Heaven and Beyond

by BeatleStone

An autobiography by Charlie B. Barkin, the star of All Dogs go to Heaven. Charlie reflects on his early life, his big break, his early retirement from acting and his personal struggles in this intimate portrait of an artist. Note: I envisioned this as taking place in the same universe as Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It'll make sense as you read along.

1. Chapter 1

I've had what most people would probably call an interesting life so far. That being said, when I first sat down to write this memoir, I had the strangest case of writer's block. Not what to include, but how. I've read my fair share of memoirs, both good and bad (not naming names) and I was constantly in awe of how these people were able to share their stories with the world like they were casually talking to a close family member. Needless to say, I have a newfound appreciation for them.

After sitting at my desk for hours at a time for three straight days, and being asked by my four-year-old if I was having a stroke twice (I had no idea she even knew what a stroke was), I simply just wrote a few pages detailing my childhood. And the rest was easier from that point on. Not easy, easier.

I hope that readers can find something to enjoy in this book, but I know this will piss a few people off. I don't know what the fallout will be if at all, but I am simply speaking the truth, and everyone is free to interpret this book as they wish.

I want to dedicate this book to the people I would not be here without. Thank you to my mother Loni, my father Burt, who recently passed at the time of writing this book, my wonderful sisters June and Tara, and all my nieces and nephews. Thank you to Lady Luddy and Tramp for setting me on the path where I've met so many amazing people. Thank you to Don Bluth and Gary Goldman for giving me my big break. Thank you to my dear friends, Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh for helping me to realize my true potential. Thanks to the fans for all your support over the years, whether I deserve it or not. Thank you to Balto Norwood, the closest guy to a brother I've ever had and to Jenna Sedgwick, who I'm proud to consider another sister.

But most of all, I want to extend the biggest thanks to my incredible husband (and damn good manager), Kurt who put up with me reading Stephen King until three am and listens to my next crazy idea and our beautiful daughter, Juliet. At the end of a long stressful day that makes me want to dunk my head in the sand, I forget all about that when I come home to you. I love you so much.