Harry Dean Stanton: Hollywood's Zen Rebel

I watched the movie “Lucky” three times. I then researched Harry Dean Stanton because the movie was interesting and original. He is truly an authentic person with a wonderfully colorful personality and philosophy. The book unpacks the history and provides insight into the man.

Anyone who romanticizes actors as "stars" or "overnight successes" should read this book. From Kentucky tobacco country, to New York, to Hollywood, Joseph Atkins' marvelous account of Harry Dean Stanton's life and work had me sitting by the fire engrossed for hours on end as the famous character actor worked, struggled, failed and succeeded. Though Stanton's journey was front and center, I enjoyed the entertaining and enlightening side trips. Details abound, including takes on Southern culture, interviews with TV and film insiders, as well as many humorous and not-so-humorous anecdotes about all aspects of the movie industry and big-name actors. Watch "Repo Man" again on Amazon Prime and, by all means, read this book!

Harry Dean Stanton: Hollywood’s Zen Rebel charts the unexpectedly moving rise of one of filmdom’s most iconic character actors. Combining the experiences from his hardscrabble Kentucky childhood with an unforgettably mournful face, Harry Dean Stanton was able to convey an astonishing range of emotions on the silver screen, becoming a favorite of directors and fellow actors alike. He appeared in dozens of memorable roles before finally nabbing the lead in “Paris, Texas.” Atkins’ book offers an intimate and definitive portrait of a career that spanned seven decades—of a man who achieved stardom without ever losing his sense of self—and a fascinating glimpse of behind-the-scenes Tinseltown. A must read for Hollywood history fans.

I have long been a great fan of Harry Dean Stanton and an admire of this great talent. However, I knew very little about the real man. So little has been written about the deepness of his thoughts, passions, and spirit. Author Joseph B. Atkins has reached those depths with this book and has artfully written so well about it all. I am grateful for this rare insight into one of America's great actors. I knew several of my friends would love this read as well, so I purchased extra copies as gift.Mykki Newton

Wow I learned so much about an actor I’ve admired from afar for years. I typically stick to fiction but I was so curious about Harry Dean and I’m so glad I read this book! This book provides a vivid history of the film industry and Harry Dean’s consistent role in the evolution of Hollywood. I loved reading about Harry Dean’s philosophical pondering and some of the scenes in this book feel so magical. I highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this well-researched bio of Harry Dean. Not only did I learn many things about New Hollywood and the lives of character actors in general, but I now understand why I have always been so fascinated with him. I loved reading about his life as a musician with Hollywood's other actor/musicians, and whether he was hanging with Nicholson, Brando or the Brat Pack, his quirky personality made him a favorite with all of Hollywood. One of my favorite parts was the analysis of his acting technique and the real respect and praise it received from the prestigious people he worked with. Now on to watch or rewatch the films that I have just learned so much about.

The late great actor and musician Harry Dean Stanton, who acted in nearly 200 films and TV series over a 60-year career, finally gets the much-deserved biography treatment with 'Harry Dean Stanton: Hollywood's Zen Rebel.' An informative, engrossing read from start to finish, the book is chock-full of revealing quotes and entertaining anecdotes, many of which involve Stanton's famous friends, among them Marlon Brando, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson and Jack Nicholson. Highly recommended for Harry Dean Stanton fans, film buffs, and anyone who enjoys a compelling human story.

Harry Dean Stanton is an actor (and musician) well worthy of a biography, but this high derivative threadbare attempt by Joseph B. Atkins isn't it by a long shot! I'm kinda wondering if this wasn't an undergraduate thesis that someone decided to publish.It's replete with a great deal irrelevant name-dropping in lengthy "borrowed interest" passages, and shows very little original work. I'm angry at the time I wasted on this book, but even more saddened at the lost opportunity to shed any meaningful details about the late performer's lengthy and underappreciated career in films and on television.