David Janssen - My Fugitive [Hardcover]

Ellie Janssen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2009

This is the only authorized Biography of the late David Janssen, the film and television star, most noted for his role in ABC Televison Series; "THE FUGITIVE" (1963-1967). Originally published in December, 1994 by Lifetime Books, Inc., Hollywood, Florida. This book was Co-Authored by Ellie Janssen, David's wife (1968-1972), and Michael Phelps. An intimate revelation of their marriage, and the agony of their divorce. Ellie Janssen held nothing back. Her love for David endured through it all. Ellie's love and devotion to David never died. Following their divorce (at the time, it was the "longest running divorce case in Los Angeles Court history)., Ellie never engaged in an affair with another man, she never remarried. Her love for David was painfully clear as she worked with Michael Phelps in writing this book. What Ellie failed to divulge in this writing, perhaps out of modesty or respect for David, is the fact that she was "The Woman" behind the "successful" man. She orchastrated his career from his first staring role as "Richard Diamond - Private Eye", a role for which he was personally chosen by DICK POWELL. Ellie was the "perfect" Hollywood Housewife. She planned and executed the most flawless and memorable parties in their Holmby Hills home for Hollywood's "A" List. As part of their divorce agreement, Ellie received a ten percent ownership of "THE FUGITIVE" series (half of David's twenty percent ownership). Ironically, it was Ellie who demanded David receive an ownership in "THE FUGITIVE" series at the outset, before the series became a huge hit. This provided Ellie with a comfortable income for the rest of her life. Sadly, Ellie passed away on July 7, 1999 in Portland, Oregon. She is survived by her loving daughters, Kathy and Diane. Co-Author David Janssen - My Fugitive July, 2009.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This ineptly written tribute to actor David Janssen by his first wife of 12 years (they were divorced in 1970) celebrates his career, centering on the 1963-67 TV series The Fugitive, in which he portrayed Richard Kimble, a doctor who is on the run after being falsely accused of murdering his wife and sentenced to death. Copiously illustrated with photos of his life and with film stills, the book, as told to Florida paralegal Phelps, discusses the actor's heavy drinking and womanizing, as well as Ellie Janssen's stormy marriage to "a great man" who died of an apparent heart attack at age 48 in 1980. One doubts that this minor actor is well enough remembered for his wife's memoir to find an audience.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

With the success of the movie The Fugitive, a biography of the actor who, on TV, first realized the character comes as no surprise. This one promises to be pretty reliable, for its author is Janssen's erstwhile wife, Ellie (Phelps is her as-told-to scribe). In the late 1960s, Janssen left Ellie for a starlet; the tabloid press, much smaller then, had a field day. Ellie kept a low profile thereafter and had to be coaxed to participate in this book. She paints a loving portrait of the man who initially won her from Frank Sinatra and whom millions felt they knew from his starring roles in Richard Diamond, Private Eye, The Fugitive, and Harry-O. Far more famous for those small screen roles, Janssen made movies, too, but his career was marred by frequent unemployment and bouts of heavy drinking. Noteworthy for its subtle and gentle insights into dealing with the benefits and drawbacks of TV fame, this is a warm recollection of a decent and talented man. Mike Tribby

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 150 pages
• Publisher: Blue Line Publishing House, Inc.; Fourth Edition, Hardcover, Photos edition (July 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081190797X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811907972
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #847,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars David Janssen-My Fugitive, September 9, 2009

By 

Cheri S. Fogle "Cheri Fogle" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: David Janssen - My Fugitive (Hardcover)

Growing up watching the weekly show, THE FUGITVE, was a night most women would actually put their ironing down, and set down and watch TV. It wasn't only the action and suspense of the show, but for most of us it was we all were secretly in love with, David Janssen. He gave most of us, the excitment we needed in our lives at one moment or a other. Janssen took us into his world as the Fugitive, and Michael Phelps took us there again, with his truthfulness about David.
Author, J.D.MIchael Phelps, in his magnificiant writing, brought all this back so we could read his book and re-live it, in another time in our lives, and by taking us into the most personal parts of Davids life, we never knew about. After reading this book, I had to read it the second time, to make sure I didn't miss one part of Davids life, that Phelps delivered in this book.
Even the most negative things that came out in his life became exciting, showing me that a man I watched on TV, was not only a handsome man, a great actor, who took our breath away, in each episode, but Michael Phelps showed us he was also in his life in Hollywood, a very passionate man, who lived life to its fullest.
With each chapter about David and his wife, his affairs, his drinking, Phelps brought it all to life, but leaving us still, with so much respect for Janssen.
Phelps did a outstanding job of showing us another side a a man, but making us all still remember him as the wonderful actor he was. Phelps did a OUTSTANDING JOB,in this journey through Janseen life. I applaud Phelps for giving me the chance to read and enjoy this book. I will look forward to reading Author Phelps other books.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting but subjective read..., December 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: David Janssen - My Fugitive (Hardcover)

The book title tells it all: Ellie Janssen, the author, tells the story of how former husband David became successful as TV's Dr. Kimble during the 1960s. She highlights the factors contributing to the downfall of their marriage, particularly David's drinking and extramarital affairs. If you are a David Janssen or Fugitive fan, this book lends an interesting perspective, along with several rare photos. However, it is understandably subjective, as Ms. Janssen struggles to explain the tumultuous nature of her relationship with David. The book raises some suspicion as to the circumstances surrounding David's untimely death in 1980.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars His death appears suspicious., December 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: David Janssen - My Fugitive (Hardcover)

All 120 episodes of the tv series "The Fugitive" out shine the movie version, although Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones were excellent. This book proves to be an insightful and significant look into the life of David Janssen. He died too young. I would like to hear more about how he REALLY died.