We typically don’t feature books here, unless they have a Hollywood connection, and this one definitely fits that mold. I’ve been lucky enough to know James Hampton and his lovely wife Mary for many years now, and you will not find a kinder and more entertaining figure to be around than Jimmy. He’s worked tirelessly for decades in both film and television productions, and even popped up in some memorable commercials along the way. Hampton is what we used to refer to as a “Character Actor”, but has had plenty of front and center roles as well. Most know him from THE LONGEST YARD and TEEN WOLF, or perhaps SLING BLADE, but he also had recurring roles on shows like F TROOP, THE DORIS DAY SHOW, LOVE AMERICAN STYLE, MATT HOUSTON, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, and FULL HOUSE. Jimmy appeared in so many popular TV series that it’s hard to keep track, including RAWHIDE, GOMER PYLE USMC, GUNSMOKE, MANNIX, THE ROCKFORD FILES, THE DUKES OF HAZZARD, TALES OF THE GOLD MONKEY, THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO, WHO’S THE BOSS?, MURDER SHE WROTE, PUNKY BREWSTER, MAMA’S FAMILY, NEWHART, EVENING SHADE and MELROSE PLACE (to name a few). He also directed shows like EVENING SHADE (where he wrote several episodes as well), HEARTS AFIRE, BOSTON COMMON, GRACE UNDER FIRE, SISTER SISTER, SMART GUY, LINC’S, and ZOE, DUNCAN, JACK & JANE. In the past decade or so, Jimmy became a regular a pop culture events, where he was delighted to meet fans and talk about his various roles. I’m very excited to share the news of his new book titled WHAT? AND GIVE UP SHOW BUSINESS?, which is now available to purchase using this link. The autobiography shares personal tales of Hampton’s work in show business, along with favorite recipes! I want the world to know the Jimmy I know, and it’s always fun to celebrate these great familiar faces that have brought us decades of entertainment. Please check out the book and see if you don’t fall in love with Mr. Hampton the way I have.
What? And Give Up Show Business? is the hilarious autobiography of James Hampton, who for over fifty years has been one of the most familiar faces in television and film. A wonderful slice of life in Hollywood told through the personal stories of one of its most prolific actors, this book will appeal to nostalgia buffs, classic film and television aficionados, fans of celebrity autobiographies and biographies, and people who just enjoy a good laugh and great storytelling. This enchanting memoir also includes some of the author’s favorite recipes, which are woven into stories about such show business icons as Doris Day, Clint Eastwood, and Michael J. Fox. Never-before-seen photographs of Hampton and his friends, who happen to be some of the world’s favorite entertainers, pepper this jewel of a tale chronicling life in La-La Land. Everyone who loves classic television and films will enjoy What? And Give Up Show Business?
You can now purchase WHAT? AND GIVE UP SHOW BUSINESS? using this link.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
