The long sub-title sums up what this book is about quite nicely. The way Mr. Daniels describes it, he sort of "fell" into show business, starting with the insistence of his mother, and just never could find his way out of it, not that he tried very hard. Eventually he came to realize that it was what he wanted to be doing. In this book, he tells the story of his most iconic roles, and everything in between--how he came to have them, and even what it was like to play them.

My interest in this book initially came from my love for Boy Meets World. I was 11 when that show first aired, which pretty much made me the same age as the main characters. My husband and I have quoted certain lines from the show to each other for so many years that our kids do it now too (and have both watched at least some of the show themselves, and my daughter loves Girl Meets World). Anyway, all that to say, Mr. Feeny is near and dear to my heart. Now I know that the man who plays Mr. Feeny (yes, present tense, because he'll always be Mr. Feeny to me) is a real person and has faced some real struggles in his life, which has only deepened my appreciation of William Daniels.

Truth be told, I don't know much about the rest of the roles he has played. I've never seen Knight Rider, 1776, or St. Elsewhere. And I did wonder if I would be lost or uninterested while reading most of this book. I wasn't. Maybe a little, when he talked about other actors and actresses he worked with at different times, producers, directors, etc. But not enough to cause a lack of enjoyment in or understanding of the book.

My only difficulty in reading the book was due to the writing itself; a couple of times the stories left me confused because it seemed like it was missing just another line or two of explanation before moving on. The book wasn't published by a big-name company (which surprises me, but kind of goes right along with how Daniels describes himself as never being a "big star," while being recognizable as the characters he's played), and I wonder if most of the people who edited or proofread it were close to Daniels, knew his stories or life well enough to not be confused by a slight lack of explanation. Or maybe it's just me.

I am so glad that I read this book. And the chapter about Boy Meets World was pretty much what I would have wanted it to be and made me tear up just a little. I would suggest that if you know William Daniels from any of his roles, or are simply interested in memoirs of celebrities, you check out this autobiography. ( )

In There I Go Again: How I Came to Be Mr. Feeny, John Adams, Dr. Craig, KITT, & Many Others, William Daniels chronicles his long life in theatre, television, and film, beginning with his earliest experiences in show business at his mother’s behest during the Great Depression. He fills his memoir with wit and wisdom, but it never feels self-indulgent as he freely admits his mistakes and where he feels his personality got him into trouble. Already a beloved actor, this honest further endears him to the reader. His stories are poignant, insightful, and shed light on the changing field of acting during the twentieth century. He never sought celebrity, however, so his discussion of roles and the craft reads like an oral history, though with real humor. For example, after describing his time as John Adams in the Broadway and film versions of 1776, John Quincy Adams in The Adams Chronicles, and Samuel Adams in The Bastard, Williams quips, “I have now played every important member of the Adams family, except for Abigail” (pg. 157). Daniels ends his memoir by reprinting a particularly insightful conversation between himself and Lin-Manuel Miranda about the power of theatre to help people connect to their history. ( )

John Adams, Dr. Mark Craig, KITT, Mr. Feeny – all of these have one person in common – an extraordinary and talented actor by the name of William Daniels.

Whether you are a theater buff, movie fan, or someone who watches television – you probably know his voice and perhaps his name. But, few people know the man behind the voices and characters and how he landed the iconic roles some of us know him for.

Originally written out in his own handwriting, on yellow legal pads, Daniels chronicles his life leading up to the key roles that have distinguished his career.

Often self-deprecating; but filled with a humble honesty; Daniels chronicles his life from his childhood in show-business to his time in the Army, his marriage to actress Bonnie Bartlett and their family, to his time in theater before his roles in film then television. He also tells of his two years as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

If you’re looking for “dirt” on others he has acted with – you won’t find it. This isn’t a scathing, revealing “tell-all”. If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at the roles of John Adams, Dr. Mark Craig, KITT, and Mr. Feeny – you won’t find that either. Though there are some stories he has included in this memoir, and the most touching is the “goodbye” scene from Boy Meets World.

As much as I wanted to hear about John Adams (which my mom gives high accolades to) and even more about the role of KITT (that’s what I know him as), it’s vitally important to remember that Daniels is greater than the roles he has played. Daniels deserves his entire story (and life) told.

In this book, you will find a man who has had a remarkable career in each medium – theater, film, and television. A man, who didn’t want to be an actor, but came to gradual acceptance of it and didn’t just perform, but excelled.

A man who often said “no”, only to find that a reluctant acceptance to the role brought not only great success, but accolades and praise over 30-40 years after the performance.

Daniels’ story is one of remarkable fortitude as well as persistence. And, despite some thinking he isn’t a success – his marriage, his family, his longevity – prove otherwise. His story proves that one doesn’t have to have a blockbuster movie or mega-star status to be “successful”, but small roles can make a difference in the success of a story as well as life. He also teaches us that sometimes, even if accidentally, we end up where we’re supposed to be in life. ( )

I got this book as an early read from netgalley.com. Whether you call him John Adams, Dr. Mark Craig, Kitt, or Mr. Feeney this book will let you see how his early life and career, made him into the actor and person that generations of people have gotten to watch over the years through his presence on stage, tv, and movies. ( )

I got this book as an early read from netgalley.com. Whether you call him John Adams, Dr. Mark Craig, Kitt, or Mr. Feeney this book will let you see how his early life and career, made him into the actor and person that generations of people have gotten to watch over the years through his presence on stage, tv, and movies. ( )