Author

Luke’s new book,

THE ART OF WRITING FOR THE THEATRE:

An Introduction to Script Analysis, Criticism and Playwriting

is now available!

Published by Methuen Drama/Bloomsbury Press

Orders & more information are available by clicking on this link

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JUST OUTSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT: GROWING UP WITH EILEEN HECKART

“One of the most compassionate, illuminating showbiz books ever written.”

Michael Musto, The Village Voice

Luke & Mom laughing - Hi Res

Eileen Heckart Yankee and Luke Yankee

Luke’s book, JUST OUTSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT: GROWING UP WITH EILEEN HECKART is published by Random House, under the banner of Back Stage Books. With a foreword by Mary Tyler Moore, this book chronicles the career of one of our greatest character actresses as seen through the eyes of her youngest son.

Praised by critics nationwide, this endearing memoir contains over 65 photographs (many of which have never been seen before of stars like Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Clark Gable, Sophia Loren and Lyndon Johnson) and funny, heartfelt stories of your favorite celebrities, including Paul Newman, Ellen Degeneres, Martha Stewart, Ronald Reagan, Marlene Dietrich, Mary Louise Parker, Ethel Merman, Arthur Miller, Mary Pickford, and over fifty more. JUST OUTSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT will be a “must-read” for anyone who loves of show business – and for any son or daughter who loves their mother.

Here’s what syndicated columnist Rex Reed said about JUST OUTSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT:

“In a 48-holder box of spectrum-color Crayolas, Eileen Heckart was always the fire engine red.  Now, Luke Yankee fills in the black and white. In this sensitively remembered and meticulously cataloged memoir, a great actress comes to life wearing many faces.   This is her story, told by the one who knew her best. It is also the intimate revelation of a very special relationship between a mother and son that is warm enough to make you cry, funny enough to make you laugh, intimate enough to make you blush, and painful enough to make your heart ache. More than an observer, the candid writing makes you a willing participant in an extraordinary adventure.”

Now available in hardcover, paperback, and e-reader formats!

 ➡ READ EXCERPTS FROM “JUST OUTSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT”

 ➡ READ OTHER REVIEWS OF THE BOOK

 ➡ PAPERMAG’S LIST OF THE TEN BEST CELEBRITY MEMOIRS

 ➡ BUY A COPY OF  “JUST OUTSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT”