Grayson Hall: A Hard ACT to Follow

By R.J. Jamison

Grayson Hall was a widely acclaimed New York Theatre actress, 1964 Academy Award nominee, and co-star of the 1960s-70s Gothic television serial, Dark Shadows.

Here for the first time is a survey of her life and career which takes place in the world of New York writers and artists beginning in the early 1950s; a world that revolved around serious intellectual discourse, cocktails, cigarettes and theatre Grayson's own story is that of a hugely talented woman, admired by writers, producers, fellow actors, but who did not get the one role that would propel her into the stratosphere. Nevertheless, with the roles she did inhabit, she became an iconic figure.

This book reaches back to Grayson's earliest stage appearances in 1942 as a teenager on Long Island; her extensive stage work in regional theatre and in New York City; her television and film appearances including three early New York art house films, the avant-garde French film Qui tes-vous, You Polly Maggoo? and her Oscar nominated turn in The Night of the Iguana. And for Dark Shadows followers, this book answers some lingering questions: who got hired on Shadows first, Grayson or her husband Sam? Was it always happiness and light on the Dark Shadows set? And did she really do much aside from Shadows or Iguana?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595404626
• ISBN13: 9780595404629
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

One Heck Of A Lady

Grayson Hall, the subject of this novel, was one fascinating individual. In reading Jamison's excellent biography, I found myself wishing that I had gotten to know her, or at least seen one of her stage plays. Knowing the woman primarily from Dark Shadows, it was a treat to discover that she was a real person; funny, warm, emphatic and totally dedicated to her art and her family. RJ Jamison draws her perfectly: he does not apologize for the flaws and comments on her subliminal acting abilities with gusto. The only problem is: whoever inserted the photos (and yes, when I read a biography I always look at the pictures) really did a lack luster job of it. Ms Hall comes off cropped badly as most of the pictures are fully distorted. But don't let that stop you from getting (and enjoying) this fantastic book.

A Real Gem

Grayson Hall was a real character in her own life so it is not surprising that she could make a star-turn in just about any role she took on. This book is a wonderful look into an actor's life, how actors live and work. Ms. Jamison left no stone unturned in this bio! Nancy

RVF - St. Louis, MO.

I only have one complaint about this book and that is that once you start reading it, you can't put it down! It is an excellently written, incredibly detailed account of the life of a magnificent woman and a passionate actress! I was very honored to have known Grayson Hall and been the recipient of her many kindnesses and I am amazed at how much I learned about this fascinating woman by reading this book! Kudos to the talented writer and to everyone involved in the project! I highly recommend this book!!

The Many Faces (and Facets) of Grayson Hall

In this thoroughly researched biography, author R.J. Jamison chronicles the metamorphosis of young, awkward Shirley Grossman into the eventually sophisticated and elegant Academy Award-nominated actress, Grayson Hall. Revealing never before told stories and secrets (including Shirley's true date of birth), Jamison finally opens the door on the enigma that was Grayson Hall. Who was this woman really? Was she the no-nonsense actress who made young ingénues quake in their shoes? Or was she the kind-hearted friend who doted on her family? It turns out that she was both of these and so much more. Whether you know Grayson from the theatre, movies, or from Dark Shadows, you will "surely" want to read this book about our "Shirley."

A gutsy, golden-hearted legend

Cult actress Grayson Hall has been best known to students of Tennessee Williams through her larger-than-life performance as the 'butch choir-mistress' in John Huston's film of Night of the Iguana, a role for which she received an Academy Award (tm) nomination. The actress is also fondly recalled for her yeoman work as a scheming gypsy tarot card reader, a French countess, a devious housekeeper and the ever-faithful 'Physician to the Vampire' on television's Dark Shadows. Now independent scholar RJ Jamison reveals the very complex woman behind the legendary, iconic, eyebrow-raising actress. Jamison's diligent spadework and spot-on reporting uncovers a wealth of hitherto unknown detail about Hall's life. The author situates her subject in her various contexts, illuminates her art and life, and most important of all, shows us what fun she had living Off and On Broadway as a 'gutsy broad' who gave her all to the Theatre but who remained powerfully devoted to her family, her kitchen, and those to whom she gave her heart. R J Jamison's book is a riveting read. You won't soon forget Grayson, or this book about her.