Colleen Dewhurst (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

How could Colleen Dewhurst do this to us? Die, that is, and leave such a fascinating autobiography unfinished after more than 10 years of work? Oh well. As Dewhurst herself makes clear, consideration for others was never one of her strong points--though she had plenty of other strong points to compensate. A monumental actress who outgrew her times, Dewhurst made a few memorable film appearances (Annie Hall, among others) but mainly devoted her life and talent to the stage in landmark performances of Eugene O'Neill's and Edward Albee's most challenging works. She was so busy living her life she didn't have time to finish this memoir, so editor Tom Viola has fleshed it out with memories of Dewhurst by her friends, associates, and collaborators. None of this added material is as compelling, colorful, bitter, or hilarious as Dewhurst's own observations--leaving us with the realization that we not only lost a great actress, we may have lost a real writer as well.

From Library Journal

Many know Colleen Dewhurst as Murphy Brown's mother, Avery, in the popular sitcom, but of course there was much more to her wonderful career, as many theater and film buffs know. Sadly, Dewhurst died from cancer before she could finish her autobiography, but fortunately longtime friend Viola was brought in to complete the work. In addition to the material that Dewhurst herself wrote, Viola incorporates anecdotes from family, friends, and co-workers, most of whom were involved with Dewhurst in her theatrical and movie career. The interplay of these multiple perspectives makes for an unusual and interesting biography, but Dewhurst was interesting enough that her own material holds its own quite nicely. Also of interest is Dewhurst's strong commitment to the principles of Christian Science. Even after she knew she had cancer, she refused the medical therapies that might have lengthened or saved her life. Essential reading for anyone interested in theater or film.
-?Susan L. Peters, Emory Univ. Lib., Atlanta
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Scribner; First Printing edition (July 11, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684807017
• ISBN-13: 978-0684807010
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #217,221 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Made me wish I had known her!, December 13, 2000

By	Jamie Olson "jlo5440" (Eagan, MN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a great biography to read. Not strictly an autiobiography because Colleen never finished working on it herself, but it makes up for that by including many stories & chapters written by her friends, fellow actors & family. This was the first biography I read that really made me wish I had a chance to know the person in life. I've always considered Colleen Dewhurst a respected actor but after reading this, I know that she was truly a warm & wonderful person. She will be missed.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly wonderful book!, December 5, 1999

By	R. W. Holliston (Victoria, B.C. Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're interested in the New York theatre during the 50s and 60s (and later), this book is not to be missed. Dewhurst procrastinated for years about this book; hence it was unfinished when she died. But the additional pieces from her family and colleagues add immeasurably to the book's richness. An unforgettable memoir from a very great artist and personality - her personal warmth and her professional dedication are evident on literally every page. If you care enough to have checked this book out, you will want to have it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Woman Whose Heart Was a Grand as Her Smile, May 3, 2008

By	Margo A. Lopes (Providence, Rhode Island) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This review is from: Colleen Dewhurst (Paperback)

While watching a drive-in movie as a teenager, I became aware of an incredible actress. She was playing a woman being stalked by the killer of children in the horror film, "When a Stranger Calls". I could not take my eyes off of this middle-aged actress who was... not beautiful in the classic sense, a bit heavy and possessing an unusally deep and gravelly voice, for a woman. Her character, a lonely, world-weary person, who although street smart and a bit jaded, would flash bits of the warmest eyes and smile that I had ever seen. This was Colleen Dewhurst. This was also the nature of Dewhurst's career in film and televisiom; too often, bringing much more to the materisal than it was capable of ever giving back.
This a very good autobiography, finished after her death by family, friends and lovers. It is loving account of the extraordinary life of an, equally, extraordinary woman. A fascinating and very fummy history of the world of American theatre, from the 1940's through the 80's and the myriad characters Dewhurst attracted to her during her time here.
The book makes one wish that one had been among the very fortunate "strays" that Colleen Dewhurst was famous for takiing into her home and her heart. I think that you, too, will enjoy her telling (and those who survived her) of her life on the "Farm".