Publishers Weekly
Cooper begins his spirited memoir by discussing his early Italian family life in Brooklyn and his debut on the Fox Amateur Hour radio show, where his impressions won him first prize. He left school and worked as a brick layer and longshoreman before being drafted into the Army, and was the "man of the house" in his early 20s when his parents divorced and his father was mostly absent. Without much encouragement, Cooper never stopped performing, whether on the corner or at neighborhood events, and finally got his big break, at 32, on The Jackie Gleason Show. The Atlantic City and the Vegas of the Rat Pack era followed, with Cooper gaining notoriety as an "angry comic"; his routines were full of harsh wit that often cut close to home. Calling broadcasting the truth his version of therapy, Cooper cemented his status with regular appearances on The Howard Stern Show in the late ‘80s. But beneath the loud and relentless shtick was the darker side typical of many funny men, and he discusses strained relationships with his children, including a daughter who once called in to Stern's radio show to attack him. Still going strong at 81, Cooper believes "...in getting things out of my system", so the warts-and-all approach to his autobiography will come as no surprise to fans. (Nov.)
Pat Cooper--How Dare You Say How Dare Me!: An Autobiography of a Life in Comedy
by Rich HerschlagView All Available Formats & Editions
Few comics today can say they have worked with the likes of George Burns, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett--but Pat Cooper can. Brash, irreverent, and undeniably hilarious, his views have always been honest, unyielding, and colored by his "comedic anger," In this very frank memoir, Pat relates story after story of his life as a top entertainer, including the good, the… See more details below
Overview
Few comics today can say they have worked with the likes of George Burns, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett--but Pat Cooper can. Brash, irreverent, and undeniably hilarious, his views have always been honest, unyielding, and colored by his "comedic anger," In this very frank memoir, Pat relates story after story of his life as a top entertainer, including the good, the bad, and the side-splitting! Like his sold-out live shows, How Dare You Say How Dare Me! will leave you roaring.
Editorial Reviews
Lionel (syndicated radio and TV host)
“Without a doubt one of the funniest, most entertaining and elegantly crafted books I’ve ever read.”
BookPleasures.com Dr. Wesley Britton
"A book chockfull of laughs and the reasons comics use sadness to create their routines. You don’t have to love—or hate—or even know who Pat Cooper is to enjoy this insightful look into popular entertainment. Readers interested in comics of the old-school, nightclub shows, performing on both small and large stages, films like Analyze This, will find this one a page-turner. If you have aspirations of being a performer yourself, here’s an essential textbook. And if you still don’t know who Pat Cooper is—here’s your ticket."
Buffalo News Editor's Choice - Jeff Simon
"Pat Cooper’s sensitivity and insightfulness shine out from behind his ostensibly brash and offensive style in this memoir of six decades and more in show business. . . . Just as with the great Lenny Bruce, Pat Cooper’s presentation may initially strike one as acerbic and overly in your face, but Cooper has strength and vision that go far beyond his rapid-fire answers . . . His memoir reads a bit like a Who’s Who of Show Business since the mid-20th century: Tony Martin, George Burns, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Anthony Quinn and Robert De Niro being but some of those with whom he worked. The great Jerry Lewis, in his brief foreword to this raconteur’s dream of an autobiography, sums up Cooper’s talent in the following words: 'He has this fantastic capacity to challenge the art form [of comedy], and has done so with an exquisite approach to the human condition.' What makes this memoir stand out, though, is its raw honesty. Cooper never minces his words and sure ain’t no patsy, although, on occasion, his kindness and generosity have been taken advantage of. For those who aren’t shy of reading a gut-wrenching biography that pulls none of its punches, try How Dare You Say How Dare Me!. Believe me, you won’t be sorry." --Lois Henderson, BookPleasures.com
ComposingCat.com
"[Cooper's] account of life and show business is humorous, sad, and enlightening. Like many greats before him, he builds his routine around real life trials and tribulations but with an honesty that makes you laugh out loud because you know it's all too real to be fake. His stubbornness and pull-no-punches approach to life and his routine allows his talent to transcend decades . . . [Cooper] doesn't hold anything back good or bad . . . It's a refreshing turn on an autobiography . . . You get lost in the pages and feel like you're right there in the '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s, and even the '80s as he takes on the comedy world . . . this book is a great read. If you're looking for a story about determination and not letting what others tell you stand in your way, pick up this book."
TheExaminer.com
"[F]illed with great show business stories and anecdotes from the comedian's life and about the people he's worked with over the years from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald. . . . Dignity is important to Pat Cooper and that's what his comedy and passion are all about."
Library Journal
This octogenarian rogue comedian (born Pasquale Caputo) shoots from the hip in a candid autobiography and shares his lifetime of ups and downs in the comedy business. From his early days in Brooklyn to his comedic development in the Catskills to becoming a major audience draw in Las Vegas, his no-holds-barred honesty has been his signature as a popular performer. Proud of his Italian heritage, the foundation of much of his stand-up routine since day one, Cooper isn't shy about letting anyone know just how difficult it was growing up with less than supportive parents and siblings. He has endured a plethora of fiascos, both personally and professionally, and he isn't afraid to share them with readers as lessons learned. He also here gives his opinions of numerous celebrities; those he admired and those he learned to loathe. Cooper fought for one important issue his entire life, that popular entertainers should always treat their opening acts (comedians in particular) with respect and dignity. VERDICT An enjoyable read that deserves a special place on any entertainment biography bookshelf.—Richard A. Dickey, Washington, DCProduct Details
- ISBN-13:
- 9780757003639
- Publisher:
- Square One Publishers
- Publication date:
- 11/01/2010
- Pages:
- 288
- Sales rank:
- 1,361,633
- Product dimensions:
- 6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.30(d)
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