Left: Brando, in a candid shot that Lawrence Grobel took during their days together on the actor’s island not far north of Tahiti. Right: Grobel and a mournful Pacino confer at the actor’s home in Sneden’s Landing, New York, which was sometimes referred to as Hollywood on the Hudson.BRANDO: LAWRENCE GROBEL. GROBEL AND PACINO: HARVEY WANG.

The Secret Lives of Brando, Pacino, Dolly Parton, and More

For decades, celebrity interviewer Lawrence Grobel has kept a meticulous diary, chronicling his surprising and sometimes maddening experiences with legends of the screen. He’s never published it—until now.

BY LAWRENCE GROBEL

7 July 2025

1977: Dreaming of Brando

NOVEMBER 3

First contact with Brando. At least, close. Got his secretary/assistant’s number. So, I called. She said that Marlon would do this, and that it should be about the Indians. He was back East but back next week. She would give him my number and he’d get back to me. I said, or else I’ll call him.