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Greg Giraldo: A Comedian's Story
Greg Giraldo was one of the most admired standup comedians of the 21st Century. This book tells his story, from his boyhood in Queens to his Ivy League education, to his decision to drop a law career to pursue standup comedy. The authors have researched his life and interviewed more than 60 people who knew Greg well – family, friends, standups, managers, and more – to produce a full picture of the brilliant yet complex figure who left the stage way too soon.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2019
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86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 14, 2025
Greg was one of the most interesting human beings and was beloved by everyone around him, yet suffered from crippling self doubt that led to addiction and an early death.
Really glad this book was written to document Greg's story. Some of the most brilliant joke writing I've ever seen.
Really glad this book was written to document Greg's story. Some of the most brilliant joke writing I've ever seen.
November 26, 2020
I remember comedian Greg Giraldo for his frequent appearances on roasts. His humor was witty, cutting, and well-delivered. He was easily the strongest comedian on the panel of the roasts he participated in.
Overall, I enjoyed this book about Greg's personal life and career. I was intrigued to learn that he excelled in school and eventually earned degrees from Ivy League schools before he practiced law at a top-rated law firm in NYC for almost a year. Then, he traded his high-paying legal career for a chance to make it as a stand-up comic. According to this book, that risky move paid off handsomely in the sense that he eventually found his voice on stage and his new career in comedy took-off. Then "life happened" and his new career seemed to take a dark turn. He struggled through a few failed marriages, lots of insecurities as a comic (despite being well-respected by many others in the industry), and he eventually lost his battle with additions to alcohol and drugs. Such a tragic ending to a talented, hard-working, and promising life.
In many respects, Greg's life reminded me of the late, great Robin Williams in the sense that both comics had impressive formal educations (Robin studied at Juilliard in NYC), both struggled with drugs/alcohol and failed marriages, and both were extremely talented and hard working. But the biggest difference I see between these two is that Greg's career never quite reached the big time. Perhaps Greg's failure to make it in the big time led to his insecurities, depression, and his ultimate demise.
I was a fan of Greg before reading this book. Afterwards, I can honestly say that I have great admiration for his talent, compassion towards other comics, and his strong work ethic. I just wish this book had a happier ending. Rest in Peace, Greg!
Overall, I enjoyed this book about Greg's personal life and career. I was intrigued to learn that he excelled in school and eventually earned degrees from Ivy League schools before he practiced law at a top-rated law firm in NYC for almost a year. Then, he traded his high-paying legal career for a chance to make it as a stand-up comic. According to this book, that risky move paid off handsomely in the sense that he eventually found his voice on stage and his new career in comedy took-off. Then "life happened" and his new career seemed to take a dark turn. He struggled through a few failed marriages, lots of insecurities as a comic (despite being well-respected by many others in the industry), and he eventually lost his battle with additions to alcohol and drugs. Such a tragic ending to a talented, hard-working, and promising life.
In many respects, Greg's life reminded me of the late, great Robin Williams in the sense that both comics had impressive formal educations (Robin studied at Juilliard in NYC), both struggled with drugs/alcohol and failed marriages, and both were extremely talented and hard working. But the biggest difference I see between these two is that Greg's career never quite reached the big time. Perhaps Greg's failure to make it in the big time led to his insecurities, depression, and his ultimate demise.
I was a fan of Greg before reading this book. Afterwards, I can honestly say that I have great admiration for his talent, compassion towards other comics, and his strong work ethic. I just wish this book had a happier ending. Rest in Peace, Greg!
July 12, 2021
Another in a series of not great biographies I read for free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. The other was about John Candy.
Greg Giraldo remains a mystery even after this book. So smart, talented and driven and yet ended up in the same place as Belushi, Hedberg and so many others.
A good read to be reminded of Greg's great work on the roasts and to perhaps encourage one to check out Tough Crowd. RIP
Greg Giraldo remains a mystery even after this book. So smart, talented and driven and yet ended up in the same place as Belushi, Hedberg and so many others.
A good read to be reminded of Greg's great work on the roasts and to perhaps encourage one to check out Tough Crowd. RIP
June 28, 2019
I always liked Greg Giraldo so I really liked the inside look this book gave me. Held back a star due to it reading at times (first half mostly) like a PBS Special on the “life and times”... surface level “this happened and then this happened” kinda vibe... but it became more enjoyable when I started reading the perspective of his comic peers.
August 29, 2021
Well written, its fun to read such types of books it really lets me know the life of somebody who are really see as mentor. Never seen him live but I have seen content by him and great artist, sad that he is dead.
February 3, 2023
A book that makes you happy and sad
This is a reminder of what we lost when Greg Geraldo died. I read this book in a few hours, which is rare for me. I recommend it to fans of Greg Geraldo and fans of standup. Well worth your time.
This is a reminder of what we lost when Greg Geraldo died. I read this book in a few hours, which is rare for me. I recommend it to fans of Greg Geraldo and fans of standup. Well worth your time.
April 7, 2019
Read it in one sitting. By compiling interviews from Greg's family and friends, Balaker and Jones produce a very funny and very honest portrait of a man who was more than just an insult comic.
December 7, 2020
Its ok, hes an amazing comedian, so tragic how addiction ruined his life
January 14, 2021
on Audible
July 11, 2021
well done!
really enjoyed the details of his life “ pre roasts”.
i thought the writing was on point. enjoyed it. but still sad.
really enjoyed the details of his life “ pre roasts”.
i thought the writing was on point. enjoyed it. but still sad.
April 11, 2019
I finished reading this book in one sitting last night. The book captures Greg warts and all. His kindness, love of family, his unique perspective on life, his humor, his friendship, compassion and of course his struggles. I laughed and I cried.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews