Author Griffin Dunne
Griffin Dunne (b. 1955) is an American actor, director, and producer. Dunne has an impressive resumé in show business, but I remember him mostly for his role as Jack Goodman in the 1981 comedy/horror film 'An American Werewolf in London' - which is creepy and hilarious.
Dunne had a memorable family as well. His father was investigative journalist, writer, and producer Dominick Dunne; his uncle was American writer and journalist John Gregory Dunne; and his aunt (by marriage) was writer Joan Didion.
Dominick Dunne
John Gregory Dunne
Joan Didion
In this memoir, Griffin writes about the background of his parents, Dominick Dunne and Ellen Griffin Dunne, then traces his life from childhood to the birth of his daughter Hannah when Griffin was thirty-five years old.
Dominck Dunne and Ellen Griffin Dunne
Growing up in a famous family, Griffin and his siblings - Dominique and Alex - were surrounded by celebrities from childhood, especially since their parents, Dominick and Ellen (Lenny), gave frequent parties in their Los Angeles home. The Dunne kids met people like Sean Connery, Gary Cooper, Jennifer Jones, Truman Capote, Natalie Wood, the Ronald Reagans, Dennis Hopper, the Jimmy Stewarts, and many more.
Ellen and Dominick Dunne with their children Alex, Dominique, and Griffin
One of Griffin's babysitters was Elizabeth Montgomery (who later starred in 'Bewitched') and Griffin taught his friend Carrie Fisher to drive years before she was cast in 'Star Wars.' When Carrie was ready to give up her virginity, she chose her platonic pal Griffin to help with that as well.
Griffin Dunne, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher
Though Griffin has fond memories of his early years, it wasn't all fun and laughter. For instance: he was dyslexic and had trouble learning to read; his father was an alcoholic and a closeted gay man, and his parents divorced when Griffin was ten; he was sent to one boarding school after another - always far from home; he was subjected to paddling and fondling in boarding school; he and a schoolmate made a plan to murder the friend's abusive father (they didn't do it); in adolescence he was constantly aroused, but had little sex education, and didn't quite understand what was happening; and more.
Dominick Dunne with his children, Griffin, Dominique, and Alex
Griffin relates all this with a sense of humor, which lightens the narrative considerably.
One of Grffin's tales is especially amusing. Young Griffin idolized Jack and Jackie Kennedy, and even sent the first lady a 'paddle' to ensure good behavior by her baby. The Dunnes were devout Catholics who attended mass every Sunday, but one day Griffin was being a brat and refused to go. The Dunne family came home from mass, all excited about sitting behind the Kennedys. Griffin was SO beside himself about this missed opportunity that he made up an elaborate story about meeting the President and First Lady, and repeated this tale for years. Finally, Griffin decided to abandon the lie and told his brother, who laughed heartily and admitted the family made up the story about the Kennedys to teach Griffin a lesson.
Jack and Jackie Kennedy with their baby Caroline
By the time Griffin was finishing high school, he'd developed an interest in acting, and moved to New York to learn the craft. Griffin's talent and connections helped him get jobs, and Griffin describes his show business experiences - acting, producing, and directing - at length. Like many thespians, Griffin eventually ended up back in Los Angeles, which was closer to show business opportunities.....and to his family.
Young Griffin Dunne
Though Griffin was doing well professionally, there was much sadness in his life. Griffin's mother Lenny was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the early 1980s, and slowly lost mobility and cognizance over the years.
Ellen Dunne with her daughter Dominique
Griffin's brother Alex was (what's now called) bipolar, and suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts.
Griffin Dunne (right) with his brother Alex and sister Dominque
And Griffin's sister Dominique, an up-and-coming actress, was murdered by her boyfriend when she was 22-years-old.
Dominique Dunne
Dominique's story is well-documented in Vanity Fair's 1984 story: 'Justice, A father’s account of the trial of his daughter’s killer' by Dominick Dunne. Griffin recounts the tragedy in this memoir as well, a heartbreaking narrative that takes up a good portion of the book.
In a nutshell, Dominique's boyfriend, sous-chef John Sweeney, strangled her in a rage after she broke up with him. Dominque was on life-support for days before she died, at which time Sweeney was charged with murder. The trial was mishandled by a (seemingly) incompetent and biased judge called Burton S. Katz. The jury - which wasn't allowed to hear MUCH of the pertinent evidence - convicted Sweeney of manslaughter. The killer then served a few years in a medium security prison, to the dismay of the Dunne family.
John Sweeney in custody
Griffin thoroughly explicates the story of Dominque's romance; break-up; assault; hospitalization; death, and funeral. He then describes Sweeney's trial, day by day, and the aftermath. The family never completely recovered from their outrage and despair, but got a little satisfaction when Judge Katz was demoted for his handling of the trial, and lost his chance to be appointed to the California Supreme Court.
John Sweeney on trial
Newspaper articles about John Sweeney and his trial
Griffin intersperses stories about his family and career with anecdotes about his girlfriends and wives, much of it infused with a sense of whimsy. Griffin was seriously girl-crazy, for example, and didn't always use common sense. For instance, Carrie Fisher, who was a jokester, once booked a hotel room - and sent a girl - so teenage Griffin could have sex. Griffin went on to wed the girl in Mexico, but (needless to say) that marriage was short lived.
Afterwards, Griffin had a long romance with actress Brooke Adams. who helped see him through some difficult times in his life.
Griffin Dunne and Brooke Adams
Later on, Griffin met and fell in love with actress Carey Lowell, and he writes a good deal about their romance and wedding. The book ends with the birth of Griffin and Carey's daughter Hannah in 1990. Perhaps Griffin will write a sequel someday.
Griffin Dunne and Carey Lowell
Griffin Dunne and his daughter Hannah
Professionally, one of Griffin Dunne's most recent roles was Uncle Nicky on the hit show 'This is Us.'
Grffin Dunne as Uncle Nicky on the TV show 'This Is Us'
The narrative contains scads more show business stories; gossipy tittle-tattle; and Dunne family drama....but you'll have to read the book to catch up on all that. My overall impression of Griffin Dunne is that he's a kind, compassionate, talented man whose funny bone helped him navigate life's ups and downs.
I found the book interesting and engaging, and would recommend it to fans of Griffin Dunne and readers who enjoy celebrity memoirs.
Rating: 4 stars
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