My Happy Days in Hollywood

A Memoir

By: Garry Marshall

Narrated by: Garry Marshall

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

With the television hits The Odd Couple, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Mork & Mindy, and movies like The Flamingo Kid, Beaches, Pretty Woman, and The Princess Diaries under his belt, Garry Marshall was among the most successful writers, directors, and producers in America for more than five decades. His work on the small and big screen delighted audiences for decades and has withstood the test of time.

In My Happy Days in Hollywood, Marshall takes us on a journey from his stickball-playing days in the Bronx to his time at the helm of some of the most popular television series and movies of all time, sharing the joys and challenges of working with the Fonz and the young Julia Roberts, the “street performer” Robin Williams, and the young Anne Hathaway, among many others.

This honest, vibrant, and often hilarious memoir reveals a man whose career was defined by his drive to make people laugh and whose personal philosophy—despite his tremendous achievements—was always that life is more important than show business.

©2012 Garry Marshall (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

"Garry Marshall is walking entertainment. He is smart, insightful, funny… and so is his book.” (Henry Winkler)

"Even though he speaks slowly with a distinctive New Yorkese Bronx accent, he has managed to quickly create, write, and produce a raft of beloved television series that speak 'American'. I am happy that he gifted us with a witty memoir.” (Carl Reiner)

“Thanks to my brother I have a life. I’m sorry I almost ruined his during Laverne & Shirley.” (Penny Marshall)

Happy Days

Great info and fun, especially for those of us who loved those Happy Days and a Pretty Woman.

An entertainment to cherish.

I know Garry Marshall is no longer with us, but his reading of this autobiographical memoir absolutely makes one want to spend time with him. It's honest, folksy, funny and thoroughly entertaining.

enjoyable!

Gary has a happy time describes interesting experiences working with many Hollywood famous people.

A must have read, absolutely fabulous!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; Garry was talking about all my favourite shows and it was just so fascinating to hear the producer's/writer's perspective and to get an idea of what goes on behind the scenes. I highly recommend this book. As a PS: Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Garry's Bronx accent, I loved it.

Really Good Book On An Interesting Hollywood Exec

I'm going to be honest. I'm a film nut, and watched plenty of 1970's and 1980's tv series and I had no clue who Garry Marshall was. Now I know! And I've very glad to have read (listened) to this book.

It's a very interesting read. How a "kid from the bronx" came to create "Happy Days" "Mork and Mindy" and quite a few other extremely successful tv series... and then go on to direct and produce a lot of really bad Hollywood movies too :)

Along the way we learn something about what it is like to be a director or producer on tv shows and movies, and get many little stories about a lot of the big name stars and filmmakers as well. And it's really a treat to hear Garry himself (with his thick NY accent) read the story.

It's a long but a very gratifying book.

Stellar audio book

I loved this book -- could even listen to it again. Garry Marshall reads his memoir as though he were chatting with the reader about his life. His Brooklyn accent and dry humor were perfect ! And, his isights and retelling of his childhood, family, military, professional life are always interesting no matter what phase of life he's in. His family's life in tv and the movies, as well as the many, many entertainment people he has known, worked with, has as friends -- a wonderful look at tv from its earliest days through the present along with movies. Made me laugh, helped me remember, kept me interested -- I highly recommend this audiobook.

Excellent bio from the man who created Happy Days!

This is a great biography! Well written and read by Garry Marshall. What a life and a great story full of a lot of inspiration and good advice. Highly recommend. RIP Garry Marshall.

Happy Days is entertaining

What made the experience of listening to My Happy Days in Hollywood the most enjoyable?

Garry reading the story added to the story certainly

What other book might you compare My Happy Days in Hollywood to and why?

Rob Lowe biography read by him

Did Garry Marshall do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

most all the characters were familiar

Loved it!

Like a walk down memory lane with your favorite TV shows and movies. Garry Marshall is an admirable man. Generous, likable, humble, caring. This book was a joy.

Wonderful uplifting funny

My Husband & I hated this audio to end!
Great to understand this gentle genius. Very entertaining Gary is a a great story teller who is positive uplifting and down right funny!