An Actor's Library - TOP OF THE ROCK The Rise and Fall of Must See TV

I am on a new NBC show CROWDED and the actor who plays my son, Clifford Mcghee, recommended this book to me. I always have at least one bookshelf of unread books in my bookcase and yet I keep buying more. I thought maybe if I don’t purchase anymore I would someday read them all. Clifford’s verbal review of this book made me feel compelled to read it. I searched online and discovered the audio version, perfect for driving while listening so I bought it.

What an amazing journey of stories, anecdotes and facts about what makes a network successful and how sitcoms become hits from the page, through the pilot, to many seasons on the air.

There was one name that was mentioned and quoted often and seemed to connect the dots during this golden era of Must See TV. That name is James Burrows. He has directed some of the brightest stars in front of the camera and made life changing executive decisions as a producer. His legacy includes the sitcoms Friends, Taxi, Cheers, Mike & Molly, Will & Grace, Frasier, the Big Bang Theory and now Crowded. Our Season 1 finale was Mr. Burrows 1,000^th episode as a director! In my opinion that makes him the Sitcom King. I could relate to so many of the stories from the actors in these ground breaking shows after working with him for 9 episodes. I am officially spoiled!

As an invited guest to the taping of MUST SEE TV An All Star Tribute to James Burrows, I got to experience this book in 3D. It’s still so surreal to me to be in the same room with all of the stars from the above mentioned shows and to know that I am now a part of entertainment history. As Clifford stated, Crowded could easily be the next chapter in this book.

Sean Hayes is also an integral part of the NBC story starting with his role on Will & Grace and now as an executive producer with his buddy Todd Milliner (Hazy Mills Productions). They are the producers of several hit TV shows which now include Crowded and the All Star Tribute to James Burrows. Be sure to tune in on Feb. 21, 2016 on NBC. #mustseetv is back!!!

An Actor's Library - ALL IN ALL Stacy Keach

Anyone who truly knows me or has been following my blog knows that I have mad respect for writers and authors. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to work with a person who has written a book about the very industry we are employed in simultaneously.  Stacy Keach’s ALL IN ALL was a gift from him to me while working together on the new NBC show Crowded. As much as I would like to be selfish, it is actually a gift to the world, especially for actors at every level.

This book is filled with wisdom from a classically trained thespian with many years of experience in all areas of acting including voice over’s. He has studied in London and performed all over the world.  I believe his longevity in this business is fueled by talent, passion and a love for his craft. And the love of his life – his beautiful wife Malgosia and their children Shannon and Karolina .

I must say it has been a joy to see this book come to life as I work along side of him every day. I’ve always said that on the job training can’t be beat in this business.

On page 242, Stacy talks about delivering your lines “with robust energy, clarity and emotional truth”. That’s what I see consistently in his work. I’ve learned so much in the past 3 months. Between fleshing out our characters everyday and reading his fascinating stories from stage, television & film, the lessons I have learned will stay with me for the duration of my career. If all goes well, it will include many more seasons of Crowded with my new mentor!

In the meantime, Stacy Keach’s resume will become my Netflix Queue. Watching his body of work should keep me busy until we return for Season 2.

Pick up a copy of ALL IN ALL and look for us on NBC in March 2016. #Crowded