Crying With Laughter: My Life Story

(Paperback)

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Description

Bob Monkhouse recounts his life and 40 years of stardom in show business, during which time he has known both triumph and tragedy. His first son was born disabled with cerebral palsy; his first marriage fell apart painfully; and he was arrested in 1978 for conspiracy to defraud, which led to a two-year struggle with the law that took him to the dock of the Old Bailey. But with these low points came the high: his first successful TV series in 1953; starring in the first "Carry On" film; topping the ratings with hit TV series; and fondly-remembered love affairs, before he married his long-time secretary, Jackie. Monkhouse's career has brought him into touch with many major stars of the entertainment world, and his anecdotes in the book incorporate personalities such as Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Bob Hope, Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore, Tommy Cooper and the Princess Royal.

Reviews

An entertaining and abrasive canter through his up-and-down life - Witty, moving, candid - and very well written * The Sun *
It makes a refreshing change to read some real revelations from the life of a true, old-fashioned star * Daily Mirror *
Riveting - packed with cracking true stories -- Gary Bushell * The Sun *
Winning - genuinely funny * The Sun *

Author Bio

Bob Monkhouse was one of Britain's most enduring comedians and TV presenters, with a career spanning more than half a century. He started his broadcasting career on radio in 1949, and worked as a stand-up comedian, but hit the big time as a gag writer with his partner, Denis Goodwin. They wrote jokes for the likes of Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Much of Monkhouse's later fame stemmed from game shows, hosting TV programmes such as The Golden Shot, Celebrity Squares and Family Fortunes. He was awarded the OBE in 1993, and in 1995 he won a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards. He died after losing his battle with cancer in December 2003.