Entertainment

Starr Report

Fans of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” might be familiar with Lyssa Rae Chapman, the daughter of “Dog” star Duane Chapman who was featured on the show (which has returned on CMT as “Dog and Beth: On the Hunt”).

What viewers might not know, however, is Lyssa’s back story — her personal struggles, including sexual molestation, drug addiction, gang rape, being harassed at school while living in Hawaii, teen pregnancy (she was 15) and domestic violence — which is documented in her upcoming memoir, Walking on Eggshells.

In the just-released book, Lyssa talks about her troubled early life, reconnecting with her father and her message for young women who feel trapped in a downward spiral.

I asked Lyssa a few questions about Walking on Eggshells, which she answered via e-mail.

How did your father feel about your writing the book? Did you share anything with him while you were writing it?

Lyssa: I think my dad was proud. He was very helpful in the writing process in confirming dates and timelines, and in discussing the people in our lives when I was young. We’ve both been so busy, me with the book release and dad with the show we haven’t had time to connect about the book, but I am sure we will at some point very soon.

What was the primary motivating factor behind you tell
ing your story?

Lyssa: Definitely to help others. I hoped that if anyone, but women in particular, was having a hard time, that they would understand through my story that they could turn their life around.

What types of racist hate crimes did you face at school?

Lyssa: In Walking on Eggshells I talk about how kids in my Hawaiian school pushed me, punched me, laughed at me, and ostracized me just because I was white. Unfortunately, some of the same has happened more recently to my daughter, Abbie.

Was your father aware of how low you had sunk — at one point — before you contacted him?

Lyssa: As a parent you always feel a connection with your children no matter how near or far they are, so I know my dad had to be aware of something going on in my life. But, what little communication we had with each other during that time was through my sister Barbara, so I’m not sure if my dad was aware of the details or not.

You’ve certainly gotten your life back on track. Do you see the book as sending a message of empowerment to women, some of whom might feel badly about themselves because of low self-esteem?

Lyssa: It is true that the book is doing just that, but I also wanted to let all women, and girls as well, know that they can achieve all of their dreams. I wanted to show them that no matter what their circumstances, they can put addiction, abuse, and neglect behind them to live a better life. It won’t be easy, but it is definitely worth it.

Would it be far-fetched to say that “Dog the Bounty Hunter” saved your life? Or would you credi
t that to getting back in touch with your father?

Lyssa: Neither. It was my daughter, Abbie. At some point I realized that if I was to break the cycle of abuse for her that it had to start with me.

Any other projects you’re working on?

Lyssa: I currently have a reality show in development with Bunim Murray. This show is completely different from what I’ve done on camera before, but I am so excited about it! Through the show, we have the possibility of empowering even more lives and I can’t wait to get started.

* * *

And I’m sure he remembers every single one of them . . .

Maury Povich will celebrate the 2,500th episode of his eponymous daytime talk show today (10 a.m./Ch. 11) with a slew of special guests — including his wife, Connie Chung. Among the many celebs congratulating Povich are Katie Couric, Julie Chen, Joan Rivers, Shaquille O’Neal and Sharon Osbourne.

Speaking of Couric, she welcomes Dr. Ian Smith and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed on this Monday’s “Katie” (3 p.m./Ch. 7). Smith, the author of the best-selling “Shred” diet book, and Reed talk about the city’s initiative to get its workers to “shred” in order to improve their health.

* * *

Last, but not least:

* The Mets and Ch. 11 host their annual “Weather Education Day” next Wednesday, May 22 at Citi Field for 8,000 tri-state area school kids . . . Joan Jedell’s annual “Hampton Sheet Scoop” segments begin airing next Thursday, right before Memorial Day, on 1010 WINS. They’ll air all summer every Thursday and Friday at 2:28 p.m., 5:28 p.m. and 8:28 p.m. Robert Redford graces the cover of the Memorial Day issue of Jedell’s Hampton Sheet magazine . . . Sorry to note the passing of three-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning producer Ron Weaver, who spent the last 27 years at “The Bold and The Beautiful” after helping to launch the soap in 1986.