Actor Kevin Sorbo of TV's "Hercules," with guest moderator Christine Spines, discusses his new autobiography, "True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal - And How Nearly Dying Saved My Life" at the Santa Monica Public Library during his book signing on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

On television, Kevin Sorbo portrayed an invincible demigod; in his real life, a sudden health crisis left him partially blind and incapacitated at just thirty-eight years old. Yet since appearances are everything in Hollywood, he hid the full details about his condition from the press and continued to film Hercules, which was the number one TV series in the world. In this inspiring memoir, Sorbo shares the story of the crisis that ultimately redefined his measure of success.

True Strength is the story of transformation, persistence, and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Sorbo reflects on his childhood in Minnesota and his early acting days in Hollywood, to his charmed life as television’s beloved Hercules, and where he is today. He recounts the onset of his symptoms, his frightening hospitalization, and his arduous path to recovery. With this honest account of personal tragedy and triumph, Sorbo aims to blaze a trail for those who have ever suffered acute illness or a serious setback in life and are now struggling to find their way back. 

Reality star Kim Kardashian poses for a portrait during the Janeen Mansour Celebrity Shoe Drive at Rancho Park Golf Course on Saturday, January 10, 2009. All participants were required to bring a pair of show which benefited The Salvation Army.

Duane "Dog" Chapman, and his son Duane Jr., pose for a portrait after eating lunch at 'Ivy at the Shore' in Santa Monica on Saturday, April 19, 2008. Dog is returning to Hawaii after rounding up 15 fugitives in Colorado. Dog the Bounty Hunter is a reality television show which chronicles Duane "Dog" Chapman's operations at his job, Da Kine Bail Bonds in Honolulu, Hawaii.

(1) Rob Corn, producer of Grey's Anatomy, receives the Santa Monica Red Cross 2008 Spirit Award during the 2nd Annual Red Tie Affair at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel on Saturday, March 16, 2008. (2) Dr. Kathy E. Magliato, Cardiac surgeon from Saint Johns Health Center, speaks after receiving her Spirit Award.(3) Santa Monica Fire Chief Jim Hone receives the 'Ricardo A. Crocker Spirit Award' on behalf of the SMFD. (3B) Jeannette Garcia, mother of Major Ricardo A. Crocker, speaks after the  SMFD was awarded the Ricardo A. Crocker Spirit Award. (4) Dr. Wally Ghurabi, Medical Director of the Nethercutt Emergency Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital, speaks after receiving his Spirit Award. (5) Kate Walsh (right) and Sara Ramirez, actresses from Grey's Anatomy, place a bid for lunch with Santa Monica Firefighters during the live auction. (6) Ziggy Marley bids and wins a case of wine during the live auction. (7) Helena Buscema and her Gospel Choir perform during the Red Tie Affair. (8) Dr. Lisa Masterson pets SMPD Officer Roberto Villegas' K-9 Partner, Nero, after wining the K-9 Ride along during the live auction. (9) Actress from Grey's Anatomy, Chyler Leigh and her boyfriend Nathan West, bid on a Beatles Guitar. (10) Ziggy Marley and Shoda Rhimes, Creator and Executive Producer of Grey's Anatomy, pose for a photo during the Red Tie Affair on Saturday. (11) Marley places another bid during the fundraiser.