Up Front . . .: His Strictly Confidential Autobiography

by Victor Spinetti

Described by Sir Paul McCartney as "the man who makes clouds disappear," Victor Spinetti became known to the 1960s generation through his comedic roles in the landmark Beatles films and the classic Return of the Pink Panther , starring Peter Sellers. His remarkable wit and versatility have earned him fresh popularity with every generation since. A veteran stage actor, writer, and director, Spinetti gives us an irresistible account of his own life, from his Welsh-Italian upbringing to his role as one of the few trusted friends of the Beatles through to his recent portrayal of Einstein on stage in London. Spinetti’s charismatic personality and his fabulous ability to entertain combine to make this a book of exquisite charm, joy, and irreverence.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Vittorio Giorgio Andre "Victor" Spinetti was a Welsh actor, author, poet, and raconteur. He appeared in dozens of films and stage plays throughout his 50-year career, including the three 1960s Beatles films A Hard Day's Night, Help!, and Magical Mystery Tour.

Born in Cwm, Spinetti was educated at Monmouth School and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff, of which he became a Fellow. After various menial jobs, Spinetti pursued a stage career and was closely associated with Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop. Among the productions were Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be and Oh, What a Lovely War! (1963), which transferred to Broadway and for which he won a Tony Award. Spinetti's film career developed simultaneously; his dozens of film appearances included Zeffirelli's The Taming of the Shrew, Under Milk Wood, The Return of the Pink Panther and Under the Cherry Moon.

During his later career, Spinetti acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company, in such roles as Lord Foppington in The Relapse and the Archbishop in Richard III, at Stratford-upon-Avon; and, in 1990, he appeared in The Krays. In 2008 he appeared in a one-man show, A Very Private Diary, which toured the UK as A Very Private Diary ... Revisited!, recounting his life story. Spinetti was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 and died of the disease in June 2012.

Reviews

[Ann Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, the stories are rude in places but never less than interesting, what a splendid story teller he was

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the first part of this biography, based in the valleys was much more vivid and interesting than the later parts. The later parts seemed more fragmented and patchy - may be representative of the comment that he always felt himself to be a 'jobbing actor' long after he had clearly established himself in his profession.