( 4 reviews )
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Posted: Nov 24 2008
One does not need to be a fan of either Dark Shadows or All My Children, the two shows graced by the talents of Louis Edmonds to be entertained by this well writen biography. It is a lively account of an actor whose talents were sadly ignored by the powers to be, to the benefit of the aforementioned soap operas, perhaps, but to the loss of more mainstream television and movies. A New Yorker by inclination, Louis Edmonds' life provides a window into life in New York City during the 1950s into the 1980s, always a delight for a social historian. And as a study of a gay male actor, this book provides insight as well as compassion. Perhaps no one will ever accuse Craig Hamrick of being a scholarly scribe but then who wants to wade through reams of dry prose, no, indeed, Hamrick is an easy to read scribe whose style is comforting & fun, a delightful read.
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( 9 of 9 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 19 2003
This is a loving, lovely tribute to the late soap opera star Louis Edmonds(Dark Shadows, All My Children)Craig Hamrick, who knew Edmonds during the last 8 years of the actor's life, is clearly in love(platonically) with his subject. He tells the story of Edmonds' life in a highly readable, no holds barred manner.Edmonds was a brilliant actor whose ego might have prevented his career from progressing as far as it could have. He was also a great wit, a passionate lover who had two long term relationships, and a deeply loyal friend. Hamrick writes openly and honestly about all of this, the good, the bad and the ugly, never losing sight of his own deep affection for the man.This book will stand as a lasting tribute to Louis Edmonds' life and career. He might have been forgotten, as so many soap actors are. Thanks to Craig Hamrick, this wonderful actor will be remembered for many years to come.
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( 7 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jun 23 2003
This hard-to-put down biography which is loaded with many before unknown facts about bigger-than-life performer/actor Louis Edmonds, most widely known as Roger Collins from the gothic serial Dark Shadows, is funny,touching and tenderly told by author Craig Hamrick, who became known as a friend to the actor in the latter years of his life. Yet, do not dismiss this as sugar coated fantasy, for it is told, with Louis' permission, in a forthright , no-holds-barred, bare bones manner that should earn its own praise. Hamrick has a way with laying down facts, yet not in stilted encyclopedic fashion but in a way that you actually get to know Mr. Edmonds in a more intimate light, and I for one, am deeply saddened by the fact I never had gotten the opportunity to meet this great man while he was still alive. Craig Hamrick has earned my respect as a biographer and I eagerly anticipate his next venture "Barnabas & Co" due later this summer, as well as any other literary undertaking this author may take. Kudos to him for taking me into the heart and home of one of my favorite Dark Shadows actors and making me feel as if I'd met him myself! The book is a triumph and a must for all Dark Shadows, Louis Edmonds or All My Children fans! Put this on your list for summer reading. I read it cover to cover in less than two days!
