Erik Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood [Hardcover]

Erik Estrada (Author), Davin Seay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1997

The hottest icon of '70s television tells his own story-an unflinchingly honest saga of the women, money, and show-biz politics that engulfed his Hollywood rise, and where he's been since his fall.

In this startlingly honest tell-all autobiography, Erik Estrada reveals how he journeyed from the mean streets of East Harlem to the even meaner boulevards of Hollywood, where he became television's hottest star in the hit series "CHiPs." Gorgeous women, exclusive clubs, fast cars, and a jet-set world filled Estrada's life during the show's five-year run, but despite his success, Tinseltown's power structure wanted this irreverent actor out. It wasn't until 1994 that Estrada made his comeback-as the number-one Spanish-language soap opera star in the Mexican novela Dos Mujeres, un Camino - and as an icon to a generation of adults who had once yearned for Estrada's sexy charm in their living rooms every week.

For his new audience and the loyal fans of CHiPs, here is a firsthand account of the solid, middle-class values, devoted mother, hard work, and the many inspirational women behind the television legend.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Erik Estrada lives in Los Angeles.

Davin Seay is the author of Mick Jagger: The Story Behind the Rolling Stone. He lives in Los Angeles.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Any man's beginning reaches back past his point of origin-the time, date, and place when he made his grand entrance-to the deepest roots of his heritage. Who we are depends on where we came from, our people, our culture, and the way of life we carry with us from cradle to grave.

In my career, that question of heritage has always been more than a little blurred. My dark skin and Latin looks have landed me roles as everything from Italian to Chicano to the all-purpose Hispanic. And for a lot of Spanish- speaking people, I was something of a role model, one of their own who made it big.

Well, I wish I could say that I was aware of my heritage, proud of my people and ready to be an example for everyone who saw me as one of their own. But the truth is, for a long time I never really thought of myself in terms of my cultural credentials. I guess the best indication of that is the fact that, up until a few years ago, I never spoke anything more than pidgin Spanish. I never sought out spokesman status for causes that concerned Latinos. I never even thought of myself as breaking down race barriers in Hollywood. I was just happy to be working, whether I got the job for my talent or my skin tone.

That would all change in time, as I came to realize not only how much I owed to my Puerto Rican lineage, but how much I wanted to give back to my people. Strong family ties, fierce loyalties, and passionate emotions wouldn't be stereotypes of Puerto Ricans unless there was at least some truth in them, and I share many of those traits. But growing up, I never thought as much of what made me different from others as what I had in common with them: I was American-born, native of the greatest city in the world, and mixed up in the melting pot of a legendary neighborhood.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow & Co; 1St Edition edition (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688142931
• ISBN-13: 978-0688142933
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,283,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A joy to read, November 24, 2000

By 

"wrendelar1" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Erik Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood (Hardcover)

I've been a fan of Erik Estrada's since the first season of "CHiPs", and am still an actively dedicated fan. I bought the autobiography in hardcover on sight without hesitation. The fan wanted the book immediately, and the amateur critic and aspiring writer have yet to regret the decision.

I don't read a lot of autobiographies because I lose either interest in the story or respect for its author. The conversational style and the honest and balanced telling of this story grabbed my attention on Page 1 and held it through a cover-to-cover reading. Aside from giving details not usually revealed through other means, this book presented itself as something special from the first moment. I wasn't reading an autobiography with stylized prose and a detached third-person feel. I was listening as someone I have long admired told me about who he is and where his roots lie. I felt the story as it was being told, from the frustration of Hollywood's own form of politics to the elation of true love and a treasured family. From triumph to tragedy, it's all there. It's a story of courage, determination, faith and love - personal, cultural and spiritual.

It's easy for celebrity autobiographies to become self-serving tell-all's, but this book maintains a straightforward perspective, allowing the story to be told with dignity and with class. It's a breath of fresh air, and an absolute pleasure to read. The fans who have remained devoted through the bad press and the "where are they now" stories have long held the hope that the truth would be revealed. It has in a compelling story, straight from the heart and well worth the wait. Thank you, Erik, for sharing your side of the story.

If you're a fan, this book is a must. If you're not, read it and you just might become one.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very straight forward, September 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Erik Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood (Hardcover)

Erik Estrada's book is the best Hollywood bio I have ever read. He holds nothing back and is very honest about rough times and regrets in his life (i.e. failed marriages, his shaky relationship with Larry Wilcox). He seems like such a terrific person and great friend, too. God bless him, Nanette, and his two boys.

Also, wasn't Mr. Estrada so much fun to watch in "CHiPS '99:? :)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a fascinating written wealth of experience, May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Erik Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood (Hardcover)

I always had a crush on Erik Estrada since I saw him the first time on "CHiPs". Now that I have read his autobiography, I know that he is not only the most handsome actor I have ever seen, but also a very kind, intelligent, honest and nice person in real life. I found his story of life so very gripping, that I could not put down the book until I had read it out. I did not know how hard the road was, Erik Estrada had to go until he finally found love and peace for himself, and I admire him and look up to him, because he never gave up hope, even in his darkest hours. I can highly recommend this book and think, you can learn a lot from it, although if you are not a celebrity but just one of the ordinary people. I have to say that this book has really touched me and even changed my life somehow. I think it is a little treasure and can help you to think positive about your own life and situation. To me it was a real comfort and great support and it made me hopeful about my own life. I spent more hours reading this book than I have ever spent reading any other book. I consider this book as very tastefully written and full of feeling, and to me Erik Estrada is and will always be a man of character and a real personality, whom not many other actors can hold a candle to. I wish Erik Estrada all the best for his future, that the love between Nana and him will never end and that all his hopes and dreams will come true. Erik, take good care of your family and yourself and stay the way you are. To me you will always be a very special person and will always have a special place in my heart.