Jon Cryer

Funny and entertaining with lots of behind-the-scenes stories of his 30 years in movies, theater, and television, this was an enjoyable read. Jon Cryer is best known for his Emmy-winning role as Alan Harper on Two and a Half Men and, to the 80s generation, as Duckie in Pretty in Pink. Those are the characters I was familiar with and what prompted me to read his memoir.

We get to see a personal side to the actor and learn about his early years in theater, his near misses at stardom before Men show more (he was one of the actors considered for the part of Chandler on Friends), and about his years on Men, about his relationship with Charlie Sheen—the good, the bad, and the meltdown on social media, and the re-booting of the show with the hiring of Ashton Kutcher to name just a few. (There were other actors considered to replace Charlie Sheen, and did anyone know Jon Cryer dated Demi Moore? I didn’t. He describes discussing it with Ashton as “awkward!”. No more spoilers, read the book).

Audio production
The author narrates the book adding authenticity and realism to his stories. Who better to tell the tales than the actor himself! And it feels like he is talking directly to us, the listener. This was an easy book to listen to while multi-tasking around the house. Even those who don’t usually listen to audio should find it easy to follow along. show less

Unlike his acting peers, Cryer's life off-tracking was more professional than personal. His #memoir acknowledges costar slights with restrained bitterness, irreparable harms with rueful resignation, and f-ups with honest, sometimes hilarious, humor.

80s Memoirs
Audible
Driving for FFE
October 2021

I've always liked Jon Cryer especially with the John Hughes movies. This was a really interesting book. It's nice to read about someone who tries to stay normal in a crazy industry. Lots of behind-the-scenes information. Jon read the audiobook himself. Drops the F-bomb a ton.

Duckie was one of my first movie crushes. And when Jon Cryer not only LIKED one of my tweets, but responded to me! Total fan girl moment. I loved his memoir, especially since I listened to him narrate it.