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Inside Fame on Television: A Behind the Scenes History

posted 13 years ago by chokalitejm
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Has anyone had chance to read this book? I read it this past weekend and while I enjoyed it, there were parts where I wondered why the writer, Michael A. Hoey (who was involved in the production 5 of the 6 seasons the showed was on the air) included things in the book that Fame lovers, really don't care about because it has nothing to do with the show. I was more interested in learning more about the cast and the characters (and dancers) than the producing staff involved in making the show. I was interested in why Debbie Allen stopped coreographing after season 4 or any additonal romances besides Carlo and Nia. That kind of stuff. The book does however, discuss Gene Anthony Ray's drug addiction (so sad), some difficulty in working with Erica Gimpel and Janet Jackson and Billy Hufsey's ego and penis size! Any comments on the book?

[–] shoopies 9 years ago

The story of a television show includes input from its producers , directors and writers. Not just the actors. It is all these people that put the show together. I just wish there was more from writers and producers as to certain character decisions that were made. It is in the book and very well know that Debbie Allen was doing Broadway at the same time as the 5th and 6th seasons of the show. That is why they made Leory Lidia's assistant. There just wasn't time. She still managed to direct and act some of the time. Funny the kids were all friends and got a long and many of them are still tight to this day. Yet the big wigs had a hard time handling them at time because they were kids/young adults and wild when they wanted to be. I disagree with the writer claiming bitterness by Carlo or any of them. Because they are not . I have seen the specials he was refuring to and I don't get that impression at all. Just a lot of creative frustations over a period of time with still playing teenagers in their twenties. It became hard on them. I loed the book and had hard time purring it down over all. :)

[–] shoopies 9 years ago

ok wait a minute . I have been reading these fame the magazines and they have the actors telling things totally different than in the fame book. P.R. left because he wanted to, to expand on his talents, not because they could not write for Montgomery and he was every bit as talented as the rest of the kids. Did Michael Hoey totally lie in his book or what? I'm starting to think his view is opinion and not fact. how frustrating.