Lee Grant

I Said Yes to Everything: A Memoir Lee Grant

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.; Born Lyova Haskell Rosenthal in New York in 1925, actress Lee Grant had a charmed youth: from student at the famed Neighbourhood Playhouse to member of the legendary Actors Studio;from celebrated Broadway star to Vogue 'It Girl.' At 26, she was nominated for an Academy Award for 'Detective Story' (1951), and a year later found herself married and a mother for the first time, her career on the rise. And then she lost it all. Her name landed on the Hollywood blacklist, her offers for film and television roles ground to a halt, and her marriage fell apart. This is a revealing and funny memoir from Oscar winning actress Lee Grant. Review Quotes: "The elegant theater and screen actress bares all of her insecurities and regrets... But there's also an intimacy and directness in how she shares--including numerous dishy, behind-the-glam anecdotes.... Grant has lived a long, full life. While she may prefer to be coy about precisely how long it's lasted so far, "I Said Yes to Everything" serves as evidence that it's been long enough to give her a meaty, multifaceted and compelling story to tell."--Jen Chaney, "The Washington Post" "[N]o-holds-barred... Grant doesn't make us read between the lines here; it's all right there, on the page. When she was jubilant after winning an Oscar for her supporting role in "Shampoo," we know it; when she was disgusted, as when a television network canceled her series without telling her, we know it, too; and, of course, when she was dismayed and bewildered and depressed when she couldn't find work during her 12-year blacklisting, we know it for sure.... An excellent show-business autobiography.--"Booklist," STARRED review "In this wonderful memoir, actor Grant charts her life from a childhood in New York City through her performance in" Shampoo" and beyond... Whether recalling the traumas of her first marriage to screenwriter Arnold Manoff or sharing entertaining memories of her famous friends, Grant does so with a with a lively, approachable tone. Though famous for her achievements as a multi-award winning actor, director, and documentarian, Grant reveals herself to be woman unafraid of continual self-reinvention. These pages tell a gripping story full of drama, humor, and hardship, offering an intimate look into the singular life of one indefatigable protagonist."--"Publishers Weekly " "[T]he resilience of [Lee Grant's] career outlasted the 12-year period when she was blacklisted by HUAC for her political affiliations...she became one of the most respected actresses of her generation.... Rife with appearances from some of Hollywood's biggest names, including an unsuccessful date with Marlon Brando, Grant's career proves that the elusive and oft-sought-after second chance can not only be had, it can be triumphantly redeeming. An insightful, sharp Hollywood memoir that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike."--"Kirkus" "Lee Grant's blacklist memoir is deliciously indiscreet. She has written the definitive tell-all about life on the blacklist and no one who cares at all about those dark days can afford not to read it."--Victor S. Navasky, author of National Book Award-winning "Naming Names" "Lee Grant came to know herself as a child, as an actress, as a woman and as a thinker. I have come to know her intimately in reading her book, and am so grateful for the experience."--Vanessa Redgrave "Having had the privilege to work with Lee Grant on the motion picture screen was truly a delight. Now, out of nowhere, she has written a most wonderful book about her family and herself. It's warm, it's touching and it's a book that speaks of the human experience--the wonders of it, the magic of it, the difficulties of it, the history of a life's unfolding, beautifully and brilliantly with purpose and with guts."--Sidney Poitier "Read this book--every juicy page! Lee has lived her life and practiced her craft with reckless abandon, bravery, honesty and ultimately brutal clarity. You will want to be her friend, lover, child or student, and you will finish the final pages her ardent admirer. A ferocious and fragile woman who unapologetically states: For better or for worse, I'm right here!"--Frank Langella "If there is any adventure, from love to politics, that you feel you've missed in life, Lee Grant has had it for you--and describes it here with wit, honesty and all five senses. No one, but no one, has better explained, say, the difference between the theater and Hollywood, between love and romance, or between families born and chosen. Go ahead, live a little. Say yes to Lee Grant."--Gloria Steinem "Lee Grant's "I Said Yes to Everything" is heart-stopping. More than just a show business memoir or chronicle of the Hollywood blacklist era, it is a terrifying account of a gifted artist's tumultuous journey--both personal and professional. You will feel every jolt of terror that Grant endured, wondering if you would have been as brave. Her triumph becomes our own. Readers of this gripping book will surely reach the final page shouting a victorious 'Yes!' to everything that is Lee Grant."--Marlo Thomas "Lee Grant--I have worked with her--is a great actress. Lee Grant is also my friend--a great conversationalist. I never knew about her writing talent. She has written a wonderful book. It made me laugh, it made me cry. Read it!"--Kirk Douglas "Lee knows how to tell a good story with passion, honesty and a good sense of humor."--Michael Douglas "It's so easy to say 'Yes'! I loved Lee Grant's memoir--everything about it! She is direct, honest, witty and compelling!"--Dyan Cannon "The minute I looked at the new memoir [by] actress Lee Grant, I knew I wouldn't be able to resist "I Said Yes To Everything."... I'm afraid I pretty much abandoned everything else until I read it. Lee Grant is one of America's greatest actors, most heroic survivors, a contradictory enigma one minute, a sympathetic victim the next....who keeps turning it all around into triumph."--Liz Smith "Lee Grant's "I Said Yes to Everything" is a fantastic read. Beautifully written and brutally honest, she takes us through the highs and lows of her brilliant career and incredibly interesting personal life. I loved every page of it."--Joy Behar "The elegant theater and screen actress bares all of her insecurities and regrets... But there's also an intimacy and directness in how she shares--including numerous dishy, behind-the-glam anecdotes.... Grant has lived a long, full life. While she may prefer to be coy about precisely how long it's lasted so far, "I Said Yes to Everything" serves as evidence that it's been long enough to give her a meaty, multifaceted and compelling story to tell."--Jen Chaney, "The Washington Post" "[N]o-holds-barred... Grant doesn't make us read between the lines here; it's all right there, on the page. When she was jubilant after winning an Oscar for her supporting role in "Shampoo," we know it; when she was disgusted, as when a television network canceled her series without telling her, we know it, too; and, of course, when she was dismayed and bewildered and depressed when she couldn't find work during her 12-year blacklisting, we know it for sure.... An excellent show-business autobiography.--"Booklist," STARRED review "In this wonderful memoir, actor Grant charts her life from a childhood in New York City through her performance in" Shampoo" and beyond... Whether recalling the traumas of her first marriage to screenwriter Arnold Manoff or sharing entertaining memories of her famous friends, Grant does so with a with a lively, approachable tone. Though famous for her achievements as a multi-award winning actor, director, and documentarian, Grant reveals herself to be woman unafraid of continual self-reinvention. These pages tell a gripping story full of drama, humor, and hardship, offering an intimate look into the singular life of one indefatigable protagonist."--"Publishers Weekly " "[T]he resilience of [Lee Grant's] career outlasted the 12-year period when she was blacklisted by HUAC for her political affiliations...she became one of the most respected actresses of her generation.... Rife with appearances from some of Hollywood's biggest names, including an unsuccessful date with Marlon Brando, Grant's career proves that the elusive and oft-sought-after second chance can not only be had, it can be triumphantly redeeming. An insightful, sharp Hollywood memoir that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike."--"Kirkus" "Lee Grant's blacklist memoir is deliciously indiscreet. She has written the definitive tell-all about life on the blacklist and no one who cares at all about those dark days can afford not to read it."--Victor S. Navasky, author of National Book Award-winning "Naming Names" "Lee Grant came to know herself as a child, as an actress, as a woman and as a thinker. I have come to know her intimately in reading her book, and am so grateful for the experience."--Vanessa Redgrave "Having had the privilege to work with Lee Grant on the motion picture screen was truly a delight. Now, out of nowhere, she has written a most wonderful book about her family and herself. It's warm, it's touching and it's a book that speaks of the human experience--the wonders of it, the magic of it, the difficulties of it, the history of a life's unfolding, beautifully and brilliantly with purpose and with guts."--Sidney Poitier "Read this book--every juicy page! Lee has lived her life and practiced her craft with reckless abandon, bravery, honesty and ultimately brutal clarity. You will want to be her friend, lover, child or student, and you will finish the final pages her ardent admirer. A ferocious and fragile woman who unapologetically states: For better or for worse, I'm right here!"--Frank Langella "If there is any adventure, from love to politics, that you feel you've missed in life, Lee Grant has had it for you--and describes it here with wit, honesty and all five senses. No one, but no one, has better explained, say, the difference between the theater and Hollywood, between love and romance, or between families born and chosen. Go ahead, live a little. Say yes to Lee Grant."--Gloria Steinem "Lee Grant's "I Said Yes to Everything" is heart-stopping. More than just a show business memoir or chronicle of the Hollywood blacklist era, it is a terrifying account of a gifted artist's tumultuous journey--both personal and professional. You will feel every jolt of terror that Grant endured, wondering if you would have been as brave. Her triumph becomes our own. Readers of this gripping book will surely reach the final page shouting a victorious 'Yes!' to everything that is Lee Grant."--Marlo Thomas "Lee Grant--I have worked with her--is a great actress. Lee Grant is also my friend--a great conversationalist. I never knew about her writing talent. She has written a wonderful book. It made me laugh, it made me cry. Read it!"--Kirk Douglas "Lee knows how to tell a good story with passion, honesty and a good sense of humor."--Michael Douglas "It's so easy to say 'Yes'! I loved Lee Grant's memoir--everything about it! She is direct, honest, witty and compelling!"--Dyan Cannon "The minute I looked at the new memoir [by] actress Lee Grant, I knew I wouldn't be able to resist "I Said Yes To Everything."... I'm afraid I pretty much abandoned everything else until I read it. Lee Grant is one of America's greatest actors, most heroic survivors, a contradictory enigma one minute, a sympathetic victim the next....who keeps turning it all around into triumph."--Liz Smith "Lee Grant's "I Said Yes to Everything" is a fantastic read. Beautifully written and brutally honest, she takes us through the highs and lows of her brilliant career and incredibly interesting personal life. I loved every page of it."--Joy BeharBiographical Note: LEE GRANT founded the production company Feury/Grant with her husband. An adjunct professor at Tisch School of the Arts, Grant lives in New York City. Table of Contents: Overture -- My Family -- The Met -- Paris -- Life Lessons -- Boys -- The First High School I Was Asked to Leave -- An Unsentimental Education -- On the Road -- Detective Story -- Arms and the Man -- Grandmother Dora -- Bromberg's Memorial -- My Parents Demand to Meet Arnie -- 444 Central Park West -- The Committee -- Dinah. My Dinah. -- Two for the Seesaw -- Burt Lancaster -- Arnie's Heart Attack -- Marty Gang -- AFTRA -- Paris and Comeuppance -- The Summer House -- A New Life -- Two for the Seesaw-Boston -- The Balcony -- Max Kampelman -- Lenny Bruce -- Intro to Joey -- Max Calls -- The Fugitive -- Amie's Death -- The Public Theater and Peyton Place -- The Jump -- Monaco -- Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell -- The Pool House -- Say YES to Everything -- In the Heat of the Night -- The Red, House -- Valley of the Dolls -- The Landlord -- Dinah -- The Neon Ceiling -- Portnoy's Complaint -- George Schlatter -- Plaza Suite and The Prisoner of Second Avenue -- Adoption -- On the Set of Shampoo -- Fay -- The Stronger -- Voyage of the Damned -- Airport '77 -- The Green House -- The Willmar 8 -- Tell Me a Riddle -- Witia -- The Girl -- Ohio Shuffle -- Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen -- A Matter of Sex -- Directing Theater for Joe Papp -- When Women Kill -- What Sex Am I? -- Down and Out in America -- Directors Accept Me -- Battered -- The Trio -- Staying Together -- No Place Like Home -- Defending Your Life -- Women on Trial -- Three Hearts -- Falling Apart al, It's My Party -- Broadway Brawler -- Lifetime -- Ryan and Farrah -- Burt Bacharach to Elisabeth Taylor -- A Father... A Son... Once Upon a Time in Hollywood -- Baghdad ER -- Children of the Blacklist -- Queen of Denial -- Russian Easter Egg -- Acknowledgments -- Index. Review Quotes: The elegant theater and screen actress bares all of her insecurities and regrets But there s also an intimacy and directness in how she shares including numerous dishy, behind-the-glam anecdotes . Grant has lived a long, full life. While she may prefer to be coy about precisely how long it s lasted so far, "I Said Yes to Everything" serves as evidence that it s been long enough to give her a meaty, multifaceted and compelling story to tell. Jen Chaney, "The Washington Post" [N]o-holds-barred Grant doesn t make us read between the lines here; it s all right there, on the page. When she was jubilant after winning an Oscar for her supporting role in "Shampoo," we know it; when she was disgusted, as when a television network canceled her series without telling her, we know it, too; and, of course, when she was dismayed and bewildered and depressed when she couldn t find work during her 12-year blacklisting, we know it for sure . An excellent show-business autobiography. "Booklist," STARRED review In this wonderful memoir, actor Grant charts her life from a childhood in New York City through her performance in" Shampoo" and beyond Whether recalling the traumas of her first marriage to screenwriter Arnold Manoff or sharing entertaining memories of her famous friends, Grant does so with a with a lively, approachable tone. Though famous for her achievements as a multi-award winning actor, director, and documentarian, Grant reveals herself to be woman unafraid of continual self-reinvention. These pages tell a gripping story full of drama, humor, and hardship, offering an intimate look into the singular life of one indefatigable protagonist. "Publishers Weekly " [T]he resilience of [Lee Grant s] career outlasted the 12-year period when she was blacklisted by HUAC for her political affiliations she became one of the most respected actresses of her generation . Rife with appearances from some of Hollywood s biggest names, including an unsuccessful date with Marlon Brando, Grant s career proves that the elusive and oft-sought-after second chance can not only be had, it can be triumphantly redeeming. An insightful, sharp Hollywood memoir that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike. "Kirkus" Lee Grant's blacklist memoir is deliciously indiscreet. She has written the definitive tell-all about life on the blacklist and no one who cares at all about those dark days can afford not to read it. Victor S. Navasky, author of National Book Award-winning "Naming Names" Lee Grant came to know herself as a child, as an actress, as a woman and as a thinker. I have come to know her intimately in reading her book, and am so grateful for the experience. Vanessa Redgrave Having had the privilege to work with Lee Grant on the motion picture screen was truly a delight. Now, out of nowhere, she has written a most wonderful book about her family and herself. It s warm, it s touching and it s a book that speaks of the human experience the wonders of it, the magic of it, the difficulties of it, the history of a life s unfolding, beautifully and brilliantly with purpose and with guts. Sidney Poitier Read this book every juicy page! Lee has lived her life and practiced her craft with reckless abandon, bravery, honesty and ultimately brutal clarity. You will want to be her friend, lover, child or student, and you will finish the final pages her ardent admirer. A ferocious and fragile woman who unapologetically states: For better or for worse, I'm right here! Frank Langella "If there is any adventure, from love to politics, that you feel you've missed in life, Lee Grant has had it for you and describes it here with wit, honesty and all five senses. No one, but no one, has better explained, say, the difference between the theater and Hollywood, between love and romance, or between families born and chosen. Go ahead, live a little. Say yes to Lee Grant." Gloria Steinem Lee Grant s"I Said Yes to Everything"is heart-stopping. More than just a show business memoir or chronicle of the Hollywood blacklist era, it is a terrifying account of a gifted artist s tumultuous journey both personal and professional. You will feel every jolt of terror that Grant endured, wondering if you would have been as brave. Her triumph becomes our own. Readers of this gripping book will surely reach the final page shouting a victorious Yes! to everything that is Lee Grant. Marlo Thomas Lee Grant I have worked with her is a great actress. Lee Grant is also my friend a great conversationalist. I never knew about her writing talent. She has written a wonderful book. It made me laugh, it made me cry. Read it! Kirk Douglas Lee knows how to tell a good story with passion, honesty and a good sense of humor. Michael Douglas It's so easy to say Yes ! I loved Lee Grant's memoir everything about it! She is direct, honest, witty and compelling! Dyan Cannon The minute I looked at the new memoir [by] actress Lee Grant, I knew I wouldn't be able to resist "I Said Yes To Everything" . I'm afraid I pretty much abandoned everything else until I read it. Lee Grant is one of America s greatest actors, most heroic survivors, a contradictory enigma one minute, asympathetic victim the next .who keeps turning it all around into triumph. Liz Smith "Lee Grant's "I Said Yes to Everything" is a fantastic read. Beautifully written and brutally honest, she takes us through the highs and lows of her brilliant career and incredibly interesting personal life. I loved every page of it. Joy Behar The elegant theater and screen actress bares all of her insecurities and regrets But there s also an intimacy and directness in how she shares including numerous dishy, behind-the-glam anecdotes . Grant has lived a long, full life. While she may prefer to be coy about precisely how long it s lasted so far, "I Said Yes to Everything" serves as evidence that it s been long enough to give her a meaty, multifaceted and compelling story to tell. Jen Chaney, "The Washington Post" [N]o-holds-barred Grant doesn t make us read between the lines here; it s all right there, on the page. When she was jubilant after winning an Oscar for her supporting role in "Shampoo," we know it; when she was disgusted, as when a television network canceled her series without telling her, we know it, too; and, of course, when she was dismayed and bewildered and depressed when she couldn t find work during her 12-year blacklisting, we know it for sure . An excellent show-business autobiography. "Booklist," STARRED review In this wonderful memoir, actor Grant charts her life from a childhood in New York City through her performance in" Shampoo" and beyond Whether recalling the traumas of her first marriage to screenwriter Arnold Manoff or sharing entertaining memories of her famous friends, Grant does so with a with a lively, approachable tone. Though famous for her achievements as a multi-award winning actor, director, and documentarian, Grant reveals herself to be woman unafraid of continual self-reinvention. These pages tell a gripping story full of drama, humor, and hardship, offering an intimate look into the singular life of one indefatigable protagonist. "Publishers Weekly " [T]he resilience of [Lee Grant s] career outlasted the 12-year period when she was blacklisted by HUAC for her political affiliations she became one of the most respected actresses of her generation . Rife with appearances from some of Hollywood s biggest names, including an unsuccessful date with Marlon Brando, Grant s career proves that the elusive and oft-sought-after second chance can not only be had, it can be triumphantly redeeming. An insightful, sharp Hollywood memoir that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike. "Kirkus" Lee Grant's blacklist memoir is deliciously indiscreet. She has written the definitive tell-all about life on the blacklist and no one who cares at all about those dark days can afford not to read it. Victor S. Navasky, author of National Book Award-winning "Naming Names" Lee Grant came to know herself as a child, as an actress, as a woman and as a thinker. I have come to know her intimately in reading her book, and am so grateful for the experience. Vanessa Redgrave Having had the privilege to work with Lee Grant on the motion picture screen was truly a delight. Now, out of nowhere, she has written a most wonderful book about her family and herself. It s warm, it s touching and it s a book that speaks of the human experience the wonders of it, the magic of it, the difficulties of it, the history of a life s unfolding, beautifully and brilliantly with purpose and with guts. Sidney Poitier Read this book every juicy page! Lee has lived her life and practiced her craft with reckless abandon, bravery, honesty and ultimately brutal clarity. You will want to be her friend, lover, child or student, and you will finish the final pages her ardent admirer. A ferocious and fragile woman who unapologetically states: For better or for worse, I'm right here! Frank Langella "If there is any adventure, from love to politics, that you feel you've missed in life, Lee Grant has had it for you and describes it here with wit, honesty and all five senses. No one, but no one, has better explained, say, the difference between the theater and Hollywood, between love and romance, or between families born and chosen. Go ahead, live a little. Say yes to Lee Grant." Gloria Steinem Lee Grant s"I Said Yes to Everything"is heart-stopping. More than just a show business memoir or chronicle of the Hollywood blacklist era, it is a terrifying account of a gifted artist s tumultuous journey both personal and professional. You will feel every jolt of terror that Grant endured, wondering if you would have been as brave. Her triumph becomes our own. Readers of this gripping book will surely reach the final page shouting a victorious Yes! to everything that is Lee Grant. Marlo Thomas Lee Grant I have worked with her is a great actress. Lee Grant is also my friend a great conversationalist. I never knew about her writing talent. She has written a wonderful book. It made me laugh, it made me cry. Read it! Kirk Douglas Lee knows how to tell a good story with passion, honesty and a good sense of humor. Michael Douglas It's so easy to say Yes ! I loved Lee Grant's memoir everything about it! She is direct, honest, witty and compelling! Dyan Cannon The minute I looked at the new memoir [by] actress Lee Grant, I knew I wouldn't be able to resist "I Said Yes To Everything" . I'm afraid I pretty much abandoned everything else until I read it. Lee Grant is one of America s greatest actors, most heroic survivors, a contradictory enigma one minute, asympathetic victim the next .who keeps turning it all around into triumph. Liz Smith "Lee Grant's "I Said Yes to Everything" is a fantastic read. Beautifully written and brutally honest, she takes us through the highs and lows of her brilliant career and incredibly interesting personal life. I loved every page of it. Joy Behar"

Contributor Bio:  Grant, Lee Lee Grant is an Emmy and Academy Award winning actress and director. In