New Memoirs from Entertainment Figures Hit Shelves
Two new memoirs from entertainment industry figures, actress Hayden Panettiere and former Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton, have been released, covering personal struggles, career dynamics, and reflections on industry practices.
Hayden Panettiere's "This Is Me: A Reckoning"
Hayden Panettiere, 36, has published a memoir titled "This Is Me: A Reckoning" (released May 19). In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Panettiere discussed the contents of the book and her career history.
Personal Revelations
Panettiere states in the book that she is bisexual.
The memoir addresses her relationship with her mother and the death of her younger brother, Jansen. Panettiere describes her experience with substance abuse, characterizing it as a form of self-harm.
Career and Contractual Issues
Panettiere reported that after a paparazzi photo taken of her at age 16 generated negative public comments, she began filtering press coverage about herself.
She stated that a morality clause in her endorsement contract with Neutrogena ended the deal after she spoke publicly about postpartum depression. Panettiere stated that postpartum depression is a medical condition, not a moral issue.
Panettiere mentioned a "no-kill clause" in her contract for the Scream film franchise, which ensures her character survives. She discussed the pressure she felt to fulfill press commitments following her brother's death and the lack of mentorship she received on the set of Nashville.
Panettiere expressed uncertainty about whether she would have pursued acting if she had not been encouraged into the profession as a child.
Future Plans
Panettiere stated that her 11-year-old daughter is currently interested in acting. She said she would support her daughter if she chooses to pursue acting after trying other activities. She expressed interest in future roles in action and comedy, as well as opportunities in producing and directing.
Michael Lynton's "From Mistakes to Meaning"
Michael Lynton, former CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, has co-authored "From Mistakes to Meaning: Owning Your Past So It Doesn’t Own You" with Joshua Steiner. Lynton initially avoided discussing his decision to approve the film The Interview and the subsequent 2014 cyberattack against Sony, citing anger, embarrassment, and shame.
The Interview and its Aftermath
In the book, Lynton states his approval of the 2014 film, which depicted a plot to assassinate North Korea's leader, was partly influenced by a desire to connect with the actors and a weariness of his role as the "responsible adult" CEO.
He describes making the decision in the moment, rather than following the studio's usual green-lighting process, due to a competitive situation and his fatigue with being "Mr. No."
Lynton stated that the decision to release the film after threats from North Korea was a matter of principle regarding censorship, not a judgment on the film's quality.
Lynton noted a previous irritation with actor Seth Rogen for not thanking Sony employees after the hack. He mentioned that he and former studio head Amy Pascal had not discussed the events until recently. Lynton stated it might now be a good time to converse with Rogen, particularly given Rogen's current television show The Studio, which Lynton suggests borrows from that period.
Industry Observations
Lynton addressed the anticipated merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, acknowledging a general fear of change within the industry. He predicted a future where the theatrical window becomes a luxury.
He expressed concern about the decline in production in Southern California, describing Los Angeles as a "sunny version of Detroit."
To reverse this trend, Lynton proposed the need for financial incentives beyond tax breaks and adjustments to union structures to encourage production to return to Southern California.
Leadership and Reflection
Lynton stated he misses working with the people at Sony and within the entertainment community, despite recognizing its sometimes "false" nature. He indicated he does not miss the ego, upset, and emotionally charged conversations associated with the top job.
He concluded that exploring one's mistakes, while not an obvious choice, can be beneficial, as everyone makes them.