Freddy Perkins comes to California hoping to become a movie star. Changing his name to Les Banister, he surrenders his principles as he gives into the demands of a casting director to secure his first role. He relinquishes control of his personal life so the studio can build an image of him as the next American heartthrob. This means giving up Russ, his loving and supportive boyfriend, to hide the truth from his fans. He’s gay.<br><br>These sacrifices pay off for the young actor and he becomes a star. But as Les continues to pay the price for fame, he realizes at the height of his success that it’s cost him too dearly. Will he have the courage to take the chance of losing it all to be true to himself?

The Price of Fame

“Basically he said if I want this part I have to give Bartlett what he wants.” 


Les looked into his partner’s eyes. “I can’t do that to you.”


What came out of Russ’s mouth caught Les completely off guard.


“I said ‘do it.’ Look, Freddy…I mean Les. You do what you have to do. We love each other; that’s what really counts. I know whatever you do with this guy won’t mean squat. You’re on the brink of a great career. I’d feel awful if I were the reason you didn’t get your big break.”


“I don’t know,” Les said, feeling confused, torn between his desire to have an acting career in film, his sense of morality, and loyalty to the man he loved. “I don’t want to do anything that would hurt you.”


“It won’t. I know we’re solid. It’s not like you’re denying I exist or doing it behind my back.”


Chapter 9