Books
'Was That A Name I Dropped?' Is Enjoyable
By Tommy Garrett
Jun 19, 2011 - 3:40:39 PM

BEVERLY HILLS—“Was That a Name I Dropped?” is the most riveting book I’ve encountered over the past several weeks. In a very intense and hyper-intelligent story, Paul Brogan details his life growing up as a gay man in a small town in the Northeast. The author also writes about battling such intense depression that he attempted suicide.

His book is a cautionary tale of what happens when a young, brilliant man arrives in Hollywood to succeed in a tough industry, only to be blessed and honored by the presence of dear friends, who managed to see the good in him. Those friends happen to be some of the most successful women in Hollywood.

The tome is filled with what seems like unbelievable, but very truthful anecdotal information including very exciting stories of encountering many celebrities. The moral of his story is to believe in yourself, trust your instincts, surround yourself with the best of friends and good people and not be afraid to reach for the stars.

The Aberdeen Bay publication was released in April, but it’s a story that should be on the shelves of everyone who loves Hollywood history, Doris Day, Eileen Fulton (who is affectionately referred to as "Diva" in this wonderful book), Elizabeth Taylor and Katharine Hepburn.

The reclusive Doris Day said in part about the author, “Paul Brogan is such an old and dear friend.”

While Katharine Hepburn said in 1994, “Paul is fascinating and a good friend.”

In 1995, Bel Air violet-eyed beauty Dame Elizabeth Taylor said of Brogan, “All of us who can count on Paul as a friend are blessed by his warmth, generosity and kindness.”

What is not hidden in this book is the author’s intense respect and loyalty to those in the entertainment business and his private life who were kind and good to him. You realize when you read this wonderful biography that he offers a level of respect, admiration and honesty to his famous friends, who most of all need those things from him.

Perhaps it was being raised by two very loving, strong and supportive parents in Concord, N.H. that gave the young boy the courage to leave the picturesque Norman Rockwell-like region and arrive in Los Angeles —where dreams often become nightmares. That 3,000-mile trek from New Hampshire to Hollywood was paved with stones, each one a mountain to climb for the handsome writer. But he was determined, and he did make it in Hollywood!

Brogan has one thing to look back on from his decades of pain and suffering. He enjoyed every positive experience he had with his many brushes with fame, but he grew from every adversity he encountered. He chronicles a story that is beautiful even though he often faced brutality but did so with dignity. Reading his life story leaves one weeping with admiration, not pity.

Brogan never gossips, snipes or tells secrets from the many dinner parties he once attended. The book tells even more genuine stories of his own experiences with people that most readers will never have the opportunity to know on a personal level, but know from film and television.

I rarely vouch an author I review, just the book itself. However, Brogan and I have known all of the same people for almost the same amount of time, and I can say that he’s not only telling very truthful stories and situations about his life, his family and friends, but he does so with integrity.

There are few gay men who have encountered true Hollywood and survived. There are even fewer who are still beloved by the iconic stars and famous actors and actresses that he has been friends with all of these years. Brogan is a rare gem on the planet, and his book “Was That a Name I Dropped?” is even more rare. It is a must-read, an incredible journey and the fastest and most enticing 532 pages I have enjoyed in years.

“Was That A Name I Dropped?” is available on Amazon and at booksellers around the nation.

Book cover by: Aberdeen Bay Publishing