World Actor

“[A] brave and heartfelt book of truths.”—New York Times Book Review (A Group Text Pick and Editors' Choice) A Boston.com Book Club Pick! From bestselling author Laura Zigman comes a heartfelt novel about two offbeat and newly divorced sisters who move in together as adults—and finally...

In the highly competitive world of acting, auditions are the gateway to a successful career. The ability to make a lasting impression in those fleeting, yet critical moments can mean the difference between landing the role of a lifetime or being left in the waiting room, hoping for the phone to ring. Mastering the art of auditioning, be they in-person, via self-tapes, or live on Zoom is a vital skill every actor must acquire.

They weren’t just actresses—they were Goddesses. Brigitte Bardot, Jayne Mansfield, Ann-Margret, Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe captivated audiences, commanded the silver screen, and became icons of beauty, talent, and desire. They lit up movie marquees, stole hearts worldwide, and left behind a legacy that still mesmerizes today. But behind the glamour, what was life really like for these legendary women? Step beyond the Hollywood façade and uncover the intimate truths of their careers, relationships, and deepest secrets.

Any actor can rise to fame, but only a rare few become icons—legends—Gods of the Silver Screen. Clark Gable, John Wayne, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, and Tom Hanks weren’t just stars; they were larger-than-life figures whose relentless passion and unshakable drive cemented their place in Hollywood history. Step into their world and hear firsthand accounts from those who knew them best. Discover the struggles, the triumphs, the private romances, and the untold secrets of Hollywood’s most celebrated leading men.

No history of American pop culture in the 1940s would be complete without mention of Betty Grable, the most popular pinup girl of the World War II era. Grable possessed the outstanding fortune of not only having an ideal body, but of arriving at the most fortuitous time imaginable. Not only were her legs famously adored by American soldiers, they were actually insured to the tune of one million dollars. Meanwhile, Rita Hayworth's life and career remain fascinating to both the general public and avid movie fans alike.

Hollywood has produced no shortage of famous movie stars, but none have been as culturally significant as John Wayne. Marion Morrison was born in a quintessentially quaint Midwestern town, but he eventually grew up to become John Wayne, the legend of the silver screen who embodied the Western frontier. History for Kids: An Illustrated Biography of John Wayne for Children looks at the iconic actor's life on and off the silver screen, from his out-sized influence to Hollywood to his outspoken views on politics.