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Don't Hassel the Hoff: The Autobiography
The Los Angeles Times called him a "counterculture icon," and TV Guide dubbed him one of "TV's Ten Most Powerful Stars," but true aficionados simply call him "The Hoff."
Don't Hassel the Hoff follows David Hasselhoff's phenomenal career, from his earliest childhood role in Peter Pan to his latest adventure, starring in Mel Brooks's Tony award-winning musical, The Producers. There is no better time to celebrate Hasselhoff's life and a career that continues to grow and thrive. As the star of the extremely popular classic television shows, "Baywatch" and "Knight Rider," Hasselhoff is an international mega-star, with platinum album sales and starring roles on Broadway and London's West End.
As this fascinating memoir reveals, there's more to this handsome superstar than great hair, and legs that look good while running down a beach. "The Hoff" is also a smart, caring man with a huge heart.
"This book is my opportunity to print something from my heart, to tell the truth about what happened to me on the long and winding road from Baltimore to Baywatch to Broadway - and beyond. And the truth is not to be found in tabloid stories but in my actions: I am a good father and tried to be a good husband. I love people and the emotional rollercoaster that goes with human relationships. I love all the bewildering, crazy and wonderful things that life has to offer. This book is about my successes and my failures, my strengths and my weaknesses. And, above all, it is about the hope contained in the Knight Rider slogan: "One man can make a difference." --David Hasselhoff
Full of behind-the-scenes looks at Hasselhoff's television series, celebrations of his proudest moments, and the truths about his struggles with relationships and alcohol, Don't Hassel the Hoff is both highly entertaining and deeply personal, making this an engrossing page-turner from start to finish.
Long live "The Hoff."
Don't Hassel the Hoff follows David Hasselhoff's phenomenal career, from his earliest childhood role in Peter Pan to his latest adventure, starring in Mel Brooks's Tony award-winning musical, The Producers. There is no better time to celebrate Hasselhoff's life and a career that continues to grow and thrive. As the star of the extremely popular classic television shows, "Baywatch" and "Knight Rider," Hasselhoff is an international mega-star, with platinum album sales and starring roles on Broadway and London's West End.
As this fascinating memoir reveals, there's more to this handsome superstar than great hair, and legs that look good while running down a beach. "The Hoff" is also a smart, caring man with a huge heart.
"This book is my opportunity to print something from my heart, to tell the truth about what happened to me on the long and winding road from Baltimore to Baywatch to Broadway - and beyond. And the truth is not to be found in tabloid stories but in my actions: I am a good father and tried to be a good husband. I love people and the emotional rollercoaster that goes with human relationships. I love all the bewildering, crazy and wonderful things that life has to offer. This book is about my successes and my failures, my strengths and my weaknesses. And, above all, it is about the hope contained in the Knight Rider slogan: "One man can make a difference." --David Hasselhoff
Full of behind-the-scenes looks at Hasselhoff's television series, celebrations of his proudest moments, and the truths about his struggles with relationships and alcohol, Don't Hassel the Hoff is both highly entertaining and deeply personal, making this an engrossing page-turner from start to finish.
Long live "The Hoff."
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2006
About the author
David Hasselhoff
4 books7 followersDavid Michael Hasselhoff, nicknamed "The Hoff", is an American actor and singer, who is best known for his lead roles on Knight Rider and Baywatch. He also crossed over to a successful music career, primarily in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 19, 2017
I saw this at the library and cracked up. I had no idea this existed, or was even needed, but then I realized this dude is a God in Germany so it was probably written for them, and then released here as an after thought. The question is how is this guy so huge there? Then I heard Looking For Freedom, and I still don't get it, but it doesn't really matter. What matters is that you pick this up for a goof, and then you actually begin to like the guy a little. Sure, the book is so cheesy it should come with nachos, but Hoff's story is actually pretty interesting. While most of us are laughing at him, he's laughing all the way to the bank from the residuals from Knight Rider, and Baywatch.
How he became successful in Germany is by far the most interesting aspect of the book, and then you have to add in the fact that he's dedicated so much time to sick kids. The Hoff is a legend, and you don't need to read the book to figure that out. While most celebrities follow the same formula it's nice to read one that doesn't take itself so damn seriously. It's as if the guy set out to create an epic bio, and actually took his shit way too seriously. If you read one over the top, cheesy bio, you should read this one and crank up the Hoff tunes to create the perfect soundtrack.
How he became successful in Germany is by far the most interesting aspect of the book, and then you have to add in the fact that he's dedicated so much time to sick kids. The Hoff is a legend, and you don't need to read the book to figure that out. While most celebrities follow the same formula it's nice to read one that doesn't take itself so damn seriously. It's as if the guy set out to create an epic bio, and actually took his shit way too seriously. If you read one over the top, cheesy bio, you should read this one and crank up the Hoff tunes to create the perfect soundtrack.
February 12, 2008
I got this book as a joke gift, but it's an absolute blast. This guy must be the least self-conscious man alive.
"David, we know there is no hope for our child but we prayed that his hero would come and, David, you came."
That's on page 7, and the book is full of stuff like this. As with everything Dave Hasselhoff does, it would be utter comedy genius if he did it on purpose. Sure, this book with its wooden, dictated feel (it's written "with" Peter Thompson) is preposterous on so many levels, but that's precisely what makes it such a great read.
"David, we know there is no hope for our child but we prayed that his hero would come and, David, you came."
That's on page 7, and the book is full of stuff like this. As with everything Dave Hasselhoff does, it would be utter comedy genius if he did it on purpose. Sure, this book with its wooden, dictated feel (it's written "with" Peter Thompson) is preposterous on so many levels, but that's precisely what makes it such a great read.
December 2, 2021
A silly yet thought provoking read.
July 25, 2007
My friend Zohar bought me this book as a joke. I read it as a joke. It reads like a joke. Wow. No substance whatsoever was passed through this book. You may as well surf through Hasselhoff's imdb.com listing and you'll walk away with just as much insight into Knight Rider.
Though, I do find it interesting that Mr. Hasselhoff holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for being the most watched television star. More than 5 BILLION people know who the guy is. Can you believe that? Too bad he didn't have a competent Ghost Writer.
Who ARE you David Hasselhoff, and what are you running from?
Though, I do find it interesting that Mr. Hasselhoff holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for being the most watched television star. More than 5 BILLION people know who the guy is. Can you believe that? Too bad he didn't have a competent Ghost Writer.
Who ARE you David Hasselhoff, and what are you running from?
January 16, 2008
Well, poor David Hasselhoff. He basically gets success handed to him and he keeps throwing it away because he can't keep his hands off the booze. He even got hit on by Princess Di! He absolutely, cannot write for beans though. I muscled my way through this whole book to satisfy my curiosity, but his writing is terrible. If anyone says this book was ghost-written, I will totally argue against that. David Hasselhoff himself had to have written this book, no self-respecting writer (even a ghost writer) would have tried to pass off this bit of drivel as writing. Ugh. Anyone curious about David Hasselhoff's glamorous life will be better off reading wikipedia's entry on him.
September 11, 2007
If you've seen "America's Got Talent," you've probably pegged The Hoff as vain, a little shallow, and not the brightest bulb. This book will confirm your beliefs. To his credit, I believe that Hasselhoff actually wrote this book; the writing is fairly weak and lacks in transitions, grammatical structure or strong word choice. The pictures, however, are good for a laugh.
I enjoyed this book, but it was because I read it out loud to a friend, and we laughed the whole night.
I enjoyed this book, but it was because I read it out loud to a friend, and we laughed the whole night.
November 8, 2020
I tried to get through “Don’t Hassel The Hoff”, but I could only make it halfway through. Sure, a part of that was boredom, but I also felt disappointed by David Hasselhoff. Much of the narrative is just a braggadocios pat on the back, while the book lacks any of the more personal insight that a fan generally wants. In short, “Don’t Hassel The Hoff” is a hassle to read.
July 9, 2007
The pictures get 5 stars....especially some of the choice ones from Night Rider. Unfortunately there were also WORDS in this book. Ewww.
September 26, 2023
This brag book has some well detailed behind-the-scenes looks at Hasselhoff's career mixed with all sorts of errors and a gigantic ego. It's dramatically overwritten by the co-author and includes short bios of people he worked with, even oddly taking the time to explain the O.J. Simpson case and other pop culture events.
This book turns everything, including the bad times, into Hasselhoff being the "greatest" and the one who set records for everything he did. Never is any of this questioned--we just all assume it's correct that over a billion people in the world watched Baywatch and that his shows were always "number one." The truth demands some context and data, especially after finding a number of factual mistakes and even grammatical errors. It's not explained why this American-published book includes the British spelling of some words.
It certainly has plenty of fun stories, and David's upbeat attitude is infectious, but he raises some questions that he fails to answer, such as mentioning being accused of being gay at least four times in the first 30 pages. His constant name dropping and bragging about charily work seems self-serving while he glosses over some of his flops as well as his longtime addiction issues. Oh, they are mentioned, but only to prove how great he was at overcoming things.
It's certainly a book worth reading as a reminder that Hasselhoff wasn't just a punchline--he was fairly involved in creating storylines, had decent success overseas as a singer, and did have some business smarts. But if you're looking for humility, don't hassel the Hoff.
This book turns everything, including the bad times, into Hasselhoff being the "greatest" and the one who set records for everything he did. Never is any of this questioned--we just all assume it's correct that over a billion people in the world watched Baywatch and that his shows were always "number one." The truth demands some context and data, especially after finding a number of factual mistakes and even grammatical errors. It's not explained why this American-published book includes the British spelling of some words.
It certainly has plenty of fun stories, and David's upbeat attitude is infectious, but he raises some questions that he fails to answer, such as mentioning being accused of being gay at least four times in the first 30 pages. His constant name dropping and bragging about charily work seems self-serving while he glosses over some of his flops as well as his longtime addiction issues. Oh, they are mentioned, but only to prove how great he was at overcoming things.
It's certainly a book worth reading as a reminder that Hasselhoff wasn't just a punchline--he was fairly involved in creating storylines, had decent success overseas as a singer, and did have some business smarts. But if you're looking for humility, don't hassel the Hoff.
December 21, 2023
Ich kenne den Schauspieler bereits aus meiner Kindheit. Ich war gespannt auf die Biografie und wurde nicht enttäuscht. Das Cover finde ich sehr schön gestaltet, die Haptik des Hardcover Buches ist sehr ansprechend.
David Hasselhoff ist einfach ein Superstar. Aber in seinem Leben gab es viele Höhen und Tiefen. Seine Karriere ist geprägt von fantastischen Erfolgen als Schauspieler und Sänger. Bekannt wurde er leider aber auch durch seine Alkoholprobleme. In diesem Buch beschreibt er sehr ehrlich und treffend die verschiedenen Phasen in seinem Leben. Er erzählt auch von den Dreharbeiten zu Knight Rider und Baywatch diese beiden Serien haben ihn weltberühmt gemacht. Aber auch durch den Hit "Looking for Freedom" wurde er als Sänger bekannt. Besonders gut hat mir der Abschnitt über den Song gefallen. Hasselhoff sang in 1989 vor der Berliner Mauer. Die vielen farbigen Fotos haben mir sehr gut gefallen und haben die Geschichte noch authentischer gemacht. Die Biografie fand ich sehr offen und bin begeistert. Ich empfehle das Buch auf jeden Fall weiter.
David Hasselhoff ist einfach ein Superstar. Aber in seinem Leben gab es viele Höhen und Tiefen. Seine Karriere ist geprägt von fantastischen Erfolgen als Schauspieler und Sänger. Bekannt wurde er leider aber auch durch seine Alkoholprobleme. In diesem Buch beschreibt er sehr ehrlich und treffend die verschiedenen Phasen in seinem Leben. Er erzählt auch von den Dreharbeiten zu Knight Rider und Baywatch diese beiden Serien haben ihn weltberühmt gemacht. Aber auch durch den Hit "Looking for Freedom" wurde er als Sänger bekannt. Besonders gut hat mir der Abschnitt über den Song gefallen. Hasselhoff sang in 1989 vor der Berliner Mauer. Die vielen farbigen Fotos haben mir sehr gut gefallen und haben die Geschichte noch authentischer gemacht. Die Biografie fand ich sehr offen und bin begeistert. Ich empfehle das Buch auf jeden Fall weiter.
April 11, 2021
The best memoir about "The 'Hoff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2022
His books will be amazing
July 7, 2013
While this was an easy read, it wasn't the juiciest. Hoff certainly was in-depth about his Knight Rider and Baywatch days, as well as his singing career. He did quite a bit of touring and traveling through South Africa. I was fascinated with that aspect of his life as well as his early upbringing and career as I like to see where people get to be where they are and what shapes them as a person. It was not particularly well-written. It was written with English spelling of words (favourite, colour, for example) and there were a few typos. Some things were glossed over (rehab in Betty Ford Center, castmates on his TV shows, his divorces, etc.), so that contributed to the 2-star rating. I was surprised to read about this America's Got Talent period; I remember him as a judge, but to know about Piers and Brandy's rapport (or lack thereof) was interesting to know how he really felt about them. I would really like to listen to his music which, I was surprised to find out, was mostly covers to songs. I'd like to watch some concert or video footage from those early singing days to see what makes him such an appeal to the Eurpean market. It did really make me want to rewatch Knight Rider and the early seasons of Baywatch after he went into depth and detail about certain episodes. Made me wax nostalgic.
If you want a good overview of his life up until 2006, then this is the book for you. But if you're looking for more, well, keep on looking.
If you want a good overview of his life up until 2006, then this is the book for you. But if you're looking for more, well, keep on looking.
November 18, 2012
Alright, so I read the book because of an assignment where I had to write and perform an informative speech, so I thought it should be hilarious and decided to go with David Hasslehoff's music/singing career. Well, it turns out that every website I went to, whether in English or German, wasn't much help, and I got desperate enough to borrow the book from the library (because I don't buy books [because I'm poor]). I give it one star for being terribly written. However, I give it five stars for being one of the most unintentionally hilarious books I've ever read. Hasslehoff's arrogance comes through brilliantly, but there are moments where he shows his humble side. Only a couple times though. If you're tired of reading great works of literature and feel like rotting your brain, this is perfect.
October 10, 2007
Can't say that I read this book word for word, but I read excerpts to Jon as we drove to and from FL and it made our recent road trip fly by. Little facts that you may not know (but will love about The Hoff): he proposed to his first wife in front of a the crew of Knight Rider with the ring stashed under the hood of a tiny Kitt car on a cake that read "Will you marry me?", influenced the topple-ing of the Berlin wall with the release of his mega-hit "Looking for Freedom", often refers to himself at "The Knight Rider." What you always wondered is true: he is as cheesey in real life as he seems on TV. Bonus - tons of pictures.
December 5, 2009
This was alright, but he didn't seem to go to far into his troubles with drinking. It was covered, but not too in depth. Witht he exception of wanting out of Y&R and his Baywatch career he didn't get too involved in the actual involvement in his acting gigs. It was good for what it was, but it wasn't a huge page turner full of shocking tales.
December 29, 2007
i can't really read the rest of this book...it is worse than i expected. though i have gleaned a few amazing tidbits about the hoff, i just cannot keep trying. let's just say, he should stick to acting/whatever it is you want to call what he does.
July 6, 2013
I mean, what did you expect? While maybe not a literary masterpiece, reading this made me miss my Baywatch days. I tend to like the gritty, tell-alls, and this is definitely the PG version of his life, but oh well.
June 11, 2015
This book is okay but David is a little too much in love with himself. He has based his career on good looks and charm and really not so much talent. He is a better singer than an actor. He has struggles with alcohol and he is losing his looks. Not a lot of substance in this book.
April 10, 2016
I found this book at my local library & just had to read it! What a conceited train wreck! I loved every word of it as it made me feel like such a superior being. You'll love to hate this guy & knowing more about him will justify it!
February 12, 2008
The worst book in print (besides The Pearl). I hope you're not too shocked by my saying so...
Want to read
June 17, 2009I think this will make for excellent summer reading! Anyone have a copy they can loan me???
December 13, 2009
My love for The Hoff knows no bounds. I gleefully read large portions of the first few chapters to those that would listen to it's awesomeness, but it petered out a little thereafter.
October 10, 2012
Look for my upcoming piece in Silly Show-Biz Book Club.
February 11, 2013
...And don't bother reading.
Want to read
April 8, 2013Bought: March 19, 2013
Location: Booksale (Megamall)
Price: P20
Location: Booksale (Megamall)
Price: P20
July 8, 2014
The best $3 I've ever spent.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews