Hollywood Moms [Hardcover]

Joyce Ostin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2001

Their names and faces are emblazoned across marquees and magazines—Susan Sarandon, Madonna, Melanie Griffith, Michelle Pfeiffer—and yet these famous women are not mere icons. They are flesh and blood, heart and soul, and mothers and daughters. This remarkable collection of photographs and comments offers inspirational, candid portraits of more than 50 acclaimed actresses, directors, producers, and performers, each one posing with her mother or daughter.

From Candice Bergen to Jennifer Lopez, the women in this book bring a wide range of perspectives to the universal theme of motherhood. Introduced by actress Carrie Fisher (who poses with her mother, Debbie Reynolds, and her daughter, Billie), and accompanied by each subject’s own words, Joyce Ostin’s intimate photographs are a testament to the wonder and power of the mother-daughter bond, and make this book an ideal gift for women of any age.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Revlon-UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the tradition of Sisters, the bestselling coffee-table book that featured photographs of and essays by sisters both famous and not, comes Hollywood Moms, showcasing the photography of Joyce Ostin with an introduction by Carrie Fisher. Among the mothers and daughters included are Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson (on the cover); Rosanna and Patricia Arquette holding a photo of their deceased mom, Mardiningish Arquette; Dyan Cannon and Jennifer Grant; and Jennifer Lopez with her mom, Guadalupe. Among the best are apparently unposed, private moments, such as Rosie O'Donnell concentrating intently on her daughter, Chelsea. With a projected first printing of 50,000 copies, this book has the makings of a hot-selling Mother's Day gift.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ostin's book gilds the popular relationship photo-book concept with the sheen of showbiz. Each black-and-white picture in it displays a mother and daughter or daughters, and sometimes a granddaughter or three. At least one woman in each picture is an entertainment pro, and at least one person in each picture responds to the question, "What are the most nourishing moments you've shared with your mother or daughter?" Ostin is a very professional photographer, capable of making even Madonna look natural and nurturing. The likes of Debbie Reynolds, Candice Bergen, Gillian Anderson, Sheryl Crow, and Vanna White are naturally less challenging but, happily hugging their daughters, no less endearing. Ray Olson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; First Edition, edition (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810941570
• ISBN-13: 978-0810941571
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #979,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MULTI STAR STANDOUT, April 19, 2001

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hollywood Moms (Hardcover)

"I love having a mother almost as much as I love being one," writes Carrie Fisher in her candid, often funny introduction to this all-star photographic lineup of Hollywood mothers, grandmothers, and offspring.

Of her mom Fisher notes, "When I was younger, I thought my mother was perfect. She was beautiful. She was funny. She was loving and kind......She could only fall from the pedestal I put her on.......Having a daughter of my own made me realize what my mother had been up against while raising me."

As many know, Fisher's parent isn't your routine soccer mom - she's Debbie Reynolds who says of Fisher, "I am just blessed God gave me such a wonderful daughter."

Mutual admiration abounds in this gallery of over 50 luminaries who share very personal recollections of times spent with one another. Each reflection is apt testimony to the abundant strength of the mother/daughter relationship.

Hilary Swank describes her mother as "the one who taught me to follow my heart, trust my instincts, and always believe in myself," while Faith Hill, the mother of two daughters opines, "There is no greater joy than the joy that a child brings."

Candice Bergen pictured with her mother, Frances, and daughter, Chloe, shares a favorite pastime: "Chloe and I would (and still do) take a tray into bed, light the fire, and watch Disney videos..." Chloe mentions singing in the car together an enjoyable experience.

Whether it's Jennifer Lopez, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Kelly Preston (married to John Travolta) or a host of others, each brings her unique perspective to the joys and privileges of motherhood.

Photographer Ostin, a two-time breast cancer survivor, is donating all proceeds from the sale of her book to breast cancer research. She created Hollywood Moms as a symbol of hope to all women. It is that and a great deal more.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Celebration of Motherhood, June 5, 2001

By 

Barb (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hollywood Moms (Hardcover)

I only needed to see the title of this book "Hollywood Moms" and knew it was going to be an extraordinary and picturesque book. The women, their daughters and their own mom's pictured in the book are beauties all in their own right. After reading this book what captured me, was the outstanding work and dedication of Joyce Ostin. I was amazed even after her having and surviving breast cancer, she made me realize we all should still "celebrate" and be so very proud and honored of our womanhood and motherhood. As I am a proud Mom of a remarkable son that I adore so completely, I can absolutely understand the joys and the ups and downs of the greatest "wonder of life" called "Motherhood." PS Maybe we will soon see a book entitled "Hollywood Moms & Sons." Thank you and God Bless

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Boring, May 22, 2001

By 

gail lonergan (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hollywood Moms (Hardcover)

I thought the photography was uninspired. The best photo was the cover shot which is probably why it was chosen. I found the text boring and a lot of the shots without any debth of feeling which is astounding when you consider the subject matter.