Darrell Hammond

Darrell Hammond has lived a rough life. I mean, it seems normal enough on the surface, even for an SNL comedian (see also Phil Hartman, John Belushi, Chris Farley), but there is an underlying darkness that has followed him causing very serious problems for him. That's what this book is about.

There were several moments while reading about Hammond's life that made me tear up. Some were during his darkest moments of addiction and depression so deep it led to suicidal tendencies, while others were while he was talking about the deaths of his parents (I lost my mother earlier this year, and it's still fresh). But man, his mother... wow.

This one has been sitting in my Goodreads recommendations since I joined the site, I think because Wired and The Chris Farley Show were both on my Read list, so if you're interested in memoirs of well-known figures from film and television, especially those under the "SNL curse" (again; Hartman, Belushi, Farley), add this one to your list. It's enlightening.… (mehr)

A cringe worthy read. Not in the sense that it's poorly written, but that his experiences make you physically cringe while reading. I was left questioning whether or not our entertainment industry is built on the backs of really troubled people. Hammond's journey to fame though has to be more traumatic than most I'm sure, but he also offhandedly mentions (without naming names) the fact that he brushed shoulder with some big names at the various rehab clinics he checked/was checked into over the years.

I enjoyed the very casual storytelling style that made it feel less like a dry autobiography and more like a one man show with the actor on stage bearing his heart to you. As someone that grew up in a loving household, it's hard for me to even begin to fathom how horrible it would be to grow up with a mother that despises you and a father that never steps in to stop the abuse.

I would recommend this read to any SNL fan that wants more than just behind the scenes tidbits.… (mehr)