The New Breed: Actors Coming of Age

The authors believe that the 30 young actors featured here all pursue their dreams ``for the right reasonsfor art, for truth, for self-fulfillment, sharing and honest communication rather than the superficial, fame, fortune and glamour.'' Willem DaFoe, Aidan Quinn, Melanie Griffith and Patrick Swayze are four of the best-known players, and many included, like Keanu Reeves and Esai Morales, are still trying to establish themselves. Such interview questions as ``What spiritual things are important to you?'' and ``How do you feel you fit into the context of The New Breed?'' appear repeatedly. Consequently, the queries tend to reinforce the authors' views rather than seek out the essential personality of the subject. But fortunately, most also tell of their professional beginnings and challenges; as such the book makes an interesting source for aspiring thespians. The many photos will please fans and stargazers but resemble posed publicity stills rather than insightful portraits. Overall, this is a spirited, affirmative work without critical edge, and one suspects that a more apt title might have been ``Egos on Parade.'' Hardy is the author of Boy Crazy and Koffler is a freelance writer. (Oct.)