Take My Life

by Eddie Cantor, Jane Kesner Ardmore

The stage and screen comic's life story .

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Edward "Eddie" Cantor born Isidore Itzkowitz; January 31, 1892 – October 10, 1964 was an American comedian, actor, dancer, singer, songwriter, film producer, screenwriter and author.

Cantor was one of the prominent entertainers of his era and was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1956 for distinguished service to the film industry.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comedic actor Eddie Cantor reflects on a 50-plus year career that spanned vaudeville, Broadway, talking pictures, radio and television. That, along with his long-lasting marriage to wife, Ida, and a stable of supportive daughters. This was one of the better celeb autobiographies I've read—Cantor had a life that was nothing if not eventful, and he sound genuinely humble and down-to-earth about it. I don't know how much of a role co-author Jane Kesner Ardmore played in this, but the book reads as if you're sitting down chatting with Eddie himself—a mature yet enthusiastic gent still brimming with plenty of razzle dazzle. In the 21st century, Cantor has suffered because he performed in blackface, and a lot of his work has faded into obscurity (people now MIGHT know him as a minor character in the HBO miniseries, Boardwalk Empire). It strikes me as unfair, however, since this book proves that he was a huge talent with a lot of heart.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entirely charming read. Admittedly, I'm something of a sucker for vaudeville tales, but this brought a new warmth to them that I hadn't previously encountered with such veracity. My feelings on Eddie Cantor were already immensely positive, but the spark that tears through this really set off something within me. I think my heart may have grown several sizes; and I can't even send him the medical bills! Quite the weasel, but possibly the most loveable weasel you'll ever discover.

[zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly inspiring. It’s clear how much love Eddie has for the people in his life from close friends to complete strangers. His adoration of Ida is palpable and how much he cares about his children is heartwarming. The final chapters of the book, especially “The Beggar,” got me teary eyed. This book made me proud to be writing my thesis on his films and helping bring his name back into conversation for all the good he has done in the world and the joy he brought to millions of people.

[Jonathan]

Eddie Cantor comes off as a guy who wasn't particularly groundbreaking or experimental. Maybe he is just humble in his exploits, but there doesn't seem to even be a hint of revelation in entertainment in the book. He was simply good at what he did and that was that. Overall, I found the book boring and his story not wholly inspiring.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. Stories of the early entertainers and his fund raising skills and his love affair with Ida. Written in Eddie Cantor’s energetic style.