John West is the author of the controversial book "The Last Goodnights"
- a memoir about his assisting his parents with their suicides - the
first book of its kind to be published in 25 years, and one of only
three such books ever written.
John has also established The Last Goodnights Organization - the
purpose of which is to elevate the discussion about choice and privacy
rights in end-of-life issues, and to change the laws to return those
rights to the patients - where they properly belong. In addition, he
has created a related consulting service - John West Consulting - to
advise people who face situations similar to those discussed in his
book.
John worked as an actor in his 20s, mostly in television but also in
film and theater. In his early 30s, he left Hollywood to become a
lawyer, and spent the next 15 years practicing civil rights and
employment law in Seattle. He returned to Hollywood in 2006, and is
executive-producing several films and TV projects.
He still does an occasional voice-over or on-camera role, usually in
the films of friends. And he continues to selectively expand his
executive-producing duties - putting together quality scripts, talented
directors, and fair financing.