Preview
  • To the Temple of Tranquility...and Step on It!

  • A Memoir
  • By: Ed Begley Jr.
  • Narrated by: Ed Begley Jr.
  • Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (47 ratings)

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To the Temple of Tranquility...and Step on It!

By: Ed Begley Jr.
Narrated by: Ed Begley Jr.
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Publisher's summary

Beloved actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. shares hilarious and poignant stories of his improbable life, focusing on his relationship with his legendary father, adventures with Hollywood icons, the origins of his environmental activism, addiction and recovery, and his lifelong search for wisdom and common ground.

Ed Begley Jr. is truly one of a kind, a performer who is known equally for his prolific film and television career and his environmental activism. From an appearance on My Three Sons to a notable role in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman to starring in St. Elsewhere—as well as films with Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and mockumentarian Christopher Guest—Begley has worked with just about everyone in Hollywood. His "green" bona fides date back to 1970, and have been the topic of two books, a reality show, countless media appearances, and even repeated spoofs on The Simpsons (in one episode, Begley's solar‑powered car stalls out on train tracks, but is saved when the train is revealed to be an "Ed Begley Solar‑Powered Train”).

In To the Temple of Tranquility...And Step On It!, Begley shares a fountain of hilarious and poignant stories throughout his life. The memoir is candid and endearing; in one chapter, he is summoned to Marlon Brando's house to discuss the practical uses of electric eels. In another, he tells the story of taking Annette Bening to the Oscars in “an oddball kit-car that had gull wing doors, and was nearly impossible to get in or out of, unless you were a yoga master, which fortunately she was.” Not to mention insightful and surprising tales about The Beatles, Monty Python, Richard Pryor, Cesar Chavez, Jeff Goldblum, Tom Waits, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carrie Fisher, and so many more luminaries.

Begley’s unmistakable voice is honest and revealing in a way that only a comic of his caliber can accomplish. Behind all the stories, Begley has wisdom to impart. This is a book about family, friends, addiction, failure, and redemption.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Ed Begley, Jr. (P)2023 Hachette Books
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What listeners say about To the Temple of Tranquility...and Step on It!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Ed Begley Jr is one, funny storyteller!

Whether drawn to him or not, you cannot deny him as being exceptionally generous with sharing his experiences for the reader. Begley is a real life Forest Gump character and lucky to be alive (!). He's loved by many and a caring guy that is not afraid to show his human imperfections and this makes the reader/listener appreciate
just how many different lives he's had.

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Sincerity and Heart

Loved this book and all the personal and candid stories. I loved how humble and grateful Ed Begley, Jr. is in this narrative. He does not shy away from the challenges he has had, and uses them as life lessons, and talks about the many supportive people - ordinary people as well as Hollywood celebrities - who contributed to his survival and success.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful

He’s hip and humble. A great storyteller, and he comes from a very illustrious past.

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Buy this book! A wonderful read .

Ed has crafted a memoir with humor, engaging story telling and advice for living a peaceful and productive life. Highly recommended!

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Lots of fun to listen to.

Ed does a great job of telling his story with a great deal of humor. He certainly has had an interesting career and life. A little too much of a drunk-a-log in parts, it that’s the life of an addict/alcoholic for certain.

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Outstanding book!

Ed openly shares his stories providing insight into the life and career of an amazing entertainer. Thanks for sharing your stories!!

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had high hopes and it did not disappoint

I love Hollywood memoirs and this one was one of the best I've listened to. It had me laughing and crying.

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Extraordinary stories!

Ed’s super funny, heartfelt, touching and beyond inspiring book is just another testament to how very talented this man is, on camera, speaking into a microphone and holding a pen. What a treat to enjoy every moment of listening to the extremely talented Ed Begley Jr. Bravo!!!

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Loved it!

Funny and heartwarming! The man is Inspirational as always. One two three four five six

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Tranquility sounds nice...

Tranquility sounds nice… and this book provides that. Met #EdBegleyJr at @littlebarncoffeehouse a few years back (Pre-Covid). Lovely man, and brilliant actor! As an old soul, and classic movie buff, I told him I was a big fan of his father. He shoots me his index finger and says “12 Angry Men”! I gave the same gesture and said back, “THE LUCY SHOW”! 😂😂 and 12 Angry Men!” (being in my Top 3 favorite films of all time). This book is a delight, and also poignant. In his genius, the last chapter titled “Jerry Lee Lewis” shares his personal battle with Parkinson’s which made me cry. Vulnerable. Heartfelt and self-deprecating. As I often do with memoirs, I finished this one having more respect and love for the author than I already did. May we all get to the Temple of Tranquility sooner rather than later. But for now, Mr. Begley’s stories are a wonderful place to start! ❤️🧘🏻‍♀️📖

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2 people found this helpful