Dancing on the Edge

Dancing on the Edge: A Journey of Living, Loving, and Tumbling through Hollywood by Russ Tamblyn  354 pp.

Beginning with his appearance in the 1948 film "The Boy with Green Hair," Russ Tamblyn has been part of Hollywood well into his 80s. He grew up in the studio system with other young actors like Elizabeth Taylor and Dean Stockwell, who would become his close friend. Tamblyn is most remembered for his acrobatic dancing roles as Gideon in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and Riff the leader of the Jets in "West Side Story" (1961). He also featured in many westerns and other movies with an Oscar nomination for his role in "Peyton Place." In the 1960s, Tamblyn moved away from acting to try his hand at art which include collage, experimental short films, and other endeavors while living in an artsy stretch of Topanga canyon. When the money would run short, Tamblyn would get a role in another movie. He has an eclectic group of friends including poets, Avant Garde artists, actors, and musicians like Neil Young. Tamblyn also had a successful run as the Dr. Jacoby on "Twin Peaks" which he greatly enjoyed. His long life included three marriages and two daughters, one of whom is actor/director/producer Amber Tamblyn. This is a no nonsense memoir with all the difficulties, bumps, and bruises along with the successes. The audiobook is read by Tamblyn which is a bit of a mixed blessing as he has a slight lisp/speech impediment.