Willing to Be Lucky
Emmy-nominated Television Producer and Executive Andy Friendly takes readers behind the scenes of the TV and movie business, beginning with his iconic father Fred Friendly’s pioneering work in television news with the legendary Edward R. Murrow, through the extraordinary film and television career of his wife, the Golden Globe- winning actress Pat Crowley, as well as Andy’s own dramatic and at times hilarious adventures working with many of the most talented names in the business: from Richard Pryor, George Clooney, Jimmy Cagney and Paul McCartney to news and talk legends Tom Snyder, Tim Russert, Dan Rather, Oprah Winfrey, and Vin Scully, among dozens of other top stars.
Along the way he shares moving stories of family and friendship, with unique strategies for surviving and prospering in the rough and tumble world of film and television.
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Praise for Willing to Be Lucky
“Andy’s book reminds me to be grateful not for the material things in life but for the most important thing in life, which is family. Each night before bed, I remind my kids how I feel about them by quoting Andy’s father’s nightly message to him as a kid: “It’s good to be your dad.” The response from them is better than anything I can ever accomplish in life. I’m thankful that Andy has passed along these six words that have had such a positive impact on my family.”
– Michael Strahan, Co-anchor Good Morning America and analyst NFL Sunday
“I got to see Andy’s extraordinary creative talent and strong leadership firsthand, as I watched him build CNBC into a powerhouse. Great leader…great programmer…great strategist…great friend…great man. It’s all on display in his honest, teachable new book.”
– David Zaslav, CEO, Discovery Communications
“Communications giant Fred Friendly produced many wonderful programs, two of which were Hear It Now on radio and See It Now on television. His son Andy has produced a memoir of his trip down the halls of television, which should be called Read It Now. His experience with Richard Pryor alone is certainly worth the read.”
– Vin Scully, legendary sportscaster
“In chronicling his own remarkable career in television, including producing shows for talk show icons Tom Snyder and Tim Russert, Andy Friendly delights us with wise, revealing, and often witty tales about these and other television greats. Most of all, he speaks about his devotion to family with a graciousness and passion that is profound and inspiring.”
– Robert Hilburn, best-selling author of biographies on Paul Simon and Johnny Cash and award-winning Los Angeles Times critic
About the Author
AndyAndy Friendly Author Image Friendly is an Emmy nominated producer, writer, director and programming executive who has worked with television legends Tom Snyder, Tim Russert, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Dan Rather, and dozens more.
He is currently on the board of councilors of The USC Shoah Foundation and is a past President and current board member of The Saban Community Clinic and the Hollywood Radio & Television Society.
He has taught as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, the actress Pat Crowley and their family.
He is currently on the board of councilors of The USC Shoah Foundation and is a past President and current board member of The Saban Community Clinic and the Hollywood Radio & Television Society.
He has taught as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, the actress Pat Crowley and their family.
Media Coverage
Paul Harris interview on KTRS/St. Louis Mondays and Fridays 3-6pm CT
Howard Stern Remembers
Andy Friendly joins Mark to discuss working with Tom Snyder on Tomorrow, his friendship with Rick Carson, visiting Johnny’s home in Bel Air, booking David Letterman for his first time on network TV, and growing up the son of CBS news pioneer Fred Friendly.