Customer Reviews

Colleen Dewhurst

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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.

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!

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 unusually deep and gravelly voice. 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 television. Far too often, bringing much more to the material than it was ever capable of 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 funny 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 taking 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".

Colleen Dewhurst, the actress who made even the most banal scripts into masterpieces, died in August 1991, leaving the manuscript for her memoir only half completed. Thanks to her editor and her assistant, what grew out of the tragedy of losing Miss Dewhurst is an even more well-rounded portrait of this marvelous woman. I believe that if it had been left only to her own memory, there would have been a number of omissions - because her friends and family were asked to share their reminiscences, we have a much fuller view of what living in her world must have been like.

Colleen was endlessly generous, astoundingly profane, loving, supportive, continually strapped for cash, and outspoken. When she took on causes, tasks got completed, even as her own personal business fell to others because she was simply too disorganized to manage it. Her haven, The Farm, was a place of rest for numerous "strays," both human and animal, and often she went to sleep at night not quite sure who else was down the hall or in her living room.

For a look at what goes on back stage and in the mind of an actor preparing for a role, this is a priceless resource. For a hilarious take on the overblown egos of some directors and co-stars, this is a laugh-out-loud read. For a moving story of what it's like to lose someone who left an indelible mark on theatre and cultural life, as well as on the hearts of countless loved ones, friends and fans, this is a beautiful memorial.

Colleen was a true artist.The fact that her book was ultimately unfinished reflects her life. She did not acknowledge dying, so therefore, she left an unfinished book. It was great to learn more about her, both as an actress and mother, and I enjoyed reading others accounts of events.

Colleen Dewhurst was a wonderful actress but this autobiography falls short. She didn't want to write it but had already taken the money from the publisher so she got stuck doing it anyway. She didn't finish it before she died so the author (to save the book) finished it for her by interviewing her friends and associates. Not such a good read.