David Janssen - My Fugitive

David Janssen, to anyone who loves Sixties television, was one of the most charismatic actors of his time. He was best known for role as Dr. Richard Kimble, aka "The Fugitive", a series which captivated a nation from 1963 to its ratings-record finale in 1967. In this first authorized biography of the esteemed actor, who died suddenly in 1980 at the age of 48, writer Michael Phelps manages to weave (along with co-writer Ellie Janssen, the actor's wife of twelve years) a compelling and enjoyable true story that covers the life of the actor, with an emphasis on the period in which he rocketed to stardom until his untimely, mysterious death. The book is also the story of Ellie Janssen and the highs and lows of her time with David. (And, as a bonus, there are 16 pages of celebrity photos relating to Janssen's career.) The combination of the show business and relationship stories make for a book that you won't be able to put down. The book is an insight into the lives of "the beautiful people" that we see everyday on the screen; but sometimes their lives aren't so beautiful. And Michael Phelps manages to do an outstanding job in capturing it all in his narrative. Ultimately, it is a story about how Ellie, despite the challenges of being married to a huge star with human flaws, fell in love and never stopped loving David, right up to the time of his death and beyond. "David Janssen--My Fugitive" is an interesting, informative, and enjoyable read. I recommend it highly.

Hi all: This book was an easy and great read. It was riveting from front page to back. It was just sad for me to read about how another celebrity who started out became popular in a very short time and how celebrity status became all consuming for David Janssen. What was great was to read how Ellie Janssen tolerated everything that occurred when David started changing and became caught in the Hollywood glitz and how that fast life didn't effect her. I was and always will be a fan of Davids Janssen; my father and I always stayed riveted to the TV on Tuesday nights at 10:00 and really loved the stories where Dr. Kimble just evaded the close knit eye of Lt. Phillip Gerard. Despite the books revelation I will continually revel in the series adventures. I especially like the idea that out of all television series this is the only series that had a successful ending. It was great to see Harrison Ford re-enact the role of Dr. Kimble. In one scene of the action packed adventure film, there was a scene where the detectives were discussing the background of Dr. Kimble and referred to his full name as Dr. Richard "David" Kimble, which to me was an intentonal thank-you to the original Dr. Richard Kimble played so professionally by David Janssen. Thank-you Ellie for the insight. Both of you are gone now, but I am sure the 2 of you have reconnected and worked through whatever problems the 2 of you encountered in life on the Spiritual Plane.

Growing up watching the weekly show, THE FUGITVE, was a night most women would actually put their ironing down, and set down and watch TV. It wasn't only the action and suspense of the show, but for most of us it was we all were secretly in love with, David Janssen. He gave most of us, the excitment we needed in our lives at one moment or a other. Janssen took us into his world as the Fugitive, and Michael Phelps took us there again, with his truthfulness about David. Author, J.D.MIchael Phelps, in his magnificiant writing, brought all this back so we could read his book and re-live it, in another time in our lives, and by taking us into the most personal parts of Davids life, we never knew about. After reading this book, I had to read it the second time, to make sure I didn't miss one part of Davids life, that Phelps delivered in this book. Even the most negative things that came out in his life became exciting, showing me that a man I watched on TV, was not only a handsome man, a great actor, who took our breath away, in each episode, but Michael Phelps showed us he was also in his life in Hollywood, a very passionate man, who lived life to its fullest. With each chapter about David and his wife, his affairs, his drinking, Phelps brought it all to life, but leaving us still, with so much respect for Janssen. Phelps did a outstanding job of showing us another side a a man, but making us all still remember him as the wonderful actor he was. Phelps did a OUTSTANDING JOB,in this journey through Janseen life. I applaud Phelps for giving me the chance to read and enjoy this book. I will look forward to reading Author Phelps other books.

I have been waiting along time for this book and i really enjoyed it....I feel that Ellie and David made a lovely couple and it really touched my heart to read all the ups and downs that they went thur during their marriage. I hope that Ellie finds some peace in her life..........Sincerely, a true fan....Roxiann D. Hill, Indpls, IN

All 120 episodes of the tv series "The Fugitive" out shine the movie version, although Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones were excellent. This book proves to be an insightful and significant look into the life of David Janssen. He died too young. I would like to hear more about how he REALLY died.