📖 Overview
So That Happened is actor Jon Cryer's memoir chronicling his life and career in Hollywood. The book covers his early years as a child actor in New York through his rise to television stardom.
Cryer shares stories from his experiences on Broadway, his film roles in the 1980s, and his long-running role on the sitcom Two and a Half Men. The narrative includes behind-the-scenes accounts of productions and interactions with entertainment industry figures.
The book details personal relationships, career decisions, and industry dynamics that shaped Cryer's path as an actor. His perspective as both a child actor and veteran performer provides insight into different eras of entertainment.
The memoir stands as a clear-eyed examination of fame, success, and survival in Hollywood, told with humor and candor. Through his experiences, Cryer illustrates the complexities of maintaining a decades-long career in a volatile industry.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this memoir as honest, funny, and more substantive than expected. The audiobook version, narrated by Cryer himself, receives frequent praise for its engaging delivery.
Readers liked:
- Behind-the-scenes stories from Two and a Half Men
- Detailed accounts of 1980s Hollywood
- Self-deprecating humor
- Candid discussion of Charlie Sheen's departure
- Stories about Pretty in Pink and working with John Hughes
Readers disliked:
- First third of book moves slowly
- Too much focus on early career details
- Some found the Charlie Sheen sections sensationalized
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (4,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,100+ ratings)
Audible: 4.6/5 (2,900+ ratings)
Reader quote: "Expected gossip, got a thoughtful meditation on fame, success and the entertainment industry." - Goodreads reviewer
The audiobook consistently ranks higher in reviews than the print version, with many noting Cryer's performance enhances the material.
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🤔 Interesting facts
🎬 Jon Cryer wrote the memoir without using a ghostwriter, drawing from detailed journals he kept throughout his career.
🌟 Before landing his iconic role as Alan Harper on "Two and a Half Men," Cryer had lost so many roles to Matthew Broderick that he started calling himself "Matthew Broderick's understudy."
💫 The book reveals that Charlie Sheen personally called Cryer to warn him about his public meltdown before it hit the media, showing their complex but genuine friendship.
🎭 Cryer was originally considered for the role of Chandler Bing on "Friends" before Matthew Perry was cast.
🏆 Despite being primarily known for comedy, Cryer reveals he trained at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and started his career in serious theater productions.