Act Right
by Erin Gray & Mara Purl
Haven Books Reading Services
Review by Joyce Seed
For all of you who think you've arrived when you've gotten the part – think again. This book is so full of information for the professional actor on the way up, it's unthinkable for any serious actor not to have it constantly in his or her backpack.
First, there are the writers. Erin Gray first made her mark as a New York model, but went on to greater fame as "Colonel Wilma" star of "Buck Rogers In The 25th Century" and "Kate" in "Silver Spoons." Mara Purl was a young hot-shot reporter with the likes of Rolling Stone and the Associated Press before returning to her acting roots, and then she developed a following as
"Nurse Darla" on "Days Of Our Lives." Both actresses went on to do many other projects: Erin starred in some twenty movies of the week and feature films including "Six Pack" with Kenny Rogers and "Starman" with Robert Hayes; Mara created and produced "Milford-Haven," the first American radio serial
to be broadcast on the BBC, where it had a listenership of 4.5 million.
For over a decade these two women had a chance to work under the hot lights and tough scrutiny of some of the best professionals in the competitive and time-pressured entertainment media in the U.S. and Europe, and along the way they not only earned the respect of their colleagues – they also took notes.
Next there are the stories – like the one about the actor who got annoyed with his costumer and wound up looking like a floating head; or the one about the actor who refused to take the advice of his script supervisor and wound up on the cutting room floor. Then there are the personal foibles which
the writers tattle on themselves – not knowing a technical term cost Mara her first commercial, and not knowing set protocol nearly cost Erin her first starring TV role. And don't miss the glossary – full of good party jokes in case you run out, and probably a life-saver if you're on the set.
Rumor has it that most actors – once they finally get it right – keep the information to themselves, perhaps in the belief that this will give them a professional edge. Well the good news for readers is – these two professionals decided to decided to share their hard-won secrets, in the belief that by giving everyone a professional edge, the entire business will be improved.
Of course not every aspiring actor will read this book – just those who are serious enough to "Act Right."
