An intimate and exceedingly direct autobiography tells the behind-the-scenes story of Maureen Stapleton, the legendary star of theater and film, who has won the Tony, the Oscar, and the Emmy, revealing her relationships with show business greats. 35,000 first printing.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Stapleton (b. 1925) has enjoyed a long career as a character actress and has won every award in sight: Oscar, Tony, Emmy. Her memoir, written with Scovell, covers her starstruck girlhood, her Broadway debut in 1946 and her charter membership in the Actor's Studio and offers insights into her art in such roles as Serafina (The Rose Tattoo). Along the way she talks candidly about her friendship with Marilyn Monroe, her struggle to save Montgomery Clift from self-destruction, the emotional dues she paid to appear in Tennessee Williams's plays and the essential difference between stage and screen acting. Much of the book deals with her multiple health problems, which have included alcoholism, pill addiction and several phobias. One of the most intriguing sections concerns her May-December romance with legendary Broadway director George Abbott ("the object of my greatest passion") when she was in her 40s and he in his 80s. Stapleton is a woman with a large talent, a short fuse and a bawdy sense of humor, and her helluva life will interest many readers.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
"It was I who found Maureen Stapleton," Tennessee Williams would later say, referring to his casting of the young unknown in his new play, The Rose Tattoo. Soon after, Williams's discovery became an award-winning star of theater, film, and television. Now, in this charming, gritty, and informative autobiography, Stapleton tells her life story, from her difficult childhood in Troy, New York, to her latest work as a 70-year-old actress. The reader gets full accounts of life within the famed Actor's Studio as well as a social history of 50 years of show biz. The style is direct, and the anecdotes lend the feel of a monolog by a fascinating cocktail party guest who happens to be one of America's finest actresses. Recommended for public libraries and libraries with theater collections.?Lisa Johnston, Sweet Briar Coll., Va.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
She's great and she tells it like it is/was!,
By
This review is from: One Hell of a Life (Hardcover)
This is not always a comfortable read - especially when Ms. Stapleton tells about her childrens' response to her alcoholism. But she tells it like it is - and she never spares herself. Maureen Stapleton has indeed had a hell of a life, and a pretty great career, too. Her comments about acting are refreshingly down-to-earth, and she is not the least bit self-aggrandizing. Most celebrities make themselves out to be holier than thou in their autobiographies, but not our Maureen. She does fib a bit, actually: at one point she claims that she hasn't touched a drop of hard liqour in 30 years, then she admits to sipping vodka at the funeral of Colleen Dewhurst (1991). If you like honest-to-goodness characters, you'll love this book!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Helluva Book!!,
By A Customer
This review is from: One Hell of a Life (Hardcover)
The book is an effortless read. I'm not sure if I can compare it to reading; it feels as if you're having a conversation with her. The reader will come away wanting more!! I found it nearly impossible to put the book down. I've always admired her performance; they're truly masterful. The effortless style she displays on stage & screen comes shining through in the pages of her book! It is a truly honest and unforgiving look at her life. I loved this book!! She is a treasure! PS - I grew-up one block away from her childhood home.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Bio,
By robie "Mama Robin" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: One Hell of a Life (Hardcover)
One of the most enjoyable actor/theatre autobiographies I've read. I'm sort of a movie star bio-freak, and this one had me laughing out loud. I enjoyed every moment. Her recollections of Colleen Dewhurst were unique. What a great broad they both were. Love it.
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