Is Rex Harrison: A Biography Worth Reading?

As a fan of classic Hollywood actors like Rex Harrison, I’m torn on which biography truly captures his career and complex personality. Any opinions?
2026-01-02 11:28:26
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10 Answers

Best Answer
AlexaFord
AlexaFord
Responder Accountant
If you're looking for a deep dive into Harrison's acting career and public life, that biography is pretty thorough. But I always find the more personal, messy stories more gripping, like how a major life event can define a person. That's what makes 'The Divorce That Ruined Him' a fascinating read—it's a novel entirely built around the psychological and social fallout of a single, disastrous marriage breakdown, showing how everything unravels from there.
2026-08-04 17:23:09
27
Willow
Willow
Expert Firefighter
I’d say it’s a solid companion piece—not a must-read. The prose is workmanlike, but it nails his contradictions: the man who could deliver Shakespearean wit yet struggled with personal relationships. The most gripping pages cover his near-fatal plane crash and how it reshaped his career. Oddly, the book skims over his later years, as if rushing to the final bow. Worth checking out from the library, but maybe not shelf-worthy unless you’re a diehard fan. His voice still lingers in my head, though—that clipped, aristocratic drawl.
2026-01-03 02:15:21
5
Samuel
Samuel
Library Roamer Translator
What grabbed me about this biography wasn’t just Harrison’s career—it was how it mirrored the changing tides of 20th-century entertainment. From West End stages to Hollywood’s golden era, his life was a masterclass in reinvention. The book digs into how he navigated scandals (like his tumultuous marriages) without ever losing that quintessential British cool. I especially loved the sections on his rivalry with other leading men of the time; you could practically feel the egos clashing behind velvet curtains.

But fair warning: it assumes you’re already familiar with his filmography. If 'Doctor Dolittle' or 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' aren’t in your mental library, some references might fly over your head. Still, the writer’s knack for pacing turns even dry contract negotiations into mini-dramas. It’s like watching a play where the protagonist is his own worst enemy—and somehow still wins the standing ovation.
2026-01-03 08:11:22
10
Andrew
Andrew
Careful Explainer Translator
Biographies can be tricky—some feel like dusty textbooks, while others pull you into a life so vividly you forget you're reading. 'Rex Harrison: A Biography' falls somewhere in the middle for me. It's thorough, almost to a fault, with details about his stage work that theatre buffs will adore. But if you're craving salacious Hollywood gossip or deep emotional revelations, it might leave you wanting. The book shines when dissecting his performances in classics like 'My Fair Lady,' where his blend of charm and arrogance defined Higgins. Still, I wished it questioned his off-screen persona more critically—his reputation for being difficult gets glossed over like a footnote.

That said, the anecdotes about his collaborations with Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor are gold. The author clearly admires Harrison, which gives the writing warmth but occasionally veers into hero worship. If you love old Hollywood or theatrical history, it's worth skimming—just don't expect a scandalous exposé. I closed it feeling like I'd met the man, but only in his finest tailored suit.
2026-01-06 13:18:01
22
LeviBoyd
LeviBoyd
Book Clue Finder Journalist
Man, biographies are such a weird gamble for me. I picked this one up after seeing the old movie 'My Fair Lady' and wondering about the guy behind the performance. Harrison led a wildly complex life, full of these theatrical triumphs and deeply messy personal relationships. The book doesn't shy away from his notorious temper or the multiple marriages, which makes him feel like a real, flawed person rather than just a statue on a pedestal. Some chapters drag a bit with lists of stage roles, but the sections on his film work and the backstage drama are genuinely gripping. It gave me a new appreciation for his craft, even as it made me question whether I'd have wanted to work with him. Definitely not a light, flattering read, but if you're into the golden age of theater and film, it's a compelling deep dive.

Just be prepared for some eyebrow-raising anecdotes about his behavior.
2026-07-30 22:06:38
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Can you recommend books like Rex Harrison: A Biography?

3 Answers2026-01-02 18:51:19
If you enjoyed 'Rex Harrison: A Biography' and want to explore more books about charismatic, larger-than-life figures from classic Hollywood or theater, I’d start with 'Noël Coward: A Biography' by Philip Hoare. It’s got that same mix of wit, scandal, and behind-the-scenes drama that made Rex Harrison’s story so compelling. Coward’s sharp tongue and theatrical genius make for a page-turner, and Hoare’s writing is both detailed and breezy—perfect for fans of golden-age entertainment. Another great pick is 'The Moon’s a Balloon' by David Niven. It’s an autobiography, but Niven’s charm and self-deprecating humor give it the feel of a juicy biography. He spills hilarious stories about old Hollywood, including his friendship with Harrison, which adds a nice connective thread. For something grittier, 'Errol Flynn: The Untold Story' by Charles Higham dives into Flynn’s wild life with a similar unflinching eye for the messy, glamorous truth of stardom.

Why does Rex Harrison: A Biography focus on his early career?

3 Answers2026-01-02 14:31:43
Rex Harrison's early career is like uncovering the roots of a towering oak—you can't understand its full majesty without digging into where it began. The biography likely zeroes in on those formative years because they shaped the quirks, struggles, and breakthroughs that defined his later legendary status. Take his stage work in the 1930s, for instance: those gritty, pre-Hollywood theater gigs honed his signature dry wit and impeccable timing, which later made him the perfect Henry Higgins in 'My Fair Lady.' It's also where he developed that infamous reputation for being 'difficult'—a trait that followed him but also fueled his intensity as a performer. What's fascinating is how his early choices reflect the era itself. Post-war Britain was a hotbed for reinvention, and Harrison's transition from cheeky matinee idol to serious actor mirrors the cultural shifts around him. The book probably lingers on this period because it's packed with drama—both onstage and off. His tumultuous love life, his near-fatal car crash, even his brief stint in the RAF—all these threads weave together to explain why he became Rex Harrison, not just another forgetable leading man. Plus, let's be real: origin stories are juicier. We all want to know how the wizard got his wand.

Where can I read Rex Harrison: A Biography for free?

3 Answers2026-01-02 22:06:32
Rex Harrison's biography is one of those gems that feels like stepping into old Hollywood glamour, but tracking it down for free can be tricky. I’ve spent hours scouring digital libraries and archives—Project Gutenberg and Open Library are my usual go-tos for older titles, but no luck there. Sometimes, university libraries offer temporary digital access to biographies like his, especially if they’re tied to theater or film studies. You might also stumble across excerpts on Google Books, though the full thing’s usually paywalled. If you’re into audiobooks, YouTube occasionally has surprise uploads of vintage bios (fair warning: they vanish fast). I once found a podcast deep dive that quoted chunks of his biography, which was oddly satisfying. It’s worth checking if your local library has a Hoopla or Overdrive subscription—they rotate stock, and older celeb bios pop up now and then. Honestly, the hunt’s half the fun; it led me to rediscover his films like 'My Fair Lady,' which I now adore even more.

Who are the main figures in Rex Harrison: A Biography?

3 Answers2026-01-02 11:12:58
Rex Harrison's biography is a fascinating dive into the life of one of Hollywood's most charismatic actors. The book obviously centers on Harrison himself, but it also shines a light on the people who shaped his career and personal life. His six wives play significant roles, especially Kay Kendall and Rachel Roberts, whose relationships with him were as dramatic as his films. You also get deep insights into his collaborations with directors like George Cukor, who helmed 'My Fair Lady,' and how their creative tensions fueled some of his best performances. Beyond the romantic and professional ties, the biography doesn’t shy away from his darker sides—his infamous temper, struggles with alcoholism, and the way he clashed with co-stars like Audrey Hepburn. It’s a layered portrait that makes you appreciate his talent while wincing at his flaws. What sticks with me is how the book balances admiration for his artistry with unflinching honesty about the man behind the roles.

Is 'George Harrison: Living in the Material World' worth reading?

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What happens in the final chapter of Rex Harrison: A Biography?

3 Answers2026-01-02 16:43:58
I stumbled upon 'Rex Harrison: A Biography' during a lazy afternoon at the library, and the final chapter left a lasting impression. It wraps up Harrison’s life with a poignant focus on his later years—how he grappled with fading fame but never lost his theatrical flair. The author delves into his final role in 'The King and I' revival, where his voice, though weathered, still commanded the stage. There’s a bittersweet tone as it recounts his quiet retirement in New York, surrounded by memorabilia and occasional visits from old co-stars. The chapter closes with his passing in 1990, framed not as a tragedy but as the curtain call of a man who lived unapologetically. What stuck with me was how it celebrated his contradictions—charm and arrogance, brilliance and recklessness—without softening them. One detail that lingered was the anecdote about Harrison refusing to use a walking stick during his final illness, insisting he’d 'rather fall elegantly than hobble.' That sums up his entire biography, really—a man who treated life as a performance until the very end. The book doesn’t shy away from his messy personal life either, briefly touching on how his eight marriages left complicated legacies. It’s a chapter that feels less like an obituary and more like a standing ovation.

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