CRAY

by Darrell Hammond (Author/Narrator), Elizabeth Stein

He is one of the longest-running cast members on Saturday Night Live, an American comedy genius renowned for his spot-on sendups of politicians and celebrities. But off-stage, Darrell Hammond’s life was anything but a joke. In CRAY, a special audio performance captured live onstage at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre, Hammond brings to life his acclaimed memoir, God, If You're Not Up There, I'm F*cked: Tales of Stand-Up, Saturday Night Live and Other Mind-Altering Mayhem. Embodying over 60 different characters, he takes listeners on a heartbreaking and hilarious journey through abuse, addiction, and recovery. The exhilarating story unravels the mystery of how a man repeatedly climbed from the depths of despair to the height of comedy royalty.

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

Genres: Memoir, Audiobook, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published August 29, 2024

About the author

See also: Darell Hammond, author of works on KaBOOM!!

Reviews

[Bruce Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Mr Hammond’s revealing portrait of his career, personal life, and experiences as a person with mental illness.

[Tom Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Profile of a Severely Troubled Mind.

Difficult to find the humor in this one-Man Show by an Actor who has been diagnosed as Bi-Polar, Schizophrenic, and severely addicted to Alcohol and Drugs as a result of an abusive Childhood. He was a gifted Impersonator and Comedian whose iconic work on SNL was why I listened to this Book in the first place. I didn’t intend to sit through fours of Psychiatric Group Therapy. Three Stars in honor of his Talent. ***

So sad to have felt his Pain. 😱

[Jonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of the story were funny, and parts were painful. I did not know Darrell’s back story so when I stumbled upon this audiobook, I did not know what to expect. Overall, a sad personal story with SNL tidbits thrown in. The story was genuine, heart breaking, incredibly brave and interesting. The story exposes that what we see in actors and performers on stage hides so much of what is really happening behind the scenes and with them personally.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a follow-up and update to Hammond’s memoir from a few years ago. It was recorded as a stand-up routine as I listened to it on Audible. It is a heartbreaking story told by a fabulous comedian. I was laughing out loud when he was talking about some horrific things. Ultimately, it is a story of resilience and healing. A wonderful testimony to the healing power of therapy and a great psychologist.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this audible original and needed a quick filler in.
 
Raw, unfiltered and rough, it will tear your heart to learn that one person has suffered so much. Hammond discusses his addictions, mental illness and his childhood abuse. Triggers abound on this one. But there is also a message of talent and working for recovery.

[Stoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a typical standup act and delves into mental illness and physical abuse with a minimal amount of SNL but it is honest, and heartfelt and has some humor despite the hard hitting topics covered.

[Cosmin Fota · Rating 2 out of 5]

Average, below par, sometimes it's trying to be stand-up and, other times, towards the end, a theatre performance. I didn't find this guy funny, no matter who he is and what he's done. Very boring, glad it was onyl 1 hour, he failed to humour me.

[Jed Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Not what I expected. As raw a memoir as you’ll hear. I had no idea about Darrell’s story.

Incredibly tragic, courageous, and heart-breaking storytelling mixed with hilarious impersonations and genuine redemptive moments.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuck me, that hit home hard. For reasons I will discuss with my therapist next time.
(I texted my therapist and asked her to listen to it for reasons of let's talk about it next time.)

I actually cried at my desk at work a bit.

Fuck me.

(I laughed a lot too.)

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a new love for Darrell Hammond. This book gives the reader/listener a good understanding where he learned to have spot on impersonation. The book also instills a great understanding and compassion for mental health. Overall, I enjoyed the listen.

[Scott Foshee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly honest and touching.