Growing up in New York, Steve Guttenberg says his father was his hero — always helping, teaching and supporting him.

Later in life, when Guttenberg decided to go to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor, his father Stanley supported him despite being worried about what his son’s future would look like. Though he faced the struggles of being an up-and-coming actor, Guttenberg found success — and says his father could not be more proud or encouraging.

“My dad always said, ‘Believe in yourself. You can do anything in the world,’” Guttenberg said.

In the latest episode of “LA Stories with Giselle Fernandez,” Guttenberg talks about the movies he became famous for in the 1980s and '90s. Films such as “Diner,” “Cocoon,” “Police Academy” and “Three Men and Baby” made him a household name during this time.

He shares stories of fame in his latest book, “Time to Thank,” where he describes a death threat he once received during an appearance on “Late Show with David Letterman.” Stanley, a former police officer, stepped up to ensure Guttenberg’s safety — and was by his side the entire time.

“My dad was like having a giant bear with you,” he said. “Nothing could happen to you. Nothing.”

Throughout his book, Guttenberg describes the role reversal that happens as a parent reaches the end of their life. When Stanley was diagnosed with kidney disease, Guttenberg drove hundreds of miles from LA to Phoenix every week to be with him during his dialysis treatment. He supported his father, helped him around the house and encouraged him — just as Stanley did for him throughout his life.

When it came time for his father’s passing, Guttenberg was heartbroken, but still today, he carries his father’s love with him.

“My dad is with me every day. I talk to him, I hear his voice all the time,” he said. “I’m my father’s son. I’m my mother’s son. I’ve got to be doing something every day to make them proud of me.”