Dr. Fred Eichelman: Book Review, Tammy Locke’s Autobiography ‘I Can Do Anything’
A joyous romp through a child star's life, from past to present
This book by child star Tammy Locke is a romp through history that cannot be missed. Titled “I Can Do Anything,” which was her father’s motto, is something that parents and teachers used to instill in young people as the pathway to success. A truly basic American philosophy.
Tammy Locke has made this book exciting in that it is more than just 400 pages of exciting reading but also filled with pictures like an album everyone would like to have of their lives.
One problem that people in the entertainment media sometimes encounter is that no matter how long or rich their resume, there is often one role they will be identified with more than any other. In Tammy’s case it would be a television show from the 1960’s called The Monroes, but Tammy’s career was much more than that and continues with a bang. In addition to appearing in many outstanding films, she was also an athlete and is currently a vocalist sought after by many media events.
There are so many interesting tidbits in her life and we were especially caught by her friendship with superstar Shirley Jones and her hubby Marty Ingels. We first met Tammy at a show in North Carolina where she was paired with Shirley in a mentor-like situation. In fact, it was Shirley who insisted that Tammy write this book.
But Jones and Ingels were not the first big stars Tammy was linked with, and in her book she recalls as a young woman working with the greats of Hollywood. You will see information and pictures of notables like Judy Garland, Jack Palance, Ann-Margret, Ron Howard, Richard Kiel, Adam West and so many others too numerous to acknowledge here.
However, what was most notable was the way she talks about the everyday people in her life. Special attention was made to naming and talking about her fans, which is unusual in a star’s story. It helps you realize why she is so loved by the public and packs crowds at media events. It also makes you wonder why there has not been a Monroes Reunion.
Tammy’s book is available on Amazon, you can find it HERE (and we would love for them to add an audio with Tammy doing the reading).
