Book Description About the Author Tommy Davidson’s three decades of success as a performer in TV, film, and as one of the most popular standup comedians and cable comedy special performers, has earned him a huge and devoted worldwide following. From being discovered at the Apollo Theater’s amateur night to starring in the original cast of In Living Color and appearing in films including Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls with Jim Carrey, and Spike Lee’s Bamboozled, he is also known to a generation raised on the animated characters he has voiced, such as Oscar Proud of the Disney animated series The Proud Family. Today, he performs all over the country doing sold out solo shows as well as being a frequent guest on national and local morning TV and radio programs, and has performed numerous times for the troops all over the world including in Afghanistan and Iraq. Tom Teicholz is an award-winning journalist, contributor to Forbes.com, and cohost of The Buried Lede podcast. Read more Customers Review: I must say the Breakfast Club interview is what brought me here, and I’m glad it did. I am an early 80s baby, it was great to read a more descriptive details about the those experiences that I was able to witness in my earlier years. Great read…
Living in Color by Tommy Davidson with Tom Teicholz is honest and candid without being sordid or mean-spirited. There are some revealing details and a few behind the scenes tidbits that will probably result in some bruised egos but nothing likely to cause any great scandal.Jamie Foxx “Talented, no doubt. …lacking as a human being”. Jim Carrey “My brother of another color”. Keenan Ivory Wayans “had a cold, mean side” and “liked to sow conflict”.Comedian Tommy Davidson came to prominence in the late ’80s and early ’90s when the popularity of stand-up comedy was experiencing an all time high. He was a member of a ground breaking television show that was at the forefront of hip hop culture breaking through to the mainstream. The fact that Davidson was a young black man raised in a loving white family made him uniquely qualified to be a representative part of it all.I’m not really a major fan of Tommy Davidson. I’m not the opposite of that either – I have nothing at all against the man. I think he is very talented. It’s just that seeing his name attached to something (movie, concert, TV show) doesn’t immediately make it a “must see” for me. I picked up this book because I remember In Living Color as having a subversive, irreverent sensibility and thought it might be a fun read. It wasn’t bad.There is the linear stuff. His origins from a baby that had literally been put out with the garbage to his rise as a stand-up (sharing the stage with Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy on the same night!) on into television and film success with all the bumps and setbacks along the way.Then there are also random reminiscences about this, that and the other. Legendary people he met, people he worked with, struggles with addiction, anecdotes and whatnot. Some of it works – it’s interesting and entertaining. There are other parts that fall more into the category of “Huh? Wha…?”. Sections of the book seem like a combination self-help motivational speech and character reference. The “grateful for everything” ” glad my life is finally in order” stuff gets a little overplayed. I am truly happy for the man but it gets to the point where it’s a bit like trying to escape from a recently converted missionary who is overcome with wanting you to share in their revelation.The book was interesting. I liked it ok.I suspect some will find it too tame (not gossipy enough) while others will take issue with some of the more racial content (racial NOT racist). If you want to be offended you probably will be. If you want to be disappointed you might be. If you’re looking for an interesting story about a truly unique individual and the experiences he had making television shows and movies then this could be the one for you.There is rough language. Racial jargon, homophobic slurs, F-bombs, etc. (Honestly, if Richard Pryor told you “You’z a funny %#&*!?% ” wouldn’t you share it? I’d get a tattoo of it!)***Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and authors Tommy Davidson; Tom Teicholz for providing me with a free digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review
Great history behind Tommy!!! WOW!! I highly recommend this Book!! So much I did not know about him, and his family. He is so awesome and inspiring, I really enjoyed reading about him, and I fully cracked up when reading this Book but also cried about his family history, and cheered him on.
My order came damaged. I need to return and then getting another. I wanted this item for a keepsake to my library. Please send another.
A quick read in a day that offered great insight into one of the funniest comics I enjoyed seeing when he was on the hit show In Living Color. His truth about some of the people he experienced in his journey was insightful.
Tommy Davidson was one of my favorite comedians on In Living Color. His book took me back down memory lane and I found myself on YouTube watching some of his old skits and comedy specials.
Some great stories of his on In Living Color days. He doesn’t hold back on his real life either.
A great actor and Comedian A good read |
30 reviews