’s also a celebrated voice actor (winning an Emmy for Peter Pan & the Pirates and voicing fan favorites like Sir Nigel Thornberry in The Wild Thornberrys and Darth Sidious in Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and a talented musician with three rock-infused albums to his name. If this memoir dives into even half of his incredible adventures on stage, screen, and beyond, I can’t wait to devour every page!

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THE BOOK OF SHEEN — CHARLIE SHEEN

After decades of wild headlines and tabloid mayhem, you’d think there’d be nothing left to say about Hollywood’s ultimate bad boy, Charlie Sheen. But apparently, you’d be wrong! I haven’t had a chance to read his newly released memoir The Book of Sheen yet—but from what I’ve heard, it’s one jaw-dropping revelation after another.

The son of legendary actor Martin Sheen and brother of Brat Pack alum Emilio Estevez, Charlie carved his own path to fame in the 1980s with standout performances in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Platoon, and Wall Street. He later conquered television with hit shows like Spin City and Two and a Half Men, becoming one of the highest-paid actors in TV history—until his very public downfall in 2011. Through battles with addiction, controversial outbursts, and his eventual HIV diagnosis in 2015, Sheen’s life has been as dramatic off-screen as any Hollywood script.

Now sober and self-aware, Sheen reportedly tells his story with humor, candor, and surprising heart. If the rumors are true, this memoir is packed with scandal, redemption, and a healthy dose of “winning” - which is why its on my "must read" list! 

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MY NAME IS BARBRA – BARBRA STREISAND

If there was ever a memoir that movie and music fans have been begging to read, it’s Barbra Streisand’s. Released in 2023, My Name Is Barbra runs a jaw-dropping 970 pages (WOW!) and the audiobook — narrated by Barbra herself — lasts over 48 hours. (I’ve heard it’s a fantastic listen.) I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but it’s sitting right at the top of my must-read list.

A one-of-a-kind talent, Streisand has done it all — singer, actress, songwriter, producer, and director. With a career spanning more than six decades and an EGOT to her name, her story was bound to be epic. Fun fact: Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, while an editor at Doubleday, tried to publish Streisand’s memoir back in 1984, but Barbra turned it down, feeling she still had more life to live. She eventually began jotting notes and started writing in longhand in 1999.

Even before its release, My Name Is Barbra became a presale bestseller, and after publication it shot to #2 on The New York Times Best Seller list, selling over 55,000 copies in its first week. In short, we all need to read this one — so put it on your holiday wish list and hope Santa leaves a copy under the tree for you (and me!).

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At the end of the day, these Hollywood memoirs aren’t just stories about fame — they’re snapshots of courage, creativity, and survival. They remind me why I fell in love with this business in the first place. Every page feels like sitting down with an old friend who’s finally ready to spill the truth. And as long as Hollywood keeps telling its tales, you can bet I’ll keep reading — one fabulous memoir at a time.

Some facts in this post were sourced from IMDb and Wikipedia.

Take an even deeper dive into Eric Roberts’s incredible life and career with my brand-new two-part interview with the Oscar-nominated actor on the latest episodes of Hollywood Obsessed Podcast!

Episode 143 – HERE

Episode 144 – HERE

Packed with exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and never-before-heard memories, this is one conversation no movie or Hollywood memoir fan should miss!