Ghetto Klown

(Hardback)

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"Ghetto Klown is autobiographical dynamite-this is Leguizamo at his scathing, honest, moving, comedic best. Among the finest portraits of an artist as a young wounded talented man as I've read." -Junot Daz "My main Johnny Legs has done it again. Ghetto Klown as a graphic novel DOPENESS." -Spike LeeIn Ghetto Klown, celebrated performer John Leguizamo lays bare his early years in blue-collar Queens, his salvation through acting and writing, and his colorful career trajectory. He brings us onto the sets of his films opposite stars such as Al Pacino and Patrick Swayze and with directors such as Baz Luhrmann and Brian De Palma, while also opening up about his offstage life in love and marriage. In this candid graphic novel memoir, Leguizamo offers a strong message of moving beyond self-doubt-and beyond the doubters-to claim some happiness. Originally staged on Broadway in 2011, Ghetto Klown won Leguizamo Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards before being adapted into an HBO special. Now, teaming up with artists Christa Cassano and Shamus Beyale, Leguizamo shares his life story in this vibrant, funny, and moving adaptation.

Reviews

Ghetto Klown is autobiographical dynamitethis is Leguizamo at his scathing, honest, moving, comedic best. Among the finest portraits of an artist as a young wounded talented man as Ive read. * Junot Daz *
My main Johnny Legs has done it again. Ghetto Klown as a graphic novel DOPENESS. * Spike Lee *
Johns writing is a cross between hip-hop and Eugene ONeill. His scathing and unforgiving look at his own life takes no prisoners and, best of all, sets himselfand usfree. * Baz Luhrmann *
Johns writing has always been cutting-edge. His relationships with women, father and son stories, autobiography . . . He is a pioneer in theater and comedy, not just for Latin people, but as much as any comic or playwright Ive ever seen or read. No one makes me laugh louder than this man. We are better because of him. * Sophia Vergara *
The graphic novel of Ghetto Klown captures the infectious spirit of John Leguizamos live performances with the same surprising humor and cultural insight. These pages make John seem like the coolest super hero in New York. * Jesse Eisenberg *
A touching and sometimes hilarious graphic novel. * Parade online *
Though Leguizamo has matured, this insightful and engaging memoir still offers plenty of youthful edginess. * Booklist *

Author Bio

John Leguizamos 30-year career in show business has included turns in movies such as Chef, Ride Along, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and Carlitos Way and onstage in five award-winning one-man shows.

Christa Cassano is a Brooklyn-based artist and member of Hang Dai Studios in Gowanus.

Shamus Beyale grew up in the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and is a Brooklyn-based cartoonist and illustrator.