Mummy's Boy: My Autobiography

by Larry Lamb

An incredibly moving story of fatherhood - good and bad - from the star of Eastenders and Gavin and Stacey

Acting wasn't a long-held childhood dream for Larry Lamb. Instead his childhood memories are filled with recollections of his parents continuously fighting. Life in the Lamb household veered from laughter and happy moments to hysterical outbursts.

Larry was only too often caught in the middle and found himself at the centre of his father's raging anger, tormented by a man who struggled with the enormity of fatherhood. When his parents' marriage finally broke down, Larry's mother moved out. For years Larry didn't know where his mum lived and he didn't dare talk of her at home, his mother's absence left a gaping hole. As soon as Larry was old enough, he left home.

Putting as much distance as he could between himself and his volatile childhood, he set off on a journey - looking for the close female companionship he'd missed out on with his mother as he went - that would take him to work as an encyclopaedia salesman in Germany, in the oil business in Libya and Nova Scotia until he found himself starring on Broadway. In time it would take him to Hollywood too and bring him leading roles on the Square in Eastenders and in Billericay in the much-loved comedy Gavin and Stacey.

Genres: Autobiography, Biography

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honest Autobiography, but didn't really warm to Larry.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and an easy read from start to finish. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr Lamb at the Who Do You Think You Are exhibition this year and I found him to be very personable. A goodread!

[Whenimnotreadingharrypotter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this for a while and think he is a brilliant actor so was looking forward to reading it.
I had no idea the upbringing he had, it was quite sad and had no idea how many children and relationships he had aswell. An interesting life that I didn't know the background of until this book, would have liked more about his life more recently and the end was a bit repetitive and drawn out. A good read

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoy autobiographies and this one certainly doesnt dissapoint . Larry gives a colourful insite into his early life as well as the struggle to make it as an actor.

[Mary Geraghty · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a revelation

This book was written with such honesty that really made me think. It was in itself a type of psychoanalysis for all of us who have lived life and experienced both love and heartache. Beautifully done. 💟

[MR P M ALLEN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best Autobiography ever

Very heavy going, I really only enjoyed the Gavin and Stacy section. The EastEnders stories were good fun also. Interesting parts on Fulham, maybe because I come from there.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting biography and nicely written. Have recently been watching Larry Lamb in Gavin in Stacey and the character he plays is very good. Have also seen him in Britain by Bike with his son George which shows how close they are.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I expected (picked it up for £1 in Waterstones sale). Not the usual showbiz bio, lots funny anecdotes and honest about his failings.

[Marni · Rating 2 out of 5]

An autobiography of an English actor. Might have meant more if I could remember seeing him in anything. Still interesting.

[Bill McFadyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy reading autobiography of Larry Lamb. He has certainly led a charmed and exciting life - a good book for a lazy afternoon on a deck chair.

[Neil Parvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Interesting life but a mixed up character until near the end of the book,made me realise how many mistakes I have made but I still keep making !

[Sarah Tummey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read. Larry's life and choices have been very different from mine, but he's a good storyteller and did well at describing places. I could imagine myself there with him.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've only just remembered I ever read this book, because I never finished it and it was quite forgettable really. Saying that, it was a good two years ago now so maybe I was just too young to get it? (The past me despises myself now for that comment, sorry)I'll have to do a re-read one day, but for now it can have 2 stars as I do like Larry as an actor.

[Becky Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took me almost a month to read. Parts were really interesting especially his childhood but parts were really boring and a tough read. Very honest but didn’t really warm to him despite loving him on Gavin and Stacey and Eastenders