6 of the most jaw-dropping Hollywood memoirs
It’s always fun when a Hollywood heavyweight breaks ranks and pulls back the curtain to show us common folk the behind-the-scenes carnage of life on the A-list with juicy tell-all memoirs. If, like us, you’re into the kind of revelations that shock and intrigue, these six tell-alls are the ones for you.
1. I, Tina by Tina Turner with Kurt Loder
This memoir from music icon Tina Turner exposed the truth of a seemingly charmed life to shine a light on the abuse Turner suffered at the hands of her husband, Ike, while struggling against seemingly insurmountable odds to forge a career for herself. Simply the best.
2. Tab Hunter Confidential by Tab Hunter
When people talk about explosive tell-alls about Hollywood and what it’s like to be treated as a sexual commodity, you’d be forgiven for imagining that the book in question would come from a woman. But, if we’ve learned anything from the experiences of Anthony Rapp, Terry Cruise, et al, it’s that men can also be victims of sexual assault, manipulation and control. This one shows that today’s problems have been around for decades.
3. My Life in Tights by Burt Ward
Playing Robin to Adam West’s Batman on the 1960s television series would seemingly be an altogether wholesome experience for Burt Ward. But in 1995, the onetime sidekick published this memoir that tells of orgies with large groups of sex workers, being seduced while still in costume, and the struggle that was trying to contain his “package” within the tight, spandex costume.
4. Elvis & Me by Priscilla Presley
If you think you know the true story of Elvis, but you haven’t read Elvis & Me, you’re kidding yourself. Hearing about the life of “The King” directly from his former wife gives insights into the life of the music and film legend you’re not likely to get anywhere else.
5. Dropped Names by Frank Langella
If you like your memoirs full of juicy tales of sexual escapades and jaw-dropping revelations, then this highly enjoyable read from thespian Frank Langella is compulsory. From the time when Elizabeth Taylor invites him to “come on up and put me to sleep”, to the flirtations with Laurence Olivier, Langella holds nothing back in this memoir that will have you hot under the collar and loving every minute.
6. In Spite of Myself by Christopher Plummer
Fans of The Sound of Music will be scandalised by Plummer’s account of his life on stage and screen, much of which is spent drinking and having sex. It seems that Plummer found no need to hold back any details, meaning this book will likely have you blushing while cackling at the petty gossip Plummer peddles about Shirley MacLaine, Glynis Johns, and Deborah Kerr (among many, many others).
What’s the best celebrity memoir you’ve ever read?