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Growing Up Laughing: My Story and the Story of Funny
Growing Up My Story and the Story of Funny is a book that only Marlo Thomas could write--a smart and gracious, witty and confident autobiographical journey.
For as long as Marlo Thomas can remember, she's lived with laughter. Born to comedy royalty--TV and nightclub star Danny Thomas--she grew up among legendary funny men, carved much of her career in comedy and, to this day, surrounds herself with people who love and live to make others laugh. In this long-awaited memoir, Thomas takes us on a funny and heartwarming adventure, from her Beverly Hills childhood, to her groundbreaking creation of That Girl and Free to Be . . . You and Me , to her rise as one of America's most beloved actress-comediennes, to her marriage to talk-show king Phil Donahue.
Her youth was star-studded--Milton Berle performed magic tricks (badly) at her backyard birthday parties. George Burns, Bob Hope, Sid Caesar, Bob Newhart and other great comics passed countless hours gathered around her family's dinner table. And behind it all was the rich laughter nurtured by a close and loving family.
Growing Up Laughing is not just the story of an iconic entertainer, but also the story of comedy. In a voice that is curious, generous and often gleeful, Thomas not only opens the doors on the funny in her own life, but also explores the comic roots of today's most celebrated comedians, in personal interviews Alan Alda, Joy Behar, Stephen Colbert, Billy Crystal, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno, George Lopez, Elaine May, Conan O'Brien, Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Ben and Jerry Stiller, Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams and Steven Wright.
For as long as Marlo Thomas can remember, she's lived with laughter. Born to comedy royalty--TV and nightclub star Danny Thomas--she grew up among legendary funny men, carved much of her career in comedy and, to this day, surrounds herself with people who love and live to make others laugh. In this long-awaited memoir, Thomas takes us on a funny and heartwarming adventure, from her Beverly Hills childhood, to her groundbreaking creation of That Girl and Free to Be . . . You and Me , to her rise as one of America's most beloved actress-comediennes, to her marriage to talk-show king Phil Donahue.
Her youth was star-studded--Milton Berle performed magic tricks (badly) at her backyard birthday parties. George Burns, Bob Hope, Sid Caesar, Bob Newhart and other great comics passed countless hours gathered around her family's dinner table. And behind it all was the rich laughter nurtured by a close and loving family.
Growing Up Laughing is not just the story of an iconic entertainer, but also the story of comedy. In a voice that is curious, generous and often gleeful, Thomas not only opens the doors on the funny in her own life, but also explores the comic roots of today's most celebrated comedians, in personal interviews Alan Alda, Joy Behar, Stephen Colbert, Billy Crystal, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno, George Lopez, Elaine May, Conan O'Brien, Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Ben and Jerry Stiller, Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams and Steven Wright.
382 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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1223 people want to read
About the author
Marlo Thomas
17 books40 followersMargaret Julia "Marlo" Thomas is an American actress, producer, author, and social activist best known for starring on the sitcom That Girl (1966–1971) and her award-winning children's franchise Free to Be... You and Me.
Thomas serves as National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was founded by her father Danny Thomas in 1962.
Thomas serves as National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was founded by her father Danny Thomas in 1962.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
December 9, 2021
Nowadays, most people know Marlo Thomas as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude’s Hospital where children with cancer can go and stay and receive treatment without paying a cent. St. Jude’s was founded by her her father, comedian Danny Thomas and she and her two siblings, Tony and Terre took over the cause upon his passing. Or, some may remember her as Rachel Green’s mother on the show Friends.
But for some of us, myself included, we know Marlo Thomas as Ann Marie from the 1960’s show That Girl, a show she created by the way, when women were only known as actresses, not a behind the scenes anybody! The storyline was about an independent woman, living alone, looking for stardom in New York City. Ann Marie, along with boyfriend Don Hollinger and her father Lew Marie each week would find themselves in comedic messes they would have dodge. The show was so popular back then that Ann Marie’s hairstyle, make-up and clothes would have their own twitter account today!
In Growing Up Laughing, her memoir of sorts, she tells funny stories of growing up as Danny Thomas’ daughter, having dinner on Friday nights surrounded at the table by her dad’s “friends”, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, and George Burns.
She also chronicles her father’s rise to fame as well as how her mother put her own dreams on the backburner in order to raise their family and travel with Danny when he was on the road with his stand-up act.
Growing up in Beverly Hills in a house full of laughter, even when being scolded was blissful. Although her father travelled quite a bit, as did her mother to keep him company, there were nightly calls, and anticipation when they knew he was coming home. So when Thomas decided she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, he was not too pleased. He felt as a woman and as his daughter too much would be expected of her. But, in pure Marlo Thomas fashion, and future That Girl, she decided to listen to her inner voice. And when she came off the stage after starring in Mike Nichol’s Barefoot in the Park in London, the first person she saw was her dad, with a huge bouquet of flowers and an enormous smile on his face!
She chronicles how she met and married her husband, Phil Donahue, although she never thought she would get married. One story relates her conversation with Gloria Steinem the only other single woman in their group when she realizes she wants to marry Phil. She also tells the story of finding out her father has died suddenly and trying to get back to California to be with her family.
If reading about her was not enough, scattered throughout the book are interviews she did with upcoming comedians at the time. Remember, the book was written in 2010, which means Thomas could certainly see talent. Some of the interviewees were Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, Kathy Griffin as well as some of her dad’s old buddies such as Don Rickles.
Throughout the book there are terrific, funny, interesting pictures not only of her father and his friends, but family as well.
Some memoirs seem to dwell on the person’s unhappy upbringing, or how they were able to remove themselves from terrible situations. Growing Up Laughing is not one of those. It was quite refreshing to read an autobiography in which the story is so full of family, love and of course, laughter!
But for some of us, myself included, we know Marlo Thomas as Ann Marie from the 1960’s show That Girl, a show she created by the way, when women were only known as actresses, not a behind the scenes anybody! The storyline was about an independent woman, living alone, looking for stardom in New York City. Ann Marie, along with boyfriend Don Hollinger and her father Lew Marie each week would find themselves in comedic messes they would have dodge. The show was so popular back then that Ann Marie’s hairstyle, make-up and clothes would have their own twitter account today!
In Growing Up Laughing, her memoir of sorts, she tells funny stories of growing up as Danny Thomas’ daughter, having dinner on Friday nights surrounded at the table by her dad’s “friends”, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, and George Burns.
She also chronicles her father’s rise to fame as well as how her mother put her own dreams on the backburner in order to raise their family and travel with Danny when he was on the road with his stand-up act.
Growing up in Beverly Hills in a house full of laughter, even when being scolded was blissful. Although her father travelled quite a bit, as did her mother to keep him company, there were nightly calls, and anticipation when they knew he was coming home. So when Thomas decided she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, he was not too pleased. He felt as a woman and as his daughter too much would be expected of her. But, in pure Marlo Thomas fashion, and future That Girl, she decided to listen to her inner voice. And when she came off the stage after starring in Mike Nichol’s Barefoot in the Park in London, the first person she saw was her dad, with a huge bouquet of flowers and an enormous smile on his face!
She chronicles how she met and married her husband, Phil Donahue, although she never thought she would get married. One story relates her conversation with Gloria Steinem the only other single woman in their group when she realizes she wants to marry Phil. She also tells the story of finding out her father has died suddenly and trying to get back to California to be with her family.
If reading about her was not enough, scattered throughout the book are interviews she did with upcoming comedians at the time. Remember, the book was written in 2010, which means Thomas could certainly see talent. Some of the interviewees were Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, Kathy Griffin as well as some of her dad’s old buddies such as Don Rickles.
Throughout the book there are terrific, funny, interesting pictures not only of her father and his friends, but family as well.
Some memoirs seem to dwell on the person’s unhappy upbringing, or how they were able to remove themselves from terrible situations. Growing Up Laughing is not one of those. It was quite refreshing to read an autobiography in which the story is so full of family, love and of course, laughter!
December 4, 2017
This book is part biography, part a history of humor, and completely enjoyable. I was a fan of Marlo Thomas on "That Girl" so I looked forward to learning more about her, but I didn't realize how much I would also be learning about so many other comedians and what they think is funny. I would have loved to had dinner at her family's house.
March 21, 2011
I simply loved this book. I watched "Make Room For Daddy" and then "That Girl" while growing up. "That Girl" & Mary Tyler Moore were idols to little girls with big dreams that didn't necessarily include the traditional family life. It's SO NICE to read a book about a celeb from the celeb's kid that portrays a wonderful, loving relationship. I know this book was written by his daughter, but it does sound like Danny is someone I would have liked in real life. This book brought many smiles to my face. Highly recommend.
February 11, 2015
This book could have been so much better with a little editoral advice. An author has to catch the reader's attention and then hold it; but this book's lack of structure disrupts any kind of flow. There is no chronology, even though it's nominally about Ms Thomas' life. I found it frustrating to just get interested in a passage or interview, turn the page--wham! into a totally different subject, time frame, or whatever. I enjoyed it at first, but by the end it had become difficult to stick with it.
If she wanted to write about "how childhood environment creates grownup comics", well and good. But again lack of structure lets her down. She could very well have started with the story of her own life, then moved to other comics in a separate section. But here again, the interviews are patchy, poorly conducted, and in a couple of cases, made me wonder if she'd actually spoken to them in person at all.
I remember watching That Girl as a child, though I was surprised to discover on IMDB that it ran for five seasons. I remember it along with Mary Tyler Moore as a rather irritating (even as a child) sitcom of the type where you knew exactly what was going to happen about 5 minutes into the episode, and where women used those wonderful TV phrases that no one ever used in real life: "Oh, I wouldn't want to impose!" when joining someone else's party, "Let me look at you!" when meeting a friend after an absence, or "Oh, c'mon, who's gonna know?" if they decided to do anything the slightest bit edgy.
What I get from the book is something I observed in the TV show, even as a kid--a desire to please, the message, "Look at me! Look at me! I'm special, I'm quirky, I'm wonderful!" Ms Thomas still seems hungry for approval--from her readers, the comics she interviews, even still her parents.
If she wanted to write about "how childhood environment creates grownup comics", well and good. But again lack of structure lets her down. She could very well have started with the story of her own life, then moved to other comics in a separate section. But here again, the interviews are patchy, poorly conducted, and in a couple of cases, made me wonder if she'd actually spoken to them in person at all.
I remember watching That Girl as a child, though I was surprised to discover on IMDB that it ran for five seasons. I remember it along with Mary Tyler Moore as a rather irritating (even as a child) sitcom of the type where you knew exactly what was going to happen about 5 minutes into the episode, and where women used those wonderful TV phrases that no one ever used in real life: "Oh, I wouldn't want to impose!" when joining someone else's party, "Let me look at you!" when meeting a friend after an absence, or "Oh, c'mon, who's gonna know?" if they decided to do anything the slightest bit edgy.
What I get from the book is something I observed in the TV show, even as a kid--a desire to please, the message, "Look at me! Look at me! I'm special, I'm quirky, I'm wonderful!" Ms Thomas still seems hungry for approval--from her readers, the comics she interviews, even still her parents.
June 14, 2013
Although I was a bit disappointed, after reading the book to its conclusion, I have revised my review. This autobiography was humorous, but not as humorous as I’d hoped for. I found the first half of the book slow-going, but half-way through, the author caught my attention with her touching account of life with -and without- Danny. Marlo Thomas provides a minimal but touching glimpse into what her family life was like growing up as the daughter of the famous comedian, Danny Thomas, constantly surrounded by some of this country's greatest comedians. Despite his fame, wealth,and time away from home, Danny Thomas and his wife nurtured and cherished their family and raised their children to become grounded, caring adults. The flow of her memories is interrupted at times by the insertion of several amateurish Q & A mini-interviews with modern day comedians who offered no insight into the dynamics of Marlo’s family. I did enjoy some of the better written (not Q & A formats) submissions by several other comedians as they reflected on humor in their own families.
July 31, 2011
When I saw that the ebook version of "Growing Up Laughing: My Story and the Story of Funny" by Marlo Thomas was available at the library I immediately downloaded it and started reading. Marlo's famous father was Danny Thomas, so even at an early age she was around lots of comedians. In this book Marlo explores her comic roots, shares memories, and includes interviews which she had with some of today's popular comedians. This enjoyable book was a fast read that contained some interesting stories. The book also contained some very funny lol jokes.
June 4, 2011
This book was fantastic! I didn't want it to end. Marlo Thomas interviewed all the comics of the day to see what, in their opinion made them become comics. And she talks about her life living with her father, Danny Thomas, and being around all the great comics of his day, in their living room. It made me want to be "her" growing up, living in Beverly Hills, and knowing all those famous, funny people!
December 31, 2010
A predictable and disappointing memoir by Marlo Thomas,mostly about her father,entertainer Danny Thomas but quite superficial.I usually avoid celebrity biographies and this confirms that choice.
December 8, 2024
I enjoyed the story of Marlo's life, but I found the chapters on other comedians she knew (there were a lot of them) distracting.
December 16, 2010
I bought this book on a whim because I was a fan of That Girl and Phil's show. It was better than I expected. Marlo talks about growing up in luxury in Beverly Hills, but not in a bragging kind of way. You hear a lot of people who grew up poor say they didn't know they were poor when they were kids because everyone they knew was in the same boat. Marlo has the same attitude about growing up in a wealthy suburb. She didn't know any other way of life. She also talks about what it was like having her father gone a lot. In fact, both parents traveled because her mother often traveled with him. You get a good feel for what it must have been like for the parents. It sounds as though her parents had a stable marriage and many of their comedian friends did, too.
Marlo tells the straight story about her neighbors and isn't afraid to use their names, which is refreshing. She said that Louella Parsons was such a witch all year that she and her friends were afraid to trick or treat at Louella's house, Robert Young handed out glossy 8x10 autographed pictures but no candy (they soaped his windows),and Edsward G. Robinson would sit at home with all the lights off and wouldn't answer the door (they soaped his windows, too). I always heard he was such a gentleman in real life.
Besides writing about her own life and what it was like to grow up with a famous father, she interviewed several comedians and wrote about their childhoods and why they went into comedy. She also includes great jokes and funny stories. Some nights I laughed so hard I almost woke Marvin up.
I would love to write her and ask her not to have any more plastic surgery. From her picture on the cover you can see that she is on the verge of overdoing it. She is soon going to look like Mary Tyler Moore, Priscilla Presley, and a lot of other formerly beautiful women who have had too much plastic surgery. Instead of continuing to look young and beautiful they look like bad caricatures of themselves.
Marlo tells the straight story about her neighbors and isn't afraid to use their names, which is refreshing. She said that Louella Parsons was such a witch all year that she and her friends were afraid to trick or treat at Louella's house, Robert Young handed out glossy 8x10 autographed pictures but no candy (they soaped his windows),and Edsward G. Robinson would sit at home with all the lights off and wouldn't answer the door (they soaped his windows, too). I always heard he was such a gentleman in real life.
Besides writing about her own life and what it was like to grow up with a famous father, she interviewed several comedians and wrote about their childhoods and why they went into comedy. She also includes great jokes and funny stories. Some nights I laughed so hard I almost woke Marvin up.
I would love to write her and ask her not to have any more plastic surgery. From her picture on the cover you can see that she is on the verge of overdoing it. She is soon going to look like Mary Tyler Moore, Priscilla Presley, and a lot of other formerly beautiful women who have had too much plastic surgery. Instead of continuing to look young and beautiful they look like bad caricatures of themselves.
May 9, 2011
I absolutely loved this book! It is a wonderful combination of autobiography, a view of the comedic talent of her father, Danny Thomas & the others of his generation (Syd Caesar, George Burns, etc) and interviews with current comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Griffin, Steve Colbert, Jon Stewart. Interspersed with the interviews and the story of her life. Marlo gives us some of the funniest one-liners and stories of these amazing talented funny men and women!
In addition to laughing myself silly, I was also moved and touched by Marlo's relationship with her famous father, his reluctance for her to enter the acting world, and his ultimate support of her decision. Also, we are given a glimpse into the founding of MS Magazine, the women's movement of the 1970's and her classic record "Free to be You and Me" which I bought for my children when they were little. I can still sing the lyrics to many of the songs such as "It's alright to cry, crying brings the sad out of you, it's alright to cry, it might make you feel better" and "Ladies first, Ladies first, and so she was and mighty tasty too!!" Marlo liberated both boys and girls with her album as well as parents in her classic "Parents are people- people with children!"
I give this book 5 stars! I borrowed it from the library but am going to buy my own copy!
In addition to laughing myself silly, I was also moved and touched by Marlo's relationship with her famous father, his reluctance for her to enter the acting world, and his ultimate support of her decision. Also, we are given a glimpse into the founding of MS Magazine, the women's movement of the 1970's and her classic record "Free to be You and Me" which I bought for my children when they were little. I can still sing the lyrics to many of the songs such as "It's alright to cry, crying brings the sad out of you, it's alright to cry, it might make you feel better" and "Ladies first, Ladies first, and so she was and mighty tasty too!!" Marlo liberated both boys and girls with her album as well as parents in her classic "Parents are people- people with children!"
I give this book 5 stars! I borrowed it from the library but am going to buy my own copy!
October 25, 2012
Nature vs. Nurture. What is the secret behind the talent of the incredibly funny people that, with a single word or look, can render us uncontrollable with laughter, grasping our sides in near-pain as we roll in the aisles? They render us powerless with their words and lighten our worlds for just a brief moment in time, allowing us to forget - or even find the humorous in - the trials and pains of life. Are their skills inherited from funny parents? Are they adaptive responses to a difficult childhood? Comedy queen Marlo Thomas seeks to answer that question by probing her own childhood as the daughter of comedian Danny Thomas and by asking the same question of other famous funny people of today. Her interviews with the oh-so-talented greats of comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Ben Stiller and Lily Tomlin reveal a variety of answers that show how very different the road to funny is…but what an interesting journey along the way! The stories range from tragic to sweet but all share a common theme: being funny is the one thing that these men and women were born to and shaped for. And how grateful we, their enraptured audiences, are that they have developed the talents they have. Though some of the jokes included are a bit on the crude side, I found the book an enlightening and entertaining read that certainly lives up to my high expectations for That Girl!
September 15, 2012
As summer turns to fall, find a moment to read this book. By turns it is wickedly funny, charming, AND heartbreaking. But for me, it was a warm fuzzy. Here is a strong, independent, vocal woman who keeps her identity within a strong marriage, has strong family ties and gives back to the community AND the world. Oh, if there were more role models and mentors like Marlo Thomas. I never missed an episode of "That Girl" when I was a kid because I SO identified with her. I knew there was MORE out there than marriage and being humbled by a MAN on a daily basis.
In this book, she identifies herself as a human filled with light and love and compassion. She is guided by her own internal compass not someone else's idea of what direction she should be going. And she keeps it all afloat in a sea of laughter and love and good friends and family. I admire her. Very much so. Marlo is one of those people I would invite to a dinner where I could invite anyone at all. How wonderful wonderful she is.
In this book, she identifies herself as a human filled with light and love and compassion. She is guided by her own internal compass not someone else's idea of what direction she should be going. And she keeps it all afloat in a sea of laughter and love and good friends and family. I admire her. Very much so. Marlo is one of those people I would invite to a dinner where I could invite anyone at all. How wonderful wonderful she is.
September 8, 2013
If you are looking for a traditionally written biography, then this is not the book for you. I read all 379 pages of it, and still do not know very much about Marlo Thomas. How can this be, you ask -- doesn't the title include the words "My Story"? The style of the book is that Marlo sprinkles a little of herself between other chapters which are based on interviews that she has done with various comedians -- Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Alan Alda, etc. She wants to know how they became funny, what they think is funny, did they grow up funny -- YAWN!! If I wanted to know about those people, I would read their biographies. One thing definitely comes out though -- she absolutely loved her father, the famous Danny Thomas. Bottom-line -- the book was a disappointment for me, but I suppose if I had researched the content better before embarking on it, I would have skipped it all together, because it did not meet my personal criteria for this genre.
July 21, 2015
This would have gotten five stars if the author had told more about herself. Marlo Thomas reveals a lot about her father, her mother and her growing up lives with a whole slew of comedy geniuses as her "uncles" around the house, she doesn't share as much of herself like how tough it was to get "That Girl" made and her current life. If you're a fan of Danny Thomas you'll delight and tear up at the poignant vignettes sprinkled throughout the book. I also wasn't as happy with one of her chapters and then a chapter from a comedy star. It wore thin especially when I didn't really care about some of the people she showcased. When she talks about her father's passing and his legacy, you'll reach once again for the tissues.
I wanted more of her, she needed to "Make Room For More Marlo" in this book.
I wanted more of her, she needed to "Make Room For More Marlo" in this book.
October 10, 2013
A little disappointing. The writing is a little bland, and not hilarious, considering it's about growing up surrounded by funny people. Still, if you LOVED "That Girl" and grew up with all of these comedians, it's a sweet and light reminiscence piece that you can dip into from time to time if you don't feel like reading it all the way through.
To be fair, I loved the parts about the old days, especially about the "the boys," Sid Caesar, George Burns, Milton Berle, Carl Reiner, and all, and how they had to start their own country club (Hillcrest) because none of the others in Beverly Hills allowed Jews. Danny Thomas was a Lebanese Catholic, and his buddies found a way to make him an honorary member so he could hang out with them, too.
"I don't mind making a non-Jew an honorary member," Groucho said, "but couldn't we at least pick a guy who doesn't look Jewish?" (p.16)
To be fair, I loved the parts about the old days, especially about the "the boys," Sid Caesar, George Burns, Milton Berle, Carl Reiner, and all, and how they had to start their own country club (Hillcrest) because none of the others in Beverly Hills allowed Jews. Danny Thomas was a Lebanese Catholic, and his buddies found a way to make him an honorary member so he could hang out with them, too.
"I don't mind making a non-Jew an honorary member," Groucho said, "but couldn't we at least pick a guy who doesn't look Jewish?" (p.16)
October 15, 2010
I checked this out of my library after hearing Marlo do an interview to promote it earlier this month. Marlo's childhood, growing up as one of the daughters of Danny Thomas was quite extraordinary, and it was a pleasure to read about her wonderful memories and appreciation for her special childhood. I also enjoyed reading the interviews with so many of the comedy legends who were part of her childhood because of their close relationships with her dad and because of her own career. Like Carol Burnett's book, it was great to have a bit of an inside look into some very special lives. It was also lovely to read about her continuing hands-on efforts in support of St. Jude, the phenomenal institution founded by Danny Thomas.
December 13, 2010
I was apprehensive about the way this book was laid out. The chapters alternate between Marlo Thomas' tales of growing up with her comedian father and the stories of other comedians like Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Kathy Griffin and Joan Rivers. However, not only did the format work, it prevented the book from being just another memoir about growing up in old Hollywood with a famous parent. What really impressed me was how each person articulated the importance being funny held in their lives. The jokes in between sections are classics that still made me laugh out loud and I loved the stories about the great, old comedians including Danny Thomas, Joey Bishop, George Burns, and Milton Berle
January 4, 2011
What an uplifting memoir! A typical memoir is one of the hard childhood or the rough rough road from drug abuse to sobriety but Marlo Thomas has delivered a memoir that is uplifting, accepting the life she was born into and celebrating the awesome friendships and relationships she was awarded simply for being born to Danny Thomas.
The book is truly a memoir and not a biography of her father; while Danny Thomas was clearly influential in her life, the book includes interviews with Ms. Thomas' contemporaries and a multitude of photographs of various events in her life.
Growing Up Laughing was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who is familiar with any of the funny people mentioned, interviewed or discussed in this book!
The book is truly a memoir and not a biography of her father; while Danny Thomas was clearly influential in her life, the book includes interviews with Ms. Thomas' contemporaries and a multitude of photographs of various events in her life.
Growing Up Laughing was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who is familiar with any of the funny people mentioned, interviewed or discussed in this book!
September 8, 2012
I remember as a child watching Make Room for Daddy with my family and loving the show. I really don't remember it except for Danny Thomas chomping on his cigar and yelling at Uncle Toonus. Perhaps I loved the show so much because I identified with Angela Cartwright, because my Dad too traveled a lot. Staying up late and watching comics and hearing my Dad laugh are happy memories, so of course I picked up the book. After all, who didn't want to be "That Girl" growing up?
I really enjoyed the book, but I have to admit the parts I liked the best were the ones where Marlo told about her family. Mentioned in the text near the end was a book that her father wrote titled, Make Room for Danny. Those who are left wanting more might want to pick up a copy.
I really enjoyed the book, but I have to admit the parts I liked the best were the ones where Marlo told about her family. Mentioned in the text near the end was a book that her father wrote titled, Make Room for Danny. Those who are left wanting more might want to pick up a copy.
October 6, 2010
Marlo Thomas is an actress, author, feminist, and director of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. I have always been an admirer of Thomas and am even more so after reading her memoir. Thomas is an excellent writer and has done a terrific job weaving together personal anecdotes and interviews with comedians to capture the essence of laughter and comedy in only a way that Thomas can. Afterall, Thomas is the daugther of the late great comedian, Danny Thomas, from whom her passion for comedy arose. This memoir is sure to bring laughter your way (and possibly a few tears) and is highly recommended to fans of Marlo Thomas and of comedy.
November 4, 2010
I was excited to read this book because I remember loving "That Girl" and "Make Room For Daddy" and all the old comedians of that long ago era. It was an interesting read, although I found myself hoping the Marlo Thomas would "get real", which, sadly, she never did. I really wasn't looking for dirt, I'm just tired of people painting their lives with a brush of perfection. I do realize that she did not want to trash her family, and I appreciate that. The book was interesting and thoughtful with interviews with many current comedians and stories of growing up in a showbiz family surrounded by so many funny people. Enjoyable.
January 5, 2011
A charming little book. Marlo Thomas combines a memoir of growing up in Beverly Hills as the daughter of funny man Danny Thomas and surrounded by the giants of comedy like George Burns, Sid Caesar, Bob Hope, Milton Berle and Bob Newhart. She also includes stories of her own acting and writing career and marriage to Phil Donahue. In addition, there are interviews that Marlo had with the leaders of contemporary comedy--Chris Rock, John Stewart, Jay Leno, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, etc. to uncover who were their heroes of comedy growing up, when they discovered that they were funny, and how each approaches entertaining.
February 9, 2011
I enjoyed this book. It was light and lovely. I found, like with Child Star, that as a memoir it meanders and sometimes what makes sense to Ms. Thomas make me have to flip back pages to figure out what she was talking about. I liked some of the comedian/enne interviews, but not all. I don't know that I loved Ms. Thomas' interviewing style. I did enjoy the jokes smattered throughout and I loved reading the love that she had for her father and the respect that she had for him and the comics of his time. I think I would have rather spent more time reading about those years than some of the interviews with more recent comics. Glad to have read it though.
May 19, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. It has a bit of everything - fascinating glimpses into the life of her father and his career, her growing-up years, her life as an actress, and some good interviews with well-known comedians. She even throws in some actual jokes - and most made me laugh out loud. This book had me both laughing and crying. I felt that I was right along with her as she described some of her life events. Although there were poignant moments, the funny ones far outnumbered those, and I loved the way I felt when I finished reading it. This - for me - is one of those books that you don't want to end.
September 3, 2012
I was given this book by a friend while I was on a trip. I was tempted to, you know, conveniently leave it in the rental car or airport. But when I finished the book I had brought for the trip, I was happy I had this to read. Oh my goodness, I'm so glad I didn't "lose" it. Part of the book is a memoir about her life growing up as Danny Thomas's daughter and telling the reader how she tried and succeeded in breaking into show business. But to me, the far more fascinating part of the book were the interviews she did with many other comedians. It was really an expected pure pleasure to read this book. I would highly recommend it.
October 4, 2010
Loved this book or at least most parts of it I loved. Reading about Marlo Thomas's life growing up in a loving family was great. There where always famous people over to the house etc. Later her life and marrying Phil Donahue. Loved reading about all this and St Jude. She has always been a favorite of mine since "That Girl". (starting in 1966 how can that be!)
She has lots of interviews with other comedians which I really didn't care to read. Most (not all) where people I don't like to begin with. Other wise I am glad to have read this book.
She has lots of interviews with other comedians which I really didn't care to read. Most (not all) where people I don't like to begin with. Other wise I am glad to have read this book.
October 19, 2010
I enjoyed this memoir of Marlo Thomas's life growing up as the daughter of Danny Thomas. I remember watching Make Room for Daddy with him, and later That Girl was one of my favorite shows when I was around 11 and 12 years old. I couldn't wait to live on my own in NYC, which I actually did for nine years. Marlo interjects the experiences of contemporary comedians among her childhood memories, and it is evident that those who make us laugh belong to a very tight knit community and have overcome various challenges to achieve success. One of the better memoirs that I have recently read.
January 24, 2011
Marlo Thomas was a childhood shero to this little feminist. It was fun to read about her family growing up; most of this memoir focuses on her famous father and all the comedians she knew growing up. Anyone hoping for a thorough autobiography will be disappointed, but I really enjoyed the funny stories and the insider view of Hollywood in the "Golden Age." Frequently interspersed are interviews Marlo did with comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Whoopi Goldberg. Some of these are good, some not so interesting. Anyway, be forewarned, an entertaining but disjointed book.
April 26, 2011
As I read further into this book I began to really enjoy it. As the daughter of Danny Thomas, the comedian, the author was able to meed many of the greats in show business....some of the greatest comedians in history. She would write a chapter on her life and then throw in an interview with a famous comedian or anecdotal brief stories about those that are no longer living. Some corny jokes were also added although imagining the delivery by a performer like Jack Benny, George Burns, et al made the corniness laughable.
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