Tony Shalhoub and Daughter Josie Adams Release Multi-Generational Memoir on Family and Food
Renowned actor Tony Shalhoub and his daughter, writer and producer Josie Adams, have officially introduced their collaborative new project, a memoir that delves into the intricacies of their family history through the lens of culinary tradition. Titled “We Thought They’d Never Leave: Musings on Food and Family,” the book represents a significant departure for Shalhoub, an Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe-winning performer widely recognized for his versatility on stage and screen.
The collaboration marks a milestone for the duo, blending Shalhoub’s decades of experience in the spotlight with Adams’ professional background in production and writing. Speaking on the experience of co-authoring the work, Adams characterized the project as both a major professional and personal achievement. “For me it was the greatest highlight of my career so far, getting to work on something like this with my dad,” she noted during an October 27, 2026, appearance to promote the release.
Shalhoub, known for his sharp wit and comedic timing, offered a lighthearted take on the partnership. During the announcement, he joked that his daughter was the primary driver behind the book’s more sophisticated prose, quipping that she was “instrumental in implementing the large words” throughout the manuscript. Beyond the humor, the memoir serves as a heartfelt exploration of how shared meals and domestic life have shaped their familial relationship over the years.
As a multi-award-winning actor, Shalhoub has long been a fixture in American entertainment, but “We Thought They’d Never Leave” provides readers with a more intimate look at the man behind his famous roles. By focusing on the intersection of food and family dynamics, the father-daughter team joins a growing tradition of memoirs that seek to preserve legacy through personal anecdote and cultural heritage. The book explores the stories that emerge from the kitchen, offering a glimpse into the private life of one of Hollywood’s most respected actors and his family.
