Eric Z. > Recent Status Updates

I’m halfway through and regretting I didn’t read any of Segaloff’s books before this. Love his style and natural ability to tell a tale.

I feared a 500+ page biography wouldn’t keep my interest, but I can’t put it down. Sellers recounts tale after tale of Ollie‘s antics—with friends, on the set, or on his own. His friendship and shenanigans with The Who’s Keith Moon are next-level. I’m at the point where there’s not long to go for Reed or this book. I want to keep reading, but I don’t want it to end.

Great read so far, learning about Ollie’s childhood up to his first bit parts in film. Also learning new British slang, such as scrumping (petty theft of produce, often apples), teddy boys (fashion-focused, rock-and-roll loving UK youth of the ‘50s), and knocking shop (a, um, brothel).

Just started the section where Gorilla starts his on-air partnership with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, and already I’m smiling.

A solid read, and Solomon’s research is impeccable, but I’m itching to get to the Monsoon era of the ‘80s and beyond.

After a mention by the author, I watched this 60 Minutes piece on Sue Mengers from 1975 to get a better feel for her personality and voice: https://youtu.be/yImVvMovTVw

Loving this book. Sonnenfeld is such a great storyteller.

98

I’m on page 123 in the chapter where the author covers The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Coincidence? Yeah, probably…