"You'll Never Be A Star!" My Fantastic, Challenging Journey to Disney, Star Trek and Beyond
"You'll Never Be A Star!" My Fantastic, Challenging Journey to Disney, Star Trek and Beyond
Ike Eisenmann
326 pages
6x9 size
ISBN 9798887719689 paperback
ISBN 9798887719696 hardback
“You'll never be a star!”
That's what young Ike Eisenmann's father would tell him, even as he trotted him from one audition to another. Despite those confusing and cruel messages, Ike undauntedly pursued his dream of being a Disney actor—a dream he made come true, starting with Escape to Witch Mountain! In this intimate and inspiring memoir, Ike shares his triumphs and struggles, and his behind-the-scenes experiences working with such legendary actors as Bette Davis, Kim Richards, Roddy McDowall, George C. Scott, Beau Bridges, and William Shatner, documenting his fantastic journey to become one the most beloved and successful child stars of the 1970s.
"Eisenmann recounts a fascinating tale of his rise as a child performer in the 1970s, as he sought to break free from his volatile, narcissistic father and deftly avoid the pitfalls of stardom that so many of his peers succumbed to. At his father's urging, Eisenmann began working in commercials and quickly developed a dream of working for Disney. After eleven grueling auditions, he finally landed Escape to Witch Mountain, the movie he is best known for and the gateway to a highly successful stint in movies (including Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan), commercials (voicing Little Green Sprout for Green Giant for two years, until his voice changed), and television (Wonderful World of Disney, four Afterschool Specials). Eisenmann shares entertaining tidbits from his work with everyone from Bette Davis (whom he calls "hilarious") to the inebriated Rip Torn, cranky Eddie Albert, the prankster Roddy McDowall, and newcomers Kirstie Alley and Alfre Woodard. Eisenmann’s curiosity about what happens behind the curtain leads to a new profession in voiceovers and looping. VERDICT While Eisenmann's heartbreaking stories of his abusive father drive his memoir, his vivid details of moviemaking and conversational tone will appeal to any cinephile."
- Library Journal
“I'm always inspired and filled with joy when I see someone go after their dreams - and achieve them - in spite of everything. Ike Eisenmann, a wonderfully talented child actor and a kind, intelligent, accomplished adult, climbed over the wall of his father's mental illness and cruelty to realize his Disney dreams... and so much more. I'm proud to know him."
—Alison Arngrim, NY Times Best Selling Author of Confessions of a Prairie Bitch
“Ike Eisenmann’s memoir is more than just a look at his life; it’s a heartfelt journey from his iconic role in Escape to Witch Mountain to his adventures beyond the screen, sharing stories that are as honest and relatable as they are fascinating. This memoir is a must-read.”
—Patrick Labyorteaux, Little House on the Prairie, Heathers, JAG
“Growing up and being recognized as a ‘child star’ is about the most unusual, difficult, and confusing way to start a life. Throw in Ike’s father, and the challenge seems insurmountable. Trapped in what I would call a no-win situation, Ike wins. He doesn’t just =survive.”
—Moosie Drier, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, The Bob Newhart Show, Oh, God!