cover image Are You Anybody?: An Actor's Life

Are You Anybody?: An Actor's Life

Bradford Dillman. Daniel & Daniel Publishers, $12.95 (208pp) ISBN 978-1-56474-199-8

The question of the title is one often asked of second bananas and featured performers when they are recognized, albeit vaguely, by fans. Dillman is a perfect example of the type: he has performed on stage in New York, in 67 films and for many hours of network TV, and his name has come close to being a household word. His episodic memoir is comprised of an amusing collection of show-biz anecdotes, centered on such topics as critics, survival as a thespian, the agony and ecstasy of working with stars, famed directors, agents and producers, his family (he has been married to Parker, his second wife, for 37 years), locations and stunts. Additionally, Dillman writes about the nuts and bolts of the profession, including the major problems, the minor annoyances and the occasional triumph, like his success in the American premiere of Long Day's Journey into Night, and his meeting with Eugene O'Neill's widow. His reminiscences receive extra boost from his willingness to name his personal villains, including director Michael Curtiz, as well as his heroes, like Angela Lansbury. Most readers will finish this charming book by answering Dillman's question for him, with a resounding ""yes."" (Mar.)