Journalism alumnus and former Varsitarian news writer Chuck Smith looks back on his life and retraces half-truths and culture myths in his anthology titled “Son of a Dead ’80s Bold Star.”
The book begins with a confession by the author disclosing a quite shocking revelation that he was the bereaved son of an infamous Filipina actress, who was among the “Softdrinks Beauties” back in the late 80s.
Smith grew up mistakenly believing he was adopted, as he navigated life with discoveries about his own sexuality, adoptive family, and the real story behind the lies about his biological parents.
What follows is not just a memoir of celebrity legacy and adoption, but an exploration of how pop culture, grief, family, and queer identity shaped Smith’s sense of self.
In every chapter, there’s part of a realization, “Here’s what I’ve learned about being the son of a dead ‘80s bold star…” followed by either an advantage or a disadvantage of the lie he has been carrying through him.
However, immersing yourself in the book means you will encounter a sudden burst of confusion with the chronology as it was written in a fragmented manner, with each cut and chapter written essay-style.
Readers who prefer a memoir will have a hard time grasping the book at first. As the narrative unfolds across time, elements of the story fall into their proper places, explaining why it was written as it is, rather than in a straightforward timeline.
One striking aspect of the book is the author’s ability to maintain emotional clarity and cultural resonance. Despite the fragmented chapters, the narrative still reflects the half-truths and memories Smith personally experienced, effectively conveying his biography.
“Son of a Dead ’80s Bold Star” distinguishes itself through emotional honesty and thematic coherence. Smith writes about grief not just as the aftermath of death, but as a broader condition; the grief of misrecognition, of adoption, of queerness, of searching for a self that fits.
Smith’s writing style in this book initially struck a tone of sensationalism, given the underlying curiosity interwoven into the title.
Set against the backdrop of the Philippine entertainment industry, the book examines how fame, identity, and narrative operate within a postcolonial society shaped by both American and local influences.
At the core, “Son of a Dead ‘80s Bold Star” is about wanting to belong, dealing with hidden family truths, and finding the strength to share your own story.
Smith’s queerness and bicultural experience deepen this perspective, adding layers of nuance to his meditation on what it means to live between worlds: between the Philippines and America, between truth and fiction, between who we are and who we are told we are.
