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Just Lucky I Guess: A Memoir of Sorts
A chronicle of the life of the acclaimed Broadway actress traverses five decades in show business and reveals her personal challenges involving her heritage and her father's alcoholism.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2002
4 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Carol Channing
18 books2 followersCarol Elaine Channing was an American singer and actress. She was the recipient of three Tony Awards (including one for lifetime achievement), a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Channing is best remembered for originating, on Broadway, the musical-comedy roles of bombshell Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and matchmaking widow Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly!.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 12, 2022
DNF
I've seen Carol Channing on tv my whole life, and I knew she had been a huge star on Broadway in Hello, Dolly!, so I was looking forward to reading this story of her life.
Until I started the first chapter and she admitted that she could not simply tell a story, she would sidetrack and get distracted, that she always had been that way and always would be. Okay, I considered myself warned and kept reading.
I managed to hang on for nearly 100 pages before I couldn't take any more. She does digress a lot, but there were other issues that bothered me even more.
Like how she learned at age sixteen that her father's mother had been black. Channing's mother told her this so that Channing would not be surprised if she ever had any black babies. She was also told that was the reason she had such big eyes and could dance so well.
Have mercy.
Later on Channing herself said she could feel her heritage when she moved on stage. I nearly threw the book across the room when I read that.
Add all this to the rambling name dropping and you get a book that feels scatter-brained and silly.
Good bye, Dolly!
I've seen Carol Channing on tv my whole life, and I knew she had been a huge star on Broadway in Hello, Dolly!, so I was looking forward to reading this story of her life.
Until I started the first chapter and she admitted that she could not simply tell a story, she would sidetrack and get distracted, that she always had been that way and always would be. Okay, I considered myself warned and kept reading.
I managed to hang on for nearly 100 pages before I couldn't take any more. She does digress a lot, but there were other issues that bothered me even more.
Like how she learned at age sixteen that her father's mother had been black. Channing's mother told her this so that Channing would not be surprised if she ever had any black babies. She was also told that was the reason she had such big eyes and could dance so well.
Have mercy.
Later on Channing herself said she could feel her heritage when she moved on stage. I nearly threw the book across the room when I read that.
Add all this to the rambling name dropping and you get a book that feels scatter-brained and silly.
Good bye, Dolly!
October 1, 2012
Any one that has spent more than one millisecond on a stage has heard of the great Carol Channing. She performed in many Broadway productions, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Hello, Dolly!" As charming as she is wacky, Carol Channing has more famous friends (and crazy stories to tell about them) than the Kardashian sisters. Carol wrote the book like she was talking to an old friend, full of honest opinions and thoughts. Nothing is filtered. That being said, the book does not have a set time table and jumps from anecdote to anecdote with no particular thought to what was just talked about. Her style of writing is a little difficult to follow, but all of that is forgotten once another hysterical joke is told.
Perhaps my favorite part about this book is the warmth and utter joy it released. Carol rarely complained or made a snarky comment about someone she worked with; it was quite the opposite. Her love for her friends is obvious. From Yul Brynner to Jackie Kennedy to Barbara Walters, Carol Channing had nothing but heart-warming stories about the people that touched her life. I adored her story about how she and Yul performed a song entirely in Russian on television for an audience that didn't know the language at all! All that mattered to her was that she had an absolutely fantastic time with it. Carol also told the story of how she would rehearse for "Hello, Dolly!" in the late hours of the night because she was working on another show at the same time. She was absolutely worn out, but loved every minute of it because she spent almost every waking moment singing.
All in all, although it was hard to follow at times, this book was definately worth the read. Any theatre-lover, especially those that adore shows from the 1950s or ‘60s, should read this book. Carol Channing is extremely grateful to have done so much with her life, which is one of the best lessons to learn. She stays positive and only focuses on the parts of the past that make her giggle or smile. Carol Channing’s enthusiasm for life is contagious, and she wrote about the not-so wonderful parts of her life (her two divorces and her battle with ovarian cancer) in two or three small sentences in order to get to the big picture: she’s just lucky, I guess. In all, Carol Channing was a delight to read about.
Perhaps my favorite part about this book is the warmth and utter joy it released. Carol rarely complained or made a snarky comment about someone she worked with; it was quite the opposite. Her love for her friends is obvious. From Yul Brynner to Jackie Kennedy to Barbara Walters, Carol Channing had nothing but heart-warming stories about the people that touched her life. I adored her story about how she and Yul performed a song entirely in Russian on television for an audience that didn't know the language at all! All that mattered to her was that she had an absolutely fantastic time with it. Carol also told the story of how she would rehearse for "Hello, Dolly!" in the late hours of the night because she was working on another show at the same time. She was absolutely worn out, but loved every minute of it because she spent almost every waking moment singing.
All in all, although it was hard to follow at times, this book was definately worth the read. Any theatre-lover, especially those that adore shows from the 1950s or ‘60s, should read this book. Carol Channing is extremely grateful to have done so much with her life, which is one of the best lessons to learn. She stays positive and only focuses on the parts of the past that make her giggle or smile. Carol Channing’s enthusiasm for life is contagious, and she wrote about the not-so wonderful parts of her life (her two divorces and her battle with ovarian cancer) in two or three small sentences in order to get to the big picture: she’s just lucky, I guess. In all, Carol Channing was a delight to read about.
February 16, 2011
Reading this book is like spending an afternoon in conversation with Channing. Her unique voice and character comes across crystal clear on the page. Her refusal to cover her life in a linear manner and her tendency to refer to dish without dishing it can be frustrating, but she makes up for it with zingers you'll be quoting to your friends for years. (Just wait for the part where she describes Tallulah Bankhead's vagina. Or how performing the title song in Hello, Dolly should make the audience's clitoris feel...)
April 1, 2015
this book was written over ten years ago. Carol Channing starts out her book saying this is sort of a memoir. it is more like snippets of her life. She starts out briefly talking about her childhood. even disclosing that her father was half African American who could "pass for white"
She talks about the many plays she has been in. she originated the role for Gentleman Prefer Blondes, the same one Marilyn Monroe went on to do in the movie. Hello Dolly which she was very famous for and did for five years. many other plays as well.
Over the years Carol Channing worked with many famous people. She is not shy about name dropping. for the most part she only has nice things to say of the numerous famous celebrities.even when she had criticism she often followed it up with a compliment about them. such as Barbara Streisand, who she befriended only to find out that Barbara heavily campaigned for the role of Dolly for the movie version and took the role for herself.{ crappy movie without Carol Channing by the way} she also talked about Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, George Burns, Gracie Allen and many others. A nice memoir by an woman who was well known on Broadway. She strikes me as a very nice talented lady. If you like Carol Channing, this is a nice read.
She talks about the many plays she has been in. she originated the role for Gentleman Prefer Blondes, the same one Marilyn Monroe went on to do in the movie. Hello Dolly which she was very famous for and did for five years. many other plays as well.
Over the years Carol Channing worked with many famous people. She is not shy about name dropping. for the most part she only has nice things to say of the numerous famous celebrities.even when she had criticism she often followed it up with a compliment about them. such as Barbara Streisand, who she befriended only to find out that Barbara heavily campaigned for the role of Dolly for the movie version and took the role for herself.{ crappy movie without Carol Channing by the way} she also talked about Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, George Burns, Gracie Allen and many others. A nice memoir by an woman who was well known on Broadway. She strikes me as a very nice talented lady. If you like Carol Channing, this is a nice read.
February 1, 2019
I read this book with a touch of sadness as her death is so recent. She wrote this book entirely on her own and reading it you visualize her voice and manner, which was a bit zany. She was a good soul with a big heart and had a pristine reputation. Simply put, she reminded one of the sunny, happy girl from high school who was popular because everyone liked her. Carol adored her father who her mother confided to her was half black, which only made her love him all the more. The only prejudice she seemed to have was someone insincere, but even at that her heart was forgiving.
October 19, 2018
This book has no respect for linear time, but that doesn't detract from its charms. Carol Channing is one of a kind. You'll get plenty of stories about theater stars of yesteryear, and she doesn't hold back on her opinions of rivals Barbra Streisand and Ethel Merman.
I bought this for, like, a dollar at a Half Price Books clearance sale, and it was worth that and much more. The only thing missing for me were some "Muppet Show" anecdotes.
I bought this for, like, a dollar at a Half Price Books clearance sale, and it was worth that and much more. The only thing missing for me were some "Muppet Show" anecdotes.
January 1, 2020
I have always liked Carol Channing, but this was a muddled, befuddled mess. She should have stuck to the stage and never picked up a pen. I couldn’t make heads nor tails of this autobiography.
The most interesting part was learning about her son, Chan Lowe, a political cartoonist with a rare wit. His work is so “spot on”. Google him and see the one with the three coffins.
The most interesting part was learning about her son, Chan Lowe, a political cartoonist with a rare wit. His work is so “spot on”. Google him and see the one with the three coffins.
June 17, 2024
I finished reading this 15 minutes before the Tony awards started, and I am not even kidding.
Channing's "memoir of sorts" is just that. It's not strictly a memoir. Though it offers biographical information, it is also a collection of Channing's memories of famous people she's met throughout her life like David Merrick, Jacqueline Kennedy, George Burns, and Mary Martin. Channing was always known for her flibbertygibbit personality, her thoughts often straying during interviews, and this book is no exception. Her thoughts often meander, confusing the reader. She also appears to be a racist, which is remarkable, given the fact that, in the first few chapters, she reveals that her father was a half African-American man who moved from the Jim Crow south to start a new life in San Francisco as a white man. I'm glad I read the book, since I am such a huge Broadway fan, but the book doesn't do much to change my opinion of Carol Channing. It's an OK Broadway NF book, but it is definitely not the best I've read.
Channing's "memoir of sorts" is just that. It's not strictly a memoir. Though it offers biographical information, it is also a collection of Channing's memories of famous people she's met throughout her life like David Merrick, Jacqueline Kennedy, George Burns, and Mary Martin. Channing was always known for her flibbertygibbit personality, her thoughts often straying during interviews, and this book is no exception. Her thoughts often meander, confusing the reader. She also appears to be a racist, which is remarkable, given the fact that, in the first few chapters, she reveals that her father was a half African-American man who moved from the Jim Crow south to start a new life in San Francisco as a white man. I'm glad I read the book, since I am such a huge Broadway fan, but the book doesn't do much to change my opinion of Carol Channing. It's an OK Broadway NF book, but it is definitely not the best I've read.
February 22, 2019
What an unreadable mess this memoir is. Zero-stars, don't even bother. I had hoped to read interesting stories about the late star's great career; instead it was mostly name-dropping half-stories with no points, filled with her praising herself and memories of the great insults she has received. All of it completely unorganized and bouncing from half-story to half-story, getting lost as she tries to describe her life and incredibly famous friends.
It's shocking that it was even published. The book sounds like she recorded rambling thoughts on tape, then it was transcribed and published without any editing. She praises herself on most pages, subtly slams those that criticize her on others, goes on and on about shows none of us care about, and the only truly interesting thing gets little depth: that her grandmother was part black, so this very blonde tall bombshell is actually part African-American.
Don't waste a moment on this. It's boring, sad, and diminishes her great legacy.
It's shocking that it was even published. The book sounds like she recorded rambling thoughts on tape, then it was transcribed and published without any editing. She praises herself on most pages, subtly slams those that criticize her on others, goes on and on about shows none of us care about, and the only truly interesting thing gets little depth: that her grandmother was part black, so this very blonde tall bombshell is actually part African-American.
Don't waste a moment on this. It's boring, sad, and diminishes her great legacy.
February 22, 2023
A brilliant life inadequately told.
Was delighted to find this in my local thrift shop. I'm a big fan of her cabaret act. Snippets that can be found on YouTube. I cried with laughter. Her patter honed hard as diamond over the years. However I found her wittering and breathless tone in her memoir frustrating. Why go through the front door of the house when you can go on a bildungsroman around it? She might be lucky but jesus christ get thee to an editor Lady. Disappointing.
Was delighted to find this in my local thrift shop. I'm a big fan of her cabaret act. Snippets that can be found on YouTube. I cried with laughter. Her patter honed hard as diamond over the years. However I found her wittering and breathless tone in her memoir frustrating. Why go through the front door of the house when you can go on a bildungsroman around it? She might be lucky but jesus christ get thee to an editor Lady. Disappointing.
August 16, 2024
This is a charming, funny and interesting memoir. Carol Channing was intelligent and observant, making her anecdotes particularly enjoyable. My only issue with the book, was that it wasn't written in a clear, chronological order. I know memoirs will refer back to the past, but Carol chose to write according to persons, places, shows and movies. So it jumps around in time. Other than that, a delightful read. 😀
February 2, 2020
Synopsis:
The Story of her life in show business.
What was good about it:
The book was delightfully light and a joy to read. It didn’t feel too show offy and you can clearly feel that the woman is a total nut bag.
What didn’t I enjoy about it:
It was a bit rambling.
The Story of her life in show business.
What was good about it:
The book was delightfully light and a joy to read. It didn’t feel too show offy and you can clearly feel that the woman is a total nut bag.
What didn’t I enjoy about it:
It was a bit rambling.
September 1, 2017
This entertainer was truly on the inside of the beginning of the big Broadway days. Very interesting read, if you are at all interested in the genre.
January 18, 2019
I love Carol Channing but didn't love her memoir. I did appreciate the crazy flow and stories though. They made me feel like I got to know her. RIP Carol.
October 14, 2022
I read this right when it came out, about 20 years ago. I was definitely a Carol Channing fan, having seen her on stage in Hello, Dolly! a few times, as well as in Jerry's Girls and a one-woman show she did at an off-Broadway space in Greenwich Village. Not to mention, on TV and in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
This memoir feels like her: Off-the-wall, funny, sometimes over-the-top, often strangely guarded. In other words, what you get in this book is an autobiography that perfectly matches her persona; whether there was another person buried beneath that, well, that's something we can only guess at. It's an entertaining read but not--as I strain to recall anything concrete about it--a particularly memorable one.
This memoir feels like her: Off-the-wall, funny, sometimes over-the-top, often strangely guarded. In other words, what you get in this book is an autobiography that perfectly matches her persona; whether there was another person buried beneath that, well, that's something we can only guess at. It's an entertaining read but not--as I strain to recall anything concrete about it--a particularly memorable one.
December 20, 2020
I am a huge fan of Carol and in fact saw her onstage three times: once in her night club act at the Fairmont Hotel in Atlanta in the early ‘70’s, (and I still have the paste diamond rings she passed out to the audience members during “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,”) and again in the late ‘80’s at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta in the tour of “Jerry’s Girls.” And I finally had a dream come true when I got to see her play Dolly Gallagher Levi on her final tour in the late ‘90’s, also in Atlanta and also at the Fox Theatre. This “memoir of sorts” is somewhat disorganized, just as you know Carol would be, so as much as I enjoyed it, I had to knock off one star due to a bit of difficulty to follow. But I still miss her every day and she left us with a lasting impression of a show-stopping star whose book helped me remember these amazing performances. I loved spending the last few weeks with Carol each night before bedtime! Carol, I know that brightest star I see in heaven each night is you taking one more curtain call! You are a true legend that I will never forget, and in fact your recording of the cast album of “Hello, Dolly!” was one of the first that began my extensive collection, and led me to a life enjoying and participating in musical theatre, including playing Cornelius Hackl once in “Hello, Dolly!” and Horace Vandergelder twice in “The Matchmaker”!
February 21, 2009
The reason I love this book is because it honestly feels like a conversation with Carol Channing, with all the sidetracked and incomplete stories, bizarre turns of phrase, and genial mania which defines her persona. This does not feel ghost-written by any stretch of the imagination, and as a result it becomes a hilarious, wacky, oddly-touching look at a cultural icon.
September 17, 2009
What a wild ride. I think a ghost writer would have helped her stay more focused. The book was a hodge podge of information, as she bounced around from topic to topic, flying back and forth through time. But in the end, the book was probably as wacky as she is, after all, she is Carol Channing, what else would we expect?
May 24, 2025
At times, the book became unintelligible. Carol's mind truly worked in a wonderfully mysterious, maladroit manner. A genuine, raw record of a life fully lived and deeply felt. A gift to a fan who has wished he were there.
January 22, 2012
So wonderfully cute! Amazing life and great stories. I saw her live on stage in 2006 - she was brilliant! Her book reminds me of her energy.
August 2, 2011
Disjointed and hard to read, but the stories are priceless. Her voice shines through, not sure if that is good or bad
July 17, 2012
Definitely one of my favorite books. A must read for all fans.
April 2, 2015
This book is all over the place--just like Carol Channing. Reading it is like sitting and chatting with her. Some of the info is not exactly accurate, but I'm sure it's how she remembers things.
August 27, 2016
I was really interested in only some parts of this book.. Other parts were a little iffy for me.. We learned a lot about Carol's relationships with other stars, but not a lot about her personally.
November 17, 2016
GENIUS.
April 5, 2022
DNF. This book is a mess. She’ll start one story, name drop someone else, and give you the ending to another story — all in the same sentence.
I tried.
I tried.
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