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Hello, Molly!: A Memoir Hardcover – April 12, 2022
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A New York Times bestseller
A candid, compulsively readable, hilarious, and heartbreaking memoir of resilience and redemption by comedic genius Molly Shannon
At age four, Molly Shannon’s world was shattered when she lost her mother, baby sister, and cousin in a car accident with her father at the wheel. Held together by her tender and complicated relationship with her grieving father, Molly was raised in a permissive household where her gift for improvising and role-playing blossomed alongside the fearlessness that would lead her to become a celebrated actress.
From there, Molly ventured into the wider world of New York and Los Angeles show business, where she created her own opportunities and developed her daring and empathetic comedy. Filled with behind-the-scenes stories involving everyone from Whitney Houston to Adam Sandler to Monica Lewinsky, many told for the first time here, Hello, Molly! spans Molly’s time on Saturday Night Live—where she starred alongside Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Cheri Oteri, Tracy Morgan, and Jimmy Fallon, among many others. At the same time, it explores with humor and candor her struggle to come to terms with the legacy of her father, a man who both fostered her gifts and drive and was left with the impossible task of raising his kids alone after the loss of her mother.
Witty, winning, and told with tremendous energy and heart, Hello, Molly!, written with Sean Wilsey, sheds new and revelatory light on the life and work of one of our most talented and free-spirited performers.
- Print length304 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherEcco
- Publication dateApril 12, 2022
- Dimensions6 x 1.01 x 9 inches
- ISBN-100063056232
- ISBN-13978-0063056237
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It’s good to be responsible, but there’s no point in being so stressed that you can’t adjust or bend the rules a little when necessary.Highlighted by 300 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Review
“Hello, Molly! paints a portrait of a resilient spirit persevering through tragedy and the cutthroat world of fame to build a fulfilling life for herself." — Associated Press
"Molly Shannon’s memoir is filled with mischief and pathos. . . . Shannon has an uncanny knack for transgression in pursuit of higher truth. . . . Parts are as plain and strong as Hemingway, with some internal monologues that are downright Joycean. Really. It’s very sad and very, very funny. Redemptive and uplifting." — New York Times
"[An] incredibly charming memoir...For every story of loss, of striving, and of doubling down in Hello, Molly!, there is also a determination to find joy and pleasure, to foster community, and to laugh." — Time
"An incredible story of resilience (along with, of course, some laughs) showing how [Molly Shannon's] upbringing influenced her remarkable career. Warm and open-hearted, this one feels like a conversation." — Real Simple
“This memoir is life-changing. I laughed. I cried. Just like being with Molly herself.” — Amy Schumer
“I grew up fully recognizing the enormity of Molly Shannon’s onscreen abilities—her absurdity, her chaos, but also her grace and humanity. All of these characteristics are effortlessly portrayed in one of the most achingly beautiful memoirs I have ever read. Hello, Molly! is proof that through our stories, our past, our losses, and our brokenness shines light. From the highly relatable struggles of trying to break through as a comedic actress, to SNL, to negotiating self-identity after fame, Hello, Molly! at its finest is a vulnerable, brutally honest, and unrestrained glimpse at the human condition: how the flaws of our loved ones and the darkness of our past will continue to define us.” — Awkwafina
“Heart-breaking and hilarious, Hello, Molly! is the most inspiring memoir I’ve ever read. Forget what you think you know about Molly Shannon. There is a reason she is one of the greatest comic actors working today. Her story is unbelievable and told with such a charming bluntness it made me choke on my coffee more than once...It is a glimpse into the mind of a true survivor, a lesson on how one turns trauma into art, and it might just have the secret to life and happiness.” — Aubrey Plaza
“A deep and brutally honest depiction of the strong and talented woman I know, who has been able to pull the positive out of every situation and turn massive hurt into humor. Every page flows with Molly’s positive yet pragmatic philosophy of life, love, family, work, and art. Filled with touching and surprising anecdotes that teeter from the nostalgic to the truly ridiculous. I was laughing and tearing up like you’re supposed to do when you read a great book. Great comic, great actress, and great author. Truly. Love you, Molly, and am so happy to know you.” — Adam Sandler
“Exuberant, brave, wholehearted, and hilarious, this book is exactly what you hope it will be.” — Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, New York Times bestselling author of Good Company and The Nest
"Equal parts funny and touching, a cut above most celebrity memoirs." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Told in Shannon's bright, irreverent voice, this memoir is equal parts touching and hilarious, a real insight into the mind of a comedic genius." — Booklist (starred review)
"Hello, Molly! is a multi-faceted love story, a candid and touching memoir. . . . [A] beautiful father-daughter story is woven throughout the memoir, which includes many funny anecdotes about Shannon's hard work, dedication, resilience, and sacrifice on her road to stardom. . . . Shannon's conversationally styled narrative reflects her wholly original brand of comedy." — Shelf Awareness
"[A] surprisingly raw and personal account...While she packs in plenty of details regarding her SNL stint, what’s most resonant is Shannon’s unflagging story of perseverance, perhaps best embodied by her beloved sketch character Mary Katherine Gallagher...Supremely inspiring, this will leave fans astonished." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Introspective, poignant, heartbreaking and hilarious, Shannon’s memoir is sensational.” — Katie Couric Media
"...while there are plenty of laughs to be found here, there’s a large dose of vulnerability as well...[An] often-absorbing recollection...becoming most thoughtful when Shannon reflects on her complex relationship with her father and her mother’s absence from her life." — Library Journal
“(Shannon’s) vibrant reading is filled with emotion and effervescence, especially when she slides into popular characters Sally O'Malley and Mary Katherine Gallagher.” — Booklist (starred review)
About the Author
MOLLY SHANNON is an actress and comedian. She spent six seasons as a member of the repertory company on Saturday Night Live, primarily known for the eclectic characters she created, such as Mary Katherine Gallagher and Sally O’Malley. In 2000, she received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. In 2013, Molly received her second Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in Enlightened and again in 2018 for her portrayal of Val in NBC’s award-winning comedy Will & Grace. In 2017, she was awarded the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the highly acclaimed drama Other People, written and directed by SNL head writer Chris Kelly. She was most recently seen in the Academy Award–nominated crime drama Promising Young Woman and will soon reprise her lauded performance on the critically acclaimed comedy The Other Two. Molly was born in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She earned a BFA in drama from New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. She currently lives in California with her husband and two children.
SEAN WILSEY, the author of a memoir, Oh the Glory of It All, and an essay collection, More Curious, is at work on a translation of Luigi Pirandello’s Uno, Nessuno e Centomila for Archipelago Books and a documentary film about 9/11, IX XI, featuring Roz Chast, Griffin Dunne, and many others (www.ixxi.nyc).
Product details
- Publisher : Ecco; First Edition (April 12, 2022)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0063056232
- ISBN-13 : 978-0063056237
- Item Weight : 1.15 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 1.01 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #337,262 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #532 in Television Performer Biographies
- #3,028 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- #10,715 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book compelling and heartwarming. They describe it as a well-written memoir that reads like a conversation with Molly. Readers find the humor funny and the life story interesting. The memoir brings up mixed emotions, including sadness and laughter. However, they appreciate the author's work ethic and positive attitude.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it compelling, inspiring, and well-written. The stories are interesting, heartwarming, and touching. Readers describe the memoir as funny, entertaining, and a coming home book if you grew up Catholic.
"In ‘Hello Molly!’, a funny, entertaining, and touching memoir, Molly Shannon’s voice comes through loud and clear; this was not the work of a..." Read more
"Wow what a quick inspiring read! Heartbreaking then triumphant, this book really brings back memories...." Read more
"I really enjoyed this book and I love Molly Shannon so much. She’s one of the greats Smart, talented, original and kind" Read more
"...i could have grabbed her and hugged her . so beloved this fabulosity. i didnt want this autobio to end ...." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and heartfelt. They describe the author as positive, caring, and a rollercoaster of emotions. The book covers her feelings well and is described as funny, kind, and hard-working.
"...Real-world people like Molly, her family, and friends are much more interesting and nuanced than fictional ones...." Read more
"Wow what a quick inspiring read! Heartbreaking then triumphant, this book really brings back memories...." Read more
"...She’s one of the greats Smart, talented, original and kind" Read more
"...she was a instantly recognizable diva. such personality exuded in the instant she passed me by. i could have grabbed her and hugged her ...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it an easy, engaging read that feels like a conversation with the author. The author's voice is clearly heard throughout the book.
"...entertaining, and touching memoir, Molly Shannon’s voice comes through loud and clear; this was not the work of a ghostwriter or a heavy-handed..." Read more
"...Sure it’s an easy read but it has shed many a tear already and made me laugh...." Read more
"The book was an easy read but really not that interesting. I read it because it was a book club read/discussion...." Read more
"...Molly has filled in her destiny well so far. She tells her story in her voice which is what I really enjoyed. How good was this book?..." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find Molly Shannon humorous and say she's a hard-working comedian.
"In ‘Hello Molly!’, a funny, entertaining, and touching memoir, Molly Shannon’s voice comes through loud and clear; this was not the work of a..." Read more
"...Sure it’s an easy read but it has shed many a tear already and made me laugh...." Read more
"...Hard working and determined to break into show business. Some funny moments - esp. the Gary Coleman story." Read more
"She is so funny and it shines through completely; even when she is writing! I found myself laughing out loud and near tears other times...." Read more
Customers enjoy the life story of Molly Shannon. They find it interesting, funny, and chaotic. The memoir provides a great account of her hustle to become a comedian. Readers appreciate the many dimensions of her life, including poignant moments like family tragedy and surviving trauma.
"...Yes, Molly is great, but Molly Shannon is better. HEY~! SUPAH STAR!" Read more
"Molly Shannon is a treasure and I’m so glad I read this. I am usually not a fast reader but couldn’t put it down, finished in 2-3 days...." Read more
"...I highly recommend this biography. An honest and forthright account on her life so far." Read more
"I loved this story about Molly’s life. There’s so many dimensions to her life. I cried, I laughed and though about my own life." Read more
Customers find the book heartwarming and emotional, bringing them to tears and laughing out loud. They describe it as a relatable story about family life and finding a purpose. The book is described as a love letter to the author's parents.
"...Sure it’s an easy read but it has shed many a tear already and made me laugh...." Read more
"...That broad is fearless! Primarily the book is a love letter to her parents. If you have old parents like I do, it's a must read." Read more
"...Well, it lasted about 3 nights, with many OMGs and LOLs and tears and totally relatable experiences along the way...." Read more
"...Reading her story and her journey brought so many tears to my eyes, but also many laugh out loud moments. Molly is one determined girl!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's work ethic. They find her positive attitude, open mind, and thoughtfulness commendable. The book is described as intelligent, funny, and a glimpse into the inner workings of a lovely woman's brain.
"...She’s one of the greats Smart, talented, original and kind" Read more
"...Hard working and determined to break into show business. Some funny moments - esp. the Gary Coleman story." Read more
"A story of tragic loss but mainly of a life well lived and accomplishments well deserved...." Read more
"Molly is a role model for all of us. She shows us how hard work, a positive attitude, an open mind, and thoughtfulness, is what we should strive..." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's authenticity. They find the book genuine and honest, providing an account of her life so far.
"...a ghost writer, the book was conversational and felt authentic and genuine. It was entertaining the whole time. Read it in a few days." Read more
"Heart-felt, honest, vulnerable, and sweet. Molly is a wonderful human being who has been through a lot and is an incredible example of resilience...." Read more
"...I highly recommend this biography. An honest and forthright account on her life so far." Read more
"I normally don’t read celebrity memoirs but this was real, funny , sad and at times gut wrenching . It’s honest for sure" Read more
Reviews with images
I'm so in awe of Molly and I'm so grateful she shared this stuff with all of us. Thank you!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023In ‘Hello Molly!’, a funny, entertaining, and touching memoir, Molly Shannon’s voice comes through loud and clear; this was not the work of a ghostwriter or a heavy-handed editor. It was a great read, and one of those books that is hard to put down. Real-world people like Molly, her family, and friends are much more interesting and nuanced than fictional ones. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of the origins of the the unique and whacky humor Molly brought to SNL and later movies and streaming series. I couldn’t help but caption my review with a ‘Molly’ quote.
This is a book most adults will enjoy and be able to relate.
All I can say is SUPERSTAR!!!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2023Wow what a quick inspiring read! Heartbreaking then triumphant, this book really brings back memories. I am sure I enjoyed and related to the material more after realizing we lived in same dorm at NYU and graduated the same year. I feel like there is a great deal more comedic material from those NYU days: the crazy roommates, the obnoxious law school students also living at Hayden Hall who thought we undergrads were all out to marry them, and my own whacko experiences also working, but for Wall Street brokers cold calling people during dinner to sell them stocks! We could of been, should have been pals! Perhaps we were and I forgot? No way I would forget Molly! Highly recommend this book which is a true memoir of how somebody makes it by believing in themsel.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2023I really enjoyed this book and I love Molly Shannon so much. She’s one of the greats
Smart, talented, original and kind
- Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024i'm always told Molly and I could br siblings. i once exited the Ziegfeld with her. she was a instantly recognizable diva. such personality exuded in the instant she passed me by. i could have grabbed her and hugged her . so beloved this fabulosity. i didnt want this autobio to end . love her even more now that i know her bizness
- Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024Wonderful! Would read again!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023I’m maybe half way through and just loving this little book. Sure it’s an easy read but it has shed many a tear already and made me laugh. Love her describing her first love, or sneaking into a flight to NYC without paying. I think she is amazing and I would love to have her courageousness. All while being grounded in faith.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2024The book was an easy read but really not that interesting. I read it because it was a book club read/discussion. Not a huge fan of her comedy to be honest. She dealt with the loss of her mother and younger sister which was difficult enough but growing up with her emotionally unstable father was another thing. Hard working and determined to break into show business. Some funny moments - esp. the Gary Coleman story.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2022Molly Shannon exudes the zest for life in everything she does, so I'm not surprised that that is exactly how she philosophizes about life in her memoir. The prose is unremarkable, but it is still a book I couldn't put down. It's not a Hollywood tell-all, but the SNL part is interesting. I did go to YouTube and watch several sketches from SNL referenced in the book. That broad is fearless! Primarily the book is a love letter to her parents. If you have old parents like I do, it's a must read.
Top reviews from other countries
GlauzonReviewed in Canada on May 3, 20225.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
Would recommend this book, it was funny and honest. It was easy to read and had me in tears in some parts because I could relate and laughing out loud in other parts of the book.
sportstarReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 8, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Well Written & interesting story
Great quality. Well packaged. Very pleased. Thank you.
Walter MoserReviewed in Germany on May 8, 20225.0 out of 5 stars one whirlwind of emotions
Warm funny sad true whimsical heartfelt honest wise hilarious smart fullcircle moment. And free
Exactly what expected. Makes you feel like being more yourself
jillReviewed in Canada on May 10, 20225.0 out of 5 stars not what I expected
Excellent story
KataKReviewed in Germany on June 5, 20231.0 out of 5 stars So American and superficial, very simple language
Wow. What a boring and silly book. Bland and the language is so simple like if a child speak to you. So boring and not suggested.










