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Summary
Summary
For eleven seasons, Marion Ross was head of one of America's favorite television households. Now meet the lovable real-life woman behind the Happy Days mom . . .
Before she was affectionately known to millions as "Mrs. C.," Marion Ross began her career as a Paramount starlet who went on to appear in nearly every major TV series of the 1950s and 1960s--including Love, American Style , in which she donned an apron that would cinch her career. Soon after came the fateful phone call from producer Garry Marshall that made her an "overnight" success, and changed her life . . .
In this warm and candid memoir, filled with loving recollections from the award-winning Happy Days team--from break-out star Henry Winkler to Cunningham "wild child" Erin Moran--Ross shares what it was like to be a starry-eyed young girl with dreams in poor, rural Minnesota, and the resilience, sacrifices, and determination it took to make them come true. She recalls her early years in the business, being in the company of such luminaries as Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Noel Coward, yet always feeling the Hollywood outsider--a painful invisibility that mirrored her own childhood. She reveals the absolute joys of playing a wife and mother on TV, and the struggles of maintaining those roles in real life. But among Ross's most heart-rending recollections are those of finally finding a soulmate--another secret hope of hers made true well beyond her expectations.
Funny, poignant, and revealing--and featuring Garry Marshall's final illuminating interview--as well as a touching foreword from her "TV son" Ron Howard, and a conversation with her real-life son and daughter, Marion Ross's story is one of inspiration, persistence, and gratitude. It's also a glowing tribute to all those who fulfilled her dreams--and in turn, gave us some of the happiest days of our own lives.
Author Notes
Born in Minnesota, actress Marion Ross made her film debut in 1953's Forever Female, starring Ginger Rogers and William Holden. After working steadily in movies and television, she became famous for playing Mrs. C. on the iconic sitcom Happy Days, which aired from 1974-84, and for which she received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Since then, she has worked on such series as The Drew Carey Show, Touched by an Angel, Nurse Jackie, and The Middle . Ms. Ross has two grown children and lives in California.
Award-winning reporter and editor-in-chief of Life After 50 magazine, David Laurell has written hundreds of celebrity features and bios and has an extensive and varied journalism background. Aseven-time Greater Los Angeles Press Club Award-winner and 12-time Addy Award-winner, he has also won numerous National Mature Media and North American Mature Publishers Association Awards.
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
In an autobiography as cheerful and straightforward as the author's character on Happy Days, Ross uncomplainingly recounts a life filled with more melodrama than comedy. For 11 years the actress regularly entered American households as the iconic TV mother Mrs. Cunningham, but here she shares the struggles that preceded that success. Growing up in Minnesota during the Great Depression, Ross dreamed of becoming a Hollywood star. With her supportive mother's help, Ross scraped together the money to study drama and speech (losing, in the process, her heavy Minnesota accent when it was pointed out to her). A move to California and a Paramount Studios contract seemed to mark the fulfillment of Ross's dreams-until the contract wasn't renewed. Neither an impulsive marriage to an alcoholic nor having to work while raising two children dimmed Ross's dream, but these circumstances did force her to abandon hopes of film or theater stardom and focus on television. Following her divorce, Ross took a small part in the 1970 film Airport, which role led to her being cast in the Happy Days pilot. Interviews with the series' cast and crew, including Ron Howard and the late Gary Marshall, add insight into Ross's contributions to the show's success. While lacking in the behind-the-scenes gossip readers might expect, this book will please fans with its down-to-earth account of the dedicated actress behind an adored character. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
Fans of the popular TV show Happy Days (1974-84) will recognize the name "Mrs. C.," though few may be familiar with -Marion Ross. Yet Ross brought Mrs. C, one of the most beloved TV moms, to life. In this memoir, Ross recalls growing up in Minnesota and dreaming of becoming a famous actress. Her determination helped her achieve that dream, though fame eluded her until her 50s. Ross shares anecdotes about the show and interviews with her cast mates conducted by coauthor Laurell, including her screen daughter Erin Moran, who died unexpectedly soon after this book was completed. Ross comes across as very much like Mrs. C.-optimistic and kind of ditzy-and according to her castmates, she was as much a mom presence on set as she was on the show. But this account is not all sweetness and light. Ross paid her dues in life and toiling in small parts in big movies until Happy Days found her. VERDICT Happy Days fans will enjoy the anecdotes about the show, but Ross's perseverance also serves as a primer for aspiring actors.-Rosellen Brewer, Sno-Isle Libs., Marysville, WA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Table of Contents
Foreword | p. ix |
My Prologue | p. 1 |
Chapter 1 My Beginnings | p. 5 |
Chapter 2 My Family | p. 11 |
Chapter 3 My Inspirations | p. 24 |
Chapter 4 My Secret Becomes Known | p. 31 |
Chapter 5 My New Life in California | p. 37 |
Chapter 6 My Marriage | p. 46 |
Chapter 7 My Move to Hollywood | p. 52 |
Chapter 8 My Studio Contract | p. 64 |
Chapter 9 My Days Between two Worlds | p. 70 |
Chapter 10 My Days of Successes and Struggles | p. 84 |
Chapter 11 My Real-Life Role as Mom | p. 112 |
Chapter 12 My luckiest Airplane Ride | p. 140 |
Chapter 13 My "Lovely" Big Break | p. 152 |
Chapter 14 My Dream Becomes a Happy Reality | p. 159 |
Chapter 15 My Happy Days | p. 172 |
Chapter 16 My Boss Garry | p. 187 |
Chapter 17 My TV Son Ron | p. 198 |
Chapter 18 My TV Daughter Erin | p. 207 |
Chapter 19 My Dear Henry | p. 215 |
Chapter 20 My Funny Donny | p. 223 |
Chapter 21 My wonderful Friend Anson | p. 231 |
Chapter 22 My Neighbor Scott | p. 239 |
Chapter 23 My Real-Life Children | p. 249 |
Chapter 24 My Right-Hand Woman Gwen | p. 267 |
Chapter 25 My Happiest Days | p. 274 |
Chapter 26 My Days (Which Just May Never End) at the Happy Days Farm | p. 289 |
My Epilogue and Acknowledgments | p. 300 |