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)

A must for all.

Garry is a legend and one of the last originals. His humor matches his talents and kindness. There will be no one to ever match him. The best audio biography I’ve ever listen to.

Warm, wonderful and funny as heck!

Garry Marshall's book is an absolute must read. Made you feel like part of the family!

Quick paced

If you’re looking for something trashy-tell all behind the scenes Hollywood saga, then you’ll have to keep looking because this isn’t it. But this is a good book, enjoyable really even if it skates on the surface at very quick pace, in fact, so fast it barely scratches the surface. In fact, a better descriptive name for this would have been “My life in Hollywood, an overview without depth and insight”. However the central problem with this with book is no conflict. Good stories have conflict. And it doesn’t matter what kind of story it is, you gotta have conflict and there ain’t no conflict here, which is surprising from a man who has earned his living by writing and filming conflict driven stories. Again I have to say, the near perfectly written autobiography, in or out of Hollywood, is Frank Langella’s Dropping Names. So while this book isn’t bad either and although it drops enormous names it’s no Frank Langella telling the tale.

Garry Marshall's Legacy Lives On!

Though I wasn’t born in the 70s, Garry Marshall’s movies still played a huge role in my childhood. Knowing him for his romcoms rather than tv shows, I can point out Garry’s voice anywhere. Spending eleven plus hours listening to Garry’s story was an absolute delight! I loved hearing his story from his perspective and learning more about the movies I love so much. He will be greatly missed, but his work and legacy lives on each day!

Fully enthralling!!

From the very beginning to the very end I was riveted and amazed how sweet, generous and open he was about his strengths and his weaknesses throughout his entire process.
Gary Marshall is a solid good soul!
I feel like this is an absolute must for anybody wanting to be in the industry on any level to learn from a master people person!!

What A Sweetheart!

I listened to Gary talk about his life while sharing advice along the way. It was good to the last word! I’m smiling! Thank you, Gary! Bless you for all of the kindness you gave and received. You made this world a happier place. Thank you for all of the great TV shows and movies you created, too! I wish your family well.

Funny and quirky storytelling.

Garry narrates in his usual slow paced New York accent which you would think might get to be grating after a while but actually becomes endearing! Kind of like if your Grandfather was a famous producer and director telling stories. Lots if anecdotes about the people involved in his movies and tv shows.

Loved it!

This have to be one on the best audible books I have listened to.
Garry Marshall narrates the amazing story of his life making, writing and performing in tv and movies.
His shows were great and after listening to his book you will know why.
It’s such a wonderful story that I want to listen to it again.
Thanks Garry!

Loved this

Garry Marshall’s reading of his book makes it come alive. He is a fabulous storyteller.

Hollywood Insider!

What a fantastic book from Garry Marshall. I loved listening to him narrate the stories about his prolific career in film and television. Some of the best memories growing up involve one of Garry's television shows. Garry speaks with such love about the things he created...and this is evident in his narration. Please read this book if you love all things Hollywood!