Henry Darrow: Lightning in the Bottle

by Jan Pippins, Henry Darrow

Overview

2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Gold Medal for Biography/Autobiography

Henry Darrow (born Enrique Tomás Delgado) catapulted to international stardom as sexy complex “Manolito Montoya” in the television Western series The High Chaparral (1967-1971) with Leif Erickson and Cameron Mitchell.
He was the ­first actor of Puerto Rican heritage to star in a television series. Born in New York, but raised in Puerto Rico as a teen, Henry grew up in Tucson, and then he headed to California after receiving an acting scholarship during college.
He didn't have instant success in the entertainment industry. From humble beginnings in an unaccredited role in Curse of the Undead (1959) to Wagon Train (1959), General Hospital (1963), and The Outer Limits (1963), among dozens of others, to more prominent roles on Bonanza, Mission: Impossible, and Gunsmoke, he was chosen for the breakthrough role in The High Chaparral. His opportunity finally arrived in a flash.
“Henry survived and had a career when if you were Latino, you couldn’t be just good, you had to be beyond great and that’s Henry,” says noted writer/entertainer Rick Najera. At the height of his fame,
Henry put his career on the line to open doors for other Latinos. He has continued to break ground for over fifty years as a working actor, and he was recently featured on the PBS series Pioneers of Television.
Lightning in the Bottle is the must-read inspirational portrait of the fiercely determined, endearing, and enduring Emmy Award-winning performer. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Ricardo Montalbán Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 ALMA (American Latino Media Arts) Awards, Darrow achieved numerous milestones in his career that paved the way for future actors.

KIRKUS REVIEWS
... Darrow and Pippins skillfully intersperse the historical context with thoughtful analyses and often-lighthearted vignettes regarding various gigs and circumstances...the subject of ethnic identity is treated with focused consideration...An entertaining, well-organized account...

Product Details

BN ID:	2940154540718
Publisher:	BearManor Media
Publication date:	11/04/2016
Sold by:	Smashwords
Format:	eBook
File size:	9 MB

Editorial Reviews

A pioneering Latin actor chronicles his life on and off the stage and screen. Sometimes acting is heart and soul; other times it's technique. Henry Darrow says he's given himself over to both, but, perhaps more pointedly, he embraces his roles as work. This "lightning in the bottle" was so dubbed because of his obvious love of labor, as well as his renowned versatility and resilience in the professional and personal realms. His satisfaction in acting derives not only from starring roles, but also from the so-called little parts. The tenacity to "out perfectionist nearly anyone" helped him become the first actor of Puerto Rican heritage to star in a TV series. That gig on "The High Chaparral" was preceded by a 10-year personal climb, an ascension attentively recounted in the first third of the book. The middle section is even more detailed, covering various aspects of the western series that catapulted him to fame. The final third covers his life post-"Chaparral," including not only his TV roles, but also his role as an activist promoting Latinos in the industry. Darrow and Pippins skillfully intersperse the historical context with thoughtful analyses and often-lighthearted vignettes regarding various gigs and circumstances. Darrow's contemplation of an Anglo name change, for example, is managed amusingly; however, the deeper subject of ethnic identity is treated with focused consideration. The authors adeptly blend such identity issues with the broader entertainment landscape in which, ironically, Darrow's career direction was partially the result of the western genre's decline and a backlash against violent programming. Nonetheless, the biography's unfolding often reflects Darrow's penchant for performance. The collection of his quotes can sometimes seem less than remarkable, although a train of thought regarding emotion is particularly inspiring. However, maintaining interest in Darrow's life after "Chaparral," including his smaller TV roles, could be a drawback for casual readers. An entertaining, well-organized account for fans.

Kirkus Reviews