“Forgotten Hollywood”- At Home with Hugh O’Brian…
Manny P. here…
I’d like to warmly thank Sheryn Hara of the Book Publisher’s Networkfor letting me on Monday accompany her to the home of Hugh and Virginia O’Brian. The longtime actor has decided to self publish his memoirs in a yet-untitled book. I came along to explain how I prepared Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History through BPN. I left feeling more than welcome at their home in Benedict Canyon, CA.
Laurie and I met the couple at last year’s 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures party. So, today’s reunion was quite congenial. He personally autographed a photo. You might just recognize the other gentlemen in the snapshot below.
His cinematic appearances include roles in There’s No Business Like Show Business, In Harm’s Way, and The Shootist; and starred from 1955-1961 in ABC’s televison production of The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp.
Hugh shared wonderful anecdotes about his personal relationships he developed while working in Hollywood. He told amusing stories that may appear in his book about John Wayne, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, Richard Boone, James Stewart, Virginia Mayo, Ruth Roman, Spike Jones, Buddy Hackett, John Mills, director Otto Preminger, and the Goldwyn Girls. He also showed us a number of press photographs taken throughout his career while working for Universal Studios. He’s maintained a lasting friendship with Debbie Reynolds, as well as, the iconic Hugh Hefner (and others in show business).
Revealing these intimate narratives is not my intention, since I encourage you to purchase Hugh O’Brian’s work. It’s due out in the Fall. Hugh and Virginia promised me he would be a guest on our Forgotten Hollywood radio program after his literary release.
Hugh O’Brian recently celebrated his 86th birthday, is in good health, and has a warm home filled with a lifetime of memories, which happily includes a copy of my paperback in his library.
Until next time> “never forget”
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