Customer Reviews

Taken to the Stage: The Education of an Actress

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I found this a great, giving book. It's neither your standard-issue Show Biz Memoir nor an interior dialogue of an artist's spiritual search. It's an endearing record of a working actor's life; a life intent on performing from an early age (You really feel Kennedy is one of those people who couldn't do anything but act - despite the fact this book (with no ghostwriter's assistance) is evidence of a smooth, assured writer.). The book has 2 tracks interwoven well. One follows her personal history: growing up in a cultured Catholic family, her hilarious coming-of-age in The 60s and The Industry, and her eventual marriage & motherhood (She met her husband through a computer dating service.). The second track follows her tremendously wayward career path. You can't really call this a theatrical memoir, because her work has such a multi-media span: from Broadway to Disney flicks, from stand-up to sitcoms (though there's no mention of Dharma & Greg so this must have been written prior to her success there). Her story is also refreshing as it's no rags-to-riches tale. She candidly details all the rejections and cancellations (including being pulled from the original Saturday Night Live company by the most maddening technicality) - and the book is a hard-nosed reality check for anyone who thinks any stage of an actor's life is spent coasting. Generous helpings of humor, an affectionate and honest rapport with the reader - and a scrappy, mature take on life characterize every chapter. A surprising and cherished autobiography.

Mimi Kennedy spins a great yarn about the ups and downs of this marvelous actress' winding path through the perils of show biz...and this yarn is TRUE! Mimi writes with heart, style, and guts, and I can't imagine anyone wanting to be an actor or actress who wouldn't be held spellbound by her story. When you see Mimi today as "Abbie", the hippy-Mom on "Dharma & Greg," you are seeing a brilliant thespian at work--and this book is all about the courage and chutzpah it takes to make it happen. Bravo, Mimi!

Mimi Kennedy's memoir, "Taken to the Stage," is worth reading if only as a primer for young people interested in pursuing theatrical careers. It is also worth the read, however, if you want insight into growing up Catholic; Ms. Kennedy's reflections on the Church and its effect on her subconscious and conscious are at once funny and sobering. But it's also worth picking up if your hunting a delightful retrospective on the developmental years. Ms. Kennedy has a remarkable recollection of her childhood and the friends and family members who encouraged and cajoled (and occasionally discouraged and impeded) her journey from star-struck toddler named for a Broadway hot-box girl to an accomplished young actress. Your reviewer can vouch for her recollections because, as her younger brother, I shared many of those family experiences with her. Blood ties aside, I recommend "Taken to the Stage" to any reader looking for a good laugh, a good bio, a good book.

Talented actress Mimi Kennedy displays the same sensitive wit and humor on the printed page that she displays in her acting performances. A super fun ride through her interesting life with stories and insights for anyone touched by showbiz...no matter what side of the footlights you see! Enjoy her recollections and reflections, then pass it on to a friend--an inspiration!