My West Side Story

A Memoir

By: George Chakiris, Lindsay Harrison - contributor

Narrated by: George Chakiris, George Newbern

George Chakiris famously played the angry gang leader Bernardo in the film version of West Side Story (1961), for which he won an Oscar for best supporting actor. My West Side Story is an insider's look at how this theatrical and cinematic landmark evolved from a conversation in Jerome Robbins's Manhattan apartment between him, Arthur Laurents, and Leonard Bernstein to ten Oscars, three Golden Globes, two Tony Awards, and a Grammy.

While also a memoir of Chakiris's long and distinguished career, the emphasis is on West Side Story. Here are profiles of the film's stars and directors, from Natalie Wood and "lovely" Richard Beymer, to the mercurial Jerome Robbins and "passionate" Rita Moreno, with whom Chakiris remains friends. "I know exactly where my gratitude belongs", Chakiris writes, "and I still marvel at how, unbeknownst to me at the time, the joyful path of my life was paved one night in 1949 when Jerome Robbins sat Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents down in his apartment and announced, 'I have an idea.'"

©2021 George Chakiris (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Beautiful man, nice story but...

The narration was very, good. And I enjoyed hearing George Chararis do the introduction. He led an extraordinary life and I had no idea that, it was to such an extent. I think he's a very, talented actor and of, course dancer. He's very sensitive and gentle, and he had to learn through tough experiences, sometimes how people use and take advantage of you.

I also like the way he doesn't bad mouth people, even when they are just "toxic" and deserve. I had no idea that he interacted with such A list celebrities from both stage, and screen. He lived a life to be envied and he seemed happy. My problem is, how does a person sit down to write their memoirs, starting from the late 1950s to the 80s, and not mention his romantic relationships?

I get the idea that he, isn't comfortable with his sexuality. I know he's private and I know that his, romantic life isn't the focal point of his career. But, it is an important part, especially when it spans decades. And I think it takes a lot of effort to keep from talking about love in your life. He's in his 80s now. is he A sexual?

Okay he's private, but omitting that part speaks VOLUMES!And he freely gave up certain, explicit details about others, so what's that about? I love him, he's wonderful, but he clearly has issues about his sexuality, and that's sad in this day and age. And his insistance on not mentioning ANYTHING about his love life makes the book boring. He talks about everyone else, and their proclivities, but doesn't say anything about himself. WHY? Who does that in a memoir?

Amazing life of a legend.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about his life, the detail was great. I am curious about the romantic aspect of his life as it’s not covered here, but you get the feeling that he’s married to his craft.

George Chakiris

Not only did I appreciate behind the scenes stories about West Side Story, but I also loved the further stories and experiences of his career after West Side Story--which is also part of this memoir. Now I want to go back and watch all the other films he did!

Wonderful Story

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this wonderful book. Mr. Chakiris has had an amazing life and I am grateful that he decided to share his stories in this book. It is refreshing to hear his story without dishing any dirt or revealing any deep dark disturbing personal sagas. He made the best of situations in his life and does not blame anyone else if something doesn't work out for him. It's no wonder he attracted so many incredibly talented and famous people. He is very humble about his success and longtime friendships. I never felt there was name-dropping. Mr. Chakiris happened to be a part of an astonishing era in entertainment. I believe his good fortune came from his hard work and dedication, but more significantly from his honesty and integrity, which he says in Chapter 13, "can lead to happy endings". The story begins by giving credit to his parents who raised him with these values which he carried throughout his life and career. The importance of following your instincts is stressed throughout the book.

Even though the book is "My West Side Story" - West Side Story, as interesting as it is and how lovingly he describes it, is not the star of the book. West Side Story may have provided his most famous role, but his positive and valuable outlook on life makes Mr. Chakiris a shining star!

Mr. Chakiris reads the book's introduction himself and that is very special. The narrator of the book is excellent. He brings enjoyment and enthusiasm to the story. This is a wonderfully told story by an extremely talented and insightful man!

Something Is Missing...

How do you write a autobiography and not mention your love life? Maybe George was being discreet but that is one reason we read autobiographies is for the DIRT! He should have told us about that part of his life while he could as in future somebody else surely will. FYI...I have met George a couple of times and he is a lovely man.