Not Just Sunglasses and Autographs

Thirty Years of Film & Television Production with Life (& Near Death) Lessons & Dark Humor

By: Tommy Burke

Narrated by: David Kriegel, Mark Tinker, Tommy Burke

Not Just Sunglasses and Autographs is a captivating autobiography that follows the author's journey from bar bouncing in Boston to working on award-winning television shows and movies. This is an endearing story of overcoming the odds through dark humor, tenacity, authenticity, and happiness.

Initially envisioned as a memoir about a man who had beaten Hodgkin's lymphoma and lived to tell the tale, the author was then thrown a major curveball with a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Equal parts pep-talk and gut-punch, this unvarnished and vulnerable memoir-meets-handbook shares lessons learned in life and work. These recordings encourage listeners to keep moving forward, embrace resilience, step out of their comfort zones, and take life head on.

©2021 Tommy Burke (P)2022 Tommy Burke

Hear Tommy Burke out…

Not Just Sunglasses and Autographs is the real-deal, fearless, first person journey of veteran Hollywood AD Tommy Burke.

Simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking- it is mostly a story of mental, emotional, and physical resilience, all wrapped-up around entertainingly told stories of Tommy’s 30-year career in the crazy “carney circus” of the TV & movie business. It’s the best sort of memoir too - as you feel as though you are an eyewitness to his life’s adventures and challenges.

A great primer for anyone interested in working in Hollywood. And timely too: Absolutely essential reading for anyone involved in set safety.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Audible version in addition to the book itself! Tommy’s story is a testament to what hard work, a disarmingly positive attitude, and tenacity can archive. And overcome.

educational and inspirational

Great read- couldn't put it down. Words to live by! I wish Tommy Burke the best.