David Janssen by Ellie Janssen and Michael Phelps

Book Description
This is the only authorized Biography of the late David Janssen, the film and television star, most noted for his role in ABC Television Series; "THE FUGITIVE" (1963-1967). Originally published in December, 1994 by Lifetime Books, Inc., Hollywood, Florida. This book was Co-Authored by Ellie Janssen, David's wife (1968-1972), and Michael Phelps. An intimate revelation of their marriage, and the agony of their divorce. Ellie Janssen held nothing back. Her love for David endured through it all. Ellie's love and devotion to David never died. Following their divorce (at the time, it was the "longest running divorce case in Los Angeles Court history)., Ellie never engaged in an affair with another man, she never remarried. Her love for David was painfully clear as she worked with Michael Phelps in writing this book. What Ellie failed to divulge in this writing, perhaps out of modesty or respect for David, is the fact that she was "The Woman" behind the "successful" man. She orchestrated his career from his first staring role as "Richard Diamond - Private Eye", a role for which he was personally chosen by DICK POWELL. Ellie was the "perfect" Hollywood Housewife. She planned and executed the most flawless and memorable parties in their Holmby Hills home for Hollywood's "A" List. As part of their divorce agreement, Ellie received a ten percent ownership of "THE FUGITIVE" series (half of David's twenty percent ownership). Ironically, it was Ellie who demanded David receive an ownership in "THE FUGITIVE" series at the outset, before the series became a huge hit. This provided Ellie with a comfortable income for the rest of her life. Sadly, Ellie passed away on July 7, 1999 in Portland, Oregon. She is survived by her loving daughters, Kathy and Diane. Co-Author David Janssen - My Fugitive July, 2009.

My thoughts
“David Janssen, My Fugitive” has been re-released by Michael Phelps (not the Olympic swimmer) and was co-written with Mr. Janssen’s first wife Ellie. I remember the television show “The Fugitive” from my childhood and enjoyed catching a glimpse of what his life was life before and during that show. I knew that he had died young, but this book doesn’t explain much as Ellie was no longer married to David at the time of his death. When reading this book, I can sense that Ellie still loved her ex-husband and it must have been hard to chronicle her relationship with him. It was a nice short trip down memory lane.