Id like to thank everyone who has helped me put this book together, including my editor, Erika Fad, for all her effort and dedication, and my agent, Giles Anderson, who never ceases to amaze me. As always, my mother, Mira, for her support and encouragement. And none of this could have been possible without my sister Leahs grace under pressure. Finally, I would like to thank John Nikkah for taking the time to help me with this project.
Elina Furman is the bestselling author of Ricky Martin, as well as numerous other books which include, James Van Der Beek, The Everything After College Book, Generation Inc., Heart of Soul: The Lauryn Hill Story, The Everything Dating Book, Jordan Knight: Give it to You , and 98 Degrees: The Heat is On. Her work has appeared in Daily Variety, Pop Star! , and the Chicago Sun-Times .
Young and Restless
Today, Joshua Jackson is one of the hottest stars in television and film. Of course, life wasnt always so sunny. Like his TV alter ego, Pacey, Joshuas childhood could be characterized as a series of disappointments with a few laughs in between. Just as Pacey laughs in the hope that the world will laugh with him, so does Josh. An optimist to the end, the young boy always knew that everything would work out for the best, provided he just put on a happy face.
As luck would have it, Josh was right on target. His enthusiasm and sympathy for everyone around him helped him weather the challenges of his early years, which included his parents divorce and recurring difficulties at school. Proving that adversity can be a positive influence, Josh used these negative events to forge a new path of his own choosing. And no matter how tough life seemed to get, Josh always knew that it was only a matter of time until he got it right.
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 11, 1978, Josh was the kind of rambunctious youngster that people would notice on the street, in a restaurant, or in a shop. Even as a baby, Josh Jackson was a real cutup who loved being in the spotlight. And if he had to coo, giggle, and spit up all over himself to get the attention, that was just fine by him.
Of course, being the handful that he was, Joshua was both the source of tremendous pleasure and great difficulty for his parents. No matter how much they tried to keep an eye on him, he would inevitably get into trouble. Whether it was throwing his toys around the house or spilling his food, little Joshua was never so content as when he was getting himself into a fine mess.
No amount of trouble, however, could keep him from falling back into his parents good graces. He had a natural charm that could disarm even the strictest of disciplinarians. Even then, Josh was a regular Houdini when it came to getting himself out of the everyday scrapes that seemed to follow him wherever he went.
The Jackson family enjoyed all the comforts of a middle-class lifestyle. For a while, Josh didnt have a care in the world. Even the news that his family would be moving to California didnt faze him in the least. As long as he was with his parents, he felt safe, comfortable, and secure.
Growing up in Northern California, Josh had a million interests to occupy his time. In 1983, he suddenly found himself busier than ever, taking care of his new baby sister, Aisleigh. From day one, Josh felt like hehad to protect his little sister. Seeing her come home from the hospital so small and frail, Joshs sensitive side kicked into gear. Instead of resenting his sisters presence in the house, as most older siblings are apt to do, Josh embraced the little girl and vowed to take care of her. His mother had never been so proud as the day when she brought Aisleigh from the hospital, and saw Josh kissing his baby sister on the cheek.
Once the family had gotten used to the new member of the household and their new location, it was business as usual for Josh. What with the family trips to the beach, and playing in the park with his many friends, Josh was rarely at a loss for activity. Adjusting to his new surroundings took almost no time, as Joshua was a born crowd-pleaser. By the time he celebrated his seventh birthday, he had already earned a reputation for his outrageous sense of humor and had become one of the most popular kids on the block.
To lend structure to Joshs day, and keep him out of trouble, his parents wanted him to get involved in an organized activity that would give him a greater purpose and a sense of self. But there was a glitch. Josh would have nothing to do with groups like the Boy Scouts or any other of the goody-two-shoes clubs that his parents had in mind. His well-meaning family was at wits end as to what to do with their energetic youngster, until, that is, Joshs mom heard him singing in the shower. She obviously liked what she hard, because the next day she called to find out about auditions for the San Francisco Boys Chorus.
The chorus was a training and performance institute for boys ranging in ages from six to thirteen.With three auditions scheduled every year, the competition to get in was steep. Josh was certain that he wouldnt make the cut, and went along with his mother just to make her happy. In his opinion, there was nothing to worry aboutno way would he get picked for the prestigious training program.
When he arrived at the auditorium, Josh became even more convinced that his free time would not be spent warming up his voice. Much to his relief, hundreds of young boys had showed up to compete for the limited spots. When it came time for Josh to impress the judges, he delivered a solo with all of the gusto and energy his young voice could muster. Finally, all of the boys had finished singing, and the judges had picked the new members of the chorus. While the names of the finalists were being rattled off, Josh was already thinking about all fun he could have with his time off from school.
Imagine his dismay when he heard his name called.
While he was flattered to be one of the few boys chosen for the program, Josh was perplexed by the thought that he would have to give up his leisure time for singing. He groaned inwardly as he envisioned the hours of practice he would have to endure. Like all new students, Josh would begin his illustrious career as a vocalist in the Apprentice Chorus. Once he learned the basics, he would then move on to the Intermediate Chorus. Finally, if he passed muster, he could progress to the final stage of the training program, the Concert Chorus, where he would get to perform in front of a live audience.
Although the faculty made the program sound rewarding and enriching during the orientation, Josh couldnt get over the fact that he would have to comein for practice twice a week for two hours straight. But no matter how much he wanted to complain, seeing the excited look on his mothers face kept him from voicing his doubts.
His mother was indeed thrilled with Joshs performance that day. Whatever his voice may have lacked in substance, Josh definitely made up for in style. Even at that young age, Josh had a natural charisma and presence that would not be denied. His proud mother couldnt help beaming as she watched her adorable young boy sing his heart out for the judges. Josh simply didnt have the heart to disappoint his mom.
The next thing he knew, Josh was wearing a choral robe and up to his neck in rehearsals.
Fortunately, what had begun as a burden to be borne soon turned into an enjoyable experience. At first, Josh had a hard time adhering to the rules and policies of the chorus, but eventually he started to enjoy the vocal training. It didnt hurt that he was one of the best-loved guys in the group. And the fact that he was surrounded by so many good friends must have changed his outlook on the program considerably. Pretty soon, Joshua was being commended for the rapid progress he was making in the rehearsal sessions. His hard work and dedication helped him pass into the next stage of the program, and closer to his goal of going public.
![Joshua Backfield [Joshua Backfield] - Becoming Functional](/uploads/posts/book/120483/thumbs/joshua-backfield-joshua-backfield-becoming.jpg)
