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Joe interviewed television producer and executive, Andy Friendly. Andy Friendly was born the week his father, Fred Friendly and his partner, Edward R. Murrow launched their pioneering documentary series “See It Now” on CBS in 1951. Ever since he was fortunate to have a unique and intimate view into the inner workings of the television and movie business. Andy is an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, director and programming executive who has worked with some of the biggest names in television and entertainment such as, Tom Snyder, Tim Russert, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Dan Rather and dozens more.
In his new memoir, Willing to be Lucky: Adventures in Life and Television, Andy takes readers behind the scenes of the TV and movie business, beginning with his iconic father Fred Friendly’s pioneering work in television news with the legendary Edward R. Murrow, through the extraordinary film and television career of his wife, Golden Globe-winning actress Pat Crowley, as well as Andy’s own dramatic and at times hilarious adventures working with many of the most talented names in the business: from Richard Pryor, George Clooney, Jimmy Cagney, and Paul McCartney to news and talk legends Tom Snyder, Tim Russert, Dan Rather, Oprah Winfrey, and Vin Scully, among dozens of other top stars. Along the way, he shares moving stories of family and friendship with unique strategies for surviving and prospering in the rough-and-tumble world of film and television, and life, in general. “Willing to Be Lucky” is Friendly’s attempt to pass along his own truth to the next generation, especially the youngsters in his family who don’t really know many details of the life stories of Friendly, his wife Pat Crowley, his father and grandfather. In addition, Andy’s memoir is generously sprinkled with fascinating photographs, letters, notes and other personal and impressive memorabilia from his career.
“Andy’s book reminds me to be grateful not for the material things in life but for the most important thing in life, which is family.” – Michael Strahan, Co-anchor Good Morning America, and NFL Sunday analyst
“In chronicling his own remarkable career in television, including producing shows for talk show icons Tom Snyder and Tim Russert, Andy Friendly delights us with wise, revealing, and often witty tales about these and other television greats. Most of all, he speaks about his devotion to family with a graciousness and passion that is profound and inspiring.” – Robert Hilburn, best-selling author of biographies on Paul Simon and Johnny Cash and award-winning Los Angeles Times critic
Andy is currently on the board of councilors of The USC Shoah Foundation and is a past President and current board member of The Saban Community Clinic and the Hollywood Radio & Television Society. He has taught as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the USC School of Cinematic Arts. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Pat Crowley and their family.
Andy Friendly will discuss his new memoir, Willing to Be Lucky: Adventures in Life and Television on Sunday, Nov 19 at 2 P.M. at D.G.Wills Books, 7461 Girard Avenue, La Jolla.
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