Our Titles
When I Knew Al: The Untold Story of Al Pacino
By David Sheldon and Joan McCall
ISBN 1-891799-31-2
13-Digit ISBN
978-1-891799-31-0
Softcover - $16.95
ISBN 1-891799-37-1
13-Digit ISBN
978-1-891799-37-2
Hardcover - $24.95
Pages: 352, Size: 8.5 x 5.5
Two people, one dream. Why does one succeed and the other falter? Is it talent? Persistence? Destiny?
A shared love of acting and common Bronx origins sparked a friendship between Al Pacino and Ed De Leo, a friendship that remained, even as paths diverged.
When I Knew Al: The Untold Story of Al Pacino is a candid and insightful memoir, seen through the eyes of Pacino’s early mentor Ed De Leo, that chronicles Pacino’s single-minded pursuit of his craft. De Leo shared Pacino’s vision of success as an actor, but not Pacino’s faith and drive.
Told by De Leo’s friends and industry insiders David Sheldon and Joan McCall, When I Knew Al delivers a fascinating and surprising account of a supremely talented icon, through De Leo’s experiences. The engaging story is a lesson on the good and bad sides of stardom and the importance of friendship. While never stating it outright, the book questions whether Pacino could have succeeded without De Leo’s constant support and encouragement during the early stages of his career.
Endorsements
"Unique and compelling. This book is not just about the well-known Al Pacino and the unknown Ed De Leo, but about the same world that nourished one and destroyed the other. One actually sought his own nourishment while the other destroyed himself."
- Barbara Taylor Bradford, best-selling author
"A fascinating look at two distinctly different outcomes on the same original career path. Unfortunately, those actors who achieve the success of a Pacino are a very small and select group, while the De Leo's are far more prevalent in this profession. David Sheldon and Joan McCall lead us wonderfully through the triumphs and troubles of both men in a way that is revealing and entertaining. It's a book you'll find hard to put down."
- Ken Kragen, Film, Television Producer ( The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour), organizer of the We are the World and Hands Across America events
"This is a must read. When I Knew Al takes the reader on a roller coaster saga through New York 's theater world, Hollywood 's movie world, all the while making us intimate witnesses to the life of a great actor and movie superstar. Some of Ed De Leo's experiences are hilariously funny."
- Raynold Gideon, Screenwriter, Producer (Starman, Stand By Me)
"Al Pacino is one of America 's greatest actors. Edward De Leo, I had never heard of. Through the alchemy of a dual biography, David Sheldon and Joan McCall admit us to a hidden world of struggle where actors have to make choices - a world populated by agents, producers, coaches, press agents, critics, and competing actors; a world filled with glamour, disappointment, delay, success, failure, acceptance, rejection, and the need to survive. It's an exciting read."
- Kelly Lange, Graveyard Shift and Dead File
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