An intimate look at the making of a man an actor an advocate-and most importantly-a happy
human being. A wonderful book that is funny honest fearless and generous in its
vulnerability. -Douglas Stuart Booker Prize-winning author of Shuggie Bain There is absolutely
no logical reason why I am here. The life trajectory my nationality and class and circumstances
portended for me was not even remotely close to the one I now navigate. But logic is a science
and living is an art. The release I felt in writing my first memoir Not My Father's Son was
matched only by how my speaking out empowered so many to engage with their own trauma. I was
reminded of the power of my words and the absolute duty of authenticity. But... No one ever
fully recovers from their past. There is no cure for it. You just learn to manage and
prioritize it. I believe the second you feel you have triumphed or overcome something - an
abuse an injury to the body or the mind an addiction a character flaw a habit a person -
you have merely decided to stop being vigilant and embraced denial as your modus operandi. And
that is what this book is about and for: to remind you not to buy in to the Hollywood ending.
Ironically maybe much of Baggage chronicles my life in Hollywood and how since I recovered
from a nervous breakdown at 28 work has repeatedly whisked me away from personal calamities to
sets and stages around the world. It is also about marriage(s): starting with the break-up of
my first (to a woman) and ending with the ascension to my second (to a man) with many kissed
toads in between! But in everything each failed relationship or encounter with a legend (Liza!
X Men! Gore Vidal! Kubrick! Spice Girls!) in every bad decision or moment of sensual joy I
have endeavored to show what I have learned and how I've become who I am today: a happy flawed
vulnerable fearless middle-aged man with a lot of baggage.