LI native Steve Guttenberg wins Christopher Award

Massapequa Native actor Steve Guttenberg won a Christopher Award for the book Time to Thank: Caregiving for My Hero, (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster). It is one of 12 books for adults and young people honored as the Christopher Awards program marks its 76th year. He now lives in of Pacific Palisades, Calif.

The Christopher Awards celebrate authors, illustrators, writers, producers and directors, whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit” and reflect the Christopher motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.

After his father—the hero and strength of the family—is diagnosed with kidney failure, Guttenberg dedicates himself to becoming a caregiver and reflects on their life together, from childhood through his Hollywood career.

Through the prism of his relationship with his father, Guttenberg recounts his early life in Queens and Long Island; his early career as a rising Hollywood star, trying to find his way with the encouragement of his parents; and the painful and moving work of helping care for an ailing family member at the end of life. From glamorous Hollywood parties and film sets around the world to the daily process of dialysis in suburban Phoenix, Guttenberg offers his wit, empathy, and signature charm.

Since moving to Hollywood at age 17, Guttenberg has delighted and moved audiences with his film and television work. But when his father is diagnosed with kidney failure, he has to step into a new and wholly unexpected role: caretaker. In “Time to Thank,” he tracks his weekly road trips from Los Angeles to Arizona to care for his father. His time on the road affords him the perspective to reflect on his life.

In 1976, Guttenberg was on a plane to Hollywood. His Mother and Father gave him $300 for a two-week trip to try his hand at film acting. He had performed children’s theatre, an Off Broadway play and studied at various schools. He landed and immediately started trying to sneak into studios. He found his way into Paramount Studios, commandeered an office in the Lucille Ball Makeup Building, strung a phone from the water stage and started making phone calls to casting directors, agents, and producers. He landed a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial and was off to the races. He earned a place in an agency and then was cast in the acclaimed television movie “Something for Joey,” the cult classic “The Chicken Chronicles,” and the Universal film “Rollercoaster” and did numerous commercials.

After a year in Hollywood, he decided the culture was not for him, went to Albany State University at the request of his Father, Stanley, and proceeded to have an experience as a college student. Hollywood called three months into his semester with an offer to co-star with Gregory Peck in “The Boys from Brazil.” Guttenberg flew to Portugal and didn’t look back. He was cast in some of the most popular films the industry released. “Diner,” “Police Academy,” “Cocoon,” “Three Men and a Baby,” “Short Circuit” and “The Bedroom Window” to name a few. His films have grossed over a billion dollars.

Guttenberg went on to act on Broadway in “Prelude to a Kiss,” John Turturro’s “Relatively Speaking,” “The Boys Next Door” in London’s West End, and in Woody Harrelson’s “Furthest from the Sun in Minneapolis.” Television- wise he starred in the one of the highest rated television events, “The Day After,” “Billy Liar,” “Veronica Mars,” “Ballers,” the sci fi hit “Lavalantula,” and most recently “How to Murder Your Husband” with Cybill Shepherd.

Guttenberg is known as a generous and thoughtful person, creating The Guttenberg House in Los Angeles for emancipated foster children. He recently filmed “Floaters,” starring with Seth Green and Jackie Tohn, directed by Rachel Israel who gained recognition at the Tribeca Film Festival for her film “Keep the Change” developed at The Sundance Institute and winning Best Narrative Film.

“Time to Thank” is Guttenberg’s second book.

Christopher Awards were also given to creators of nine TV/Cable shows and feature films. They celebrate authors and illustrators as well as writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit” and reflects the Christopher motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness” which also guides the organization’s publishing and radio programs.

Tony Rossi, The Christophers’ Director of Communications, said, “Our award-winning stories, both true and fictional, highlight people who have the odds stacked against them, but who face their challenges with faith and perseverance, allowing them to move through the darkness into the light and serve a higher purpose than themselves. In other words, these books, films, and TV programs don’t just engage and entertain; they teach, they heal, and they inspire.”

The Christophers, a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.