Jack Hawkins (1) (1910–1973)

Jack Hawkins’ autobiography captures a rich theatre career on the West End and Broadway, alongside his rise to film stardom where he was hailed as an appealing and compelling actor. His account is down-to-earth, full of insight, and hugely entertaining to read.

A funny, lighthearted autobiography from a much loved and respected actor known the world over for his acting roles and his unmistakable voice. Some of the comical 'accidents/incidents' will horrify the health and safety aficionados. But, this was the age of the 'greatest generation' who fought in WWII, they picked themselves up and found a way to get things done. The loss of his voice due to cancer might have caused him to give up but he still managed to continue to act although in show more different way. This is re-released as an e-book. show less

Anything for a Quiet Life – Jack Hawkins
⭐ 3.75/5

I don’t usually read memoirs, and I went into this one knowing almost nothing about Jack Hawkins beyond the fact that he was my mother’s favorite actor. I hoped it might help me understand what she saw in him.

What I found instead was a straightforward account of a working actor’s life. Hawkins started on stage as a boy, traveled widely, and built his career step by step. The book offers plenty about his early years, the people he show more worked with, and the making of his better-known films, but not much about the man himself beyond what he chose to show publicly.

The closing section, written by his wife Dee, adds a personal touch but also feels slightly off—her tone comes across as privileged, which contrasts with Jack’s own quiet contentment at simply being able to act and be paid for it.

It’s an easy and often pleasant read, especially for those who enjoy memoirs of mid-century British actors. For me, it was more of a glimpse than a revelation. show less

Anything for a Quiet Life was first published posthumously fifty-two years ago. Famed British actor Jack Hawkins had died of a complication with an artificial voice box implanted after throat cancer. Anything for a Quiet Life was Jack's memoir about being an actor and going through cancer. From reading about his life one can tell he was a humble family man with four children who loved his second wife, Dee. It was one of his sons, Andrew, who wanted to bring his dad's autobiography to the show more electronic age. If the purpose of republishing the book was to bring Jack's legacy back, it worked. An unexpected interest in Jack's career grew after I read Anything for a Quiet Life. I was four years old when he passed and until recently, had no interest in military movies as an adult. Now I plan to find Jack's catalog and watch them all. My partner will be thrilled. show less