As Luck Would Have It by Jacobi, Derek (2013) Hardcover

by Derek Jacobi

Star of stage, screen and television, and one of only two people to be awarded two Knighthoods, Sir Derek Jacobi is one of Britain’s most distinguished actors.‘If you want to be an actor, don’t. If you need to be an actor, do.’The world of theatre could not have been further from Derek’s an only child, born in Leytonstone, London. With his father a department store manager and his mother a secretary, his was very much a working class background. But nonetheless Derek always knew he was going to be an actor, and he remembers clearly the first time he was in costume – draping himself in his mother’s glorious wedding veil as he paraded up and down the Essex Road with his friends.A few short years later, at the age of seven, Derek made his acting debut, playing both lead roles in a local library production of The Prince and the Swineherd. By the age of 18 Derek was playing Hamlet (his most famed role) at the Edinburgh festival. He won a scholarship to Cambridge, where he studied and acted alongside other future acting greats including Ian McKellen. His talent was quickly recognised and in 1963 he was invited to become one of the first members of Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre.Often admired for his willingness to grapple with even the most dislikeable of characters, Derek Jacobi has worked continuously throughout his career, starring in roles ranging from the lead in I, Claudius to Hitler in Inside the Third Reich and Francis Bacon in the controversial Love Is The Devil. But it is his numerous Shakespearean roles that have gained him worldwide recognition.This book is, however, much more than a career record. Funny, warm and honest, Jacobi brings us his insider’s view on the world of acting. From a simple childhood in the East End to the height of fame on stage and screen, Derek recalls his journey in from the beginnings of his childhood dreams to the legendary productions, the renowned stars and the intimate off-stage moments.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Theatre

Hardcover

First published September 12, 2013

About the author

Sir Derek George Jacobi, CBE is an English actor and film director.

An acclaimed stage actor, who has also appeared in many films, such as Henry V, Dead Again, Gladiator, Gosford Park, The Golden Compass, The King's Speech and My Week with Marilyn.

Jacobi has narrated audio book versions of the Iliad, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis and two abridged versions of I, Claudius by Robert Graves. In 2001, he provided the voice of "Duke Theseus" in The Children's Midsummer Night's Dream film. He is also the narrator for the BBC children's series In the Night Garden.

Reviews

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very much a lightweight autobiography. Although Derek Jacobi gets the writing credit it is actually an 'as told to' book'. It jumps around a lot but it does give the reader a good description of Jacobi's early life growing up in East London and his life as an actor.
There is a bit too much about Sir Laurence Olivier and not enough about Derek Jacobi for my liking yet it is not surprising as he comes across as a somewhat shy and private person. An index would have been a good addition to this book.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read. I really like the gentleness of Derek Jacobi , his enthusiasm for his working life a. Actor on stage , tv and movie!

[Mick Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good auto-biography,by derek.it covers his early life and his career.very proud of his london roots,and his family.not afraid to share in his partners part in his later life,unlike dirk bogarde who went to great lengths to hide his and tony forwards relationship.and i suppose there is the reason that the two actors differ in temprement bogarde could not or would not be open about being gay which in turn from accounts in other books and by people who knew him was a very acidic in his relationship to those around him.where as derek being more open led to his life being a little less stressful.he is also honest about his stage fright which came about suddenly but has managed it since.one of those i didnt know that moments was when he was one of the last three actors up for the hannibal lechter character in silents of the lambs.somehow i won't watch last tango in hslifax in the same light,which comes brings to mind to doesn't get a mention.

[Allie Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Derek Jacobi has been a favourite actor of mine ever since I saw him in the BBC production of Shakespeare's Richard II.

His autobiography "As Luck Would Have It" is as warm and as sweet as you would expect from this lovely man.

He is open and honest about his career and his personal problems, but at no point does he invite you to feel sorry for him. It's very much "this is me; this is what happened". No excuses and no bullshit.

"As Luck Would Have It" is also chock-a-block with delightful theatrical anecdotes and bon mots. I was reduced to helpless giggles many times during my reading of the book.

In many ways "As Luck Would Have It" is a throwback to the old style of theatrical memoir. It has a warm, friendly feel to it, lots of wonderful stories, and no decorating of other actor's shoulder blades with metaphorical knife hilts, as has become so common in recent years.

I can't recommend "As Luck Would Have It" highly enough. I think it would be of particular interest to those interested in English theatre, the early days of the National Theatre, those who enjoy a good, old fashioned memoir, and fans of Sir Derek.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I became most aware of Derek Jacobi in the Cadfael series as a child. I had watched before then I, Claudius but I was too young to have much of an impression made on me. I do remember distinctly liking him, I felt he had sweet and kind face. When I saw Breaking the Code when I was 12-13 I actually thought he was cute and attractive looking. I am making this known as in his book he never feels himself in appearance to be anything of the kind. I would have enjoyed it enormously to have seen him on the stage. In this book is a wonderful, honest account of a remarkable actor and a remarkable man.

[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focus is mainly on his early years and his acting career. An intensely private man, I would still have liked a glimpse more into a few more personal moments which is what all fans would be interested in.

[Andy Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This year I read the hilarious autobiography of one of Jacobi's theatrical contemporaries, Brian Blessed. This memoir is almost the polar opposite. Not that it isn't witty but it is a much quieter and milder production. Some of the same contemporaries pop up including Peter O'Toole whose pen portrait Blessed really nails. This memoir is very well written, very honest about his propensity to fall in love with beautiful men at Cambridge and as a young actor including with Michael York. Theatre is clearly his first love and there is far more about this than the film and TV work but he does mention working with Kenneth Brannagh, Oliver Reed, Otto Preminger and meeting Robert Graves at the time of I Claudius. Maggie Smith, Ian Mckellen are well portrayed and of course "Sir" - Laurence Olivier features strongly and receives an interesting extended pen portrait.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I, like most Americans, was introduced to Derek Jacobi via "I, Claudius" - which I loved. Because the vast amount of his acting was done in British theatre, I was unfamiliar with many of the names involved. I loved thinking of him playing in the Haymarket Theatre where I was fortunate to see the Oscar Wilde play " An Ideal Husband" in the theatre where it debuted in 1893. I have continued to enjoy his filmed roles, especially " Cadfael", "Last Tango in Halifax" and "Vicious". I was a little disappointed that there were few biographical stories independent of plays, but if you are a fan, I recommend the autobiography. Kristi & Abby Tabby

[Debi Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read by a fascinating person. I'm not a big one for following celebrities. I tend to let them have their private lives. I think the interest here is that Mr Jacobi is so very private and is willing to share that with us. He jumps around a bit but then that's how I think so I did not find it off-putting. Just one of those 'where is he going with this?' kind of thing. He was lucky enough to grow up with a crowd of awesome actors and directors so there is much name dropping. I liked the book. It was like sitting by the fire listening to an old friend talk.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I am sad to have reached the end of this book but my what a journey it has been! I have loved reading the story of one of my true acting hero’s and his life has been one of mixed emotions. It is truly inspiring to hear how he rose to a role in the job he dreamt of and how later in life worked with his lifelong friends Ian McKellen. It is fitting to end this book the day after the Olivier Awards but I only wish there were more chapters!

[MRS. K. Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my online book club and it took me a while to get through it. Not because its long but I didnt find it the most compelling of reads. I haven't seen much of his work - only some movies & never on stage but I enjoyed finding out more about him. His writing style, in my opinion, reflects his personality- quiet & reserved & I just found it slightly boring. However, it has inspired me to search out his work - so many classics which he has been in but which I've not seen.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm about half way through and enjoying it very much. It's a pity about some of the errors though, e.g. Richard Burton lived and died at Celigny, not 'Selignac' and The Day of the Jackal was directed by Fred Zinnemann, not Fred 'Zimmermann'. This makes me wonder how many others there are that I don't have the knowledge to spot. Sloppy proof reading!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I a little odd? I have loved this man's acting since seeing I, Claudius as a teenager. I would love to have seen him as king lear. In the book he comes across as honest and self depreciating. Long my he continue.

[Mary McCoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative as far as theater stories and humerous throughout. He writes of his childhood fondly. his experiences as a Shakesperean actor and how it was for him to work with the greats of the stage. Easy reading. He writes well. I enjoyed it.

[Katharine Holden · Rating 2 out of 5]

A wonderful actor, but comes across as a silly, shallow man in his memoir.

[Lisa Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook read by Derek Jacobi. This was a really enjoyable memoir to listen to.

[Sean Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of Great anecdotes! I just wish it were longer.

[Bill Gour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice conversational tone.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting insight into a fampus person who doesn't seem to want to be famous. Jacobi comes across as sweet, kind, and a little nervous.

[Mr M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read by a truly lovely chap. I had the fortune of spending a few hours in this man's company. Fascinating and humble.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a pleasant read for anyone that is a fan of his work. He goes through his early life and the many things he has performed in. Mention of Shakespeare a great deal but that is where his training is and most of his experience. I do wish he had talked about "Vicious" a bit more. It seems like there is a bit of a gap in there from the 1980's to the 2010's. But it was fun to hear little bits about the making of some things and the behind the scenes moments. He is too brief by far. "I. Claudius" could have had a larger segment on memories of making it but is only briefly mentioned a few times. Certainly worth reading but do not expect a scandal filled tell every detail type of biography. He has way more class than that and he really has not had a scandalous life. I imagine you would need to read about Peter O'Toole for that.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually a memoir by him.

Not terribly good - a lot of bits and bobs about what plays and movies he was in, and who his famous friends are, interlaced with a lot of Shakespeare jokes. Yes, he's one of those people who actual things in lines from Shakespeare. Which is kind of fun in you know it all, but would be rough going if you didn't.

I like his body of work, and so I mildly enjoyed this. But is really just a chatty little memoir.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, here was a pleasant surprise. You do need to be aware of Jacobi's times and British slang in order to understand what he's talking about. He presents a scathing (but humorous) look at himself and a very interesting peek at the crack of Sir Laurence's Olivier's "armor." Not a lot of pictures. Only quibble -- the book is too short.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a big fan of Sir Derek I was very disappointed with this book, especially as it is "as told to" and not written by Sir Derek.

I would have liked it to have concentrated more on his many theatre roles and included production photos.

[Lector Inspector · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile listen particularly as Derek himself narrates. There's much more about relationships than I expected and the superb series "I, Claudius" receives brief attention whereas I had imagined THAT could have filled a full volume of its own.

[杨正奇 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a chinese fan of sir Derek,it's inconvenient to get more information about him. It took me nearly a month to get it back,but it was worth it.Everyone who loves sir Derek shouldn't miss this book.You will find a more real person，and realise his persistent pursuit of acting career.

[Barry Hammond · Rating 3 out of 5]

A highly entertaining theatre and film memoir filled with self-deprecating humour, interesting gossip and encounters with memorable people. As gracious and talented as the man himself. - BH

[Gboundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read. Jacobi offers interesting insights for a range of readers. Young actors would particularly benefit from reading this.

[Kam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good. Fine. Not spellbinding. I love his acting.