Focusing on Rodney Dangerfield's extraordinary journey, this biography explores his transformation from a struggling comic to an iconic figure in American comedy. It highlights his unique persona as the lovable underdog, detailing the challenges he faced and the resilience that propelled him to fame. The book delves into the nuances of his career, revealing the factors that contributed to his lasting impact on the comedy scene.
Focusing on the life and career of Don Rickles, this book reveals the complexities behind the iconic "insult" comic known as "Mr. Warmth." Beyond his sharp wit and humor, Rickles was a devoted family man and a loyal friend to many celebrities. His journey from aspiring actor to a beloved performer spans various mediums, showcasing his impact on comedy and his influence on future generations. The narrative highlights both his comedic genius and his genuine kindness, offering a heartfelt tribute to the man behind the persona.
"Riding a wave of success that lasted more than sixty years, Don Rickles is best known as the "insult" comic who skewered presidents, royalty, celebrities, and friends and fans alike. But there was more to "Mr. Warmth" than a devilish ear-to-ear grin and lightning-fast put-downs. Rickles was a loving husband, an adoring father who suffered a devastating loss, and a loyal friend to the likes of Bob Newhart and Frank Sinatra. Don was also a young student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with future stars Jason Robards, Jr., Don Murray, and Grace Kelly, and intended to become a seriously committed actor. But it was in small nightclubs where Rickles found success, steamrolling hecklers, honing his acerbic put-downs, and teaching the world to love being insulted. Sex, race, religion, nationality, physical appearance, political leanings--nothing and no one was safe from the "Planned Parenthood Poster Boy," as Johnny Carson referred to him. The Merchant of Venom traces Don Rickles' career from his rise in the 1950s to a late-in-life resurgence thanks to the Toy Story franchise, his role in Martin Scorsese's Casino, and scores of TV appearances from Carson to Seth Meyers. In the intervening decades, Rickles conquered every medium he worked in, including film, television, and on stage, where the Vegas legend was still performing at the age of eighty-five. In his highly memorable career, he was idolized by a generation of younger comedians including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Jay Leno, and performed in the shadow of a shocking open secret: he was the nicest man in town. An in-depth portrait of the personal and singular professional life of Don Rickles, The Merchant of Venom delivers a hilarious, moving, and long-overdue look at the real man behind the sting."--Provided by publisher
Shatner takes a comprehensive look at this singular performer, using archival sources and information culled from interviews with friends and colleagues to transport readers through William Shatner's remarkably bumpy career: his spectacular failures and triumphs, tragedies, and, ultimately, the resilience Shatner has shown, time and again, in the face of overwhelming odds.
The paperback edition of this, first, in-depth biography of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.