“Reading Murray’s memoir reveals why he is so beloved: what shaped him, what influenced him, and what made him such a smart, hilarious, and much-needed presence. What a thrill for those of us who love him so to have this beautiful, honest, brave, and important book, and what a treat for those who will come to know both the legend and the person.” – Sarah Jessica Parker
“This is one Hill I’d die on.” – Amy Sedaris, New York Times bestselling author of I Like You
"We all know Murray Hill is Mr. Showbiz, but this book shows so much more. His vulnerability, his kindness, his truth. Plus a lot of showbiz, too!” – Jeff Hiller, nationally bestselling author of Actress of a Certain Age
"Laugh-out-loud ridiculous, sweet and wholesome, and heartbreakingly poignant.” – Library Journal, starred review
“A rip-roaring story of Liza-esque unsinkability from a Don Rickles–esque entertainer.” – Kirkus Reviews
“In his gritty, forthright debut, drag king Hill looks back on his tumultuous early life with humility and good humor… An effortlessly charming self-portrait.” – Publishers Weekly
“An inspiring must-read account/memoir from the Mayor of Misfits, Murray Hill. Murray’s signature warmth, heart, and humor are on every page of this book. I did not want to put it down. Bracingly honest and brutally funny, this is an essential read for anyone longing to feel seen.” – Bridget Everett, actor and voice of an angel
“At once a moving tale of survival, an invaluable history of nightlife, and eloquent proof that a chosen family can save a person’s life.” – Ada Calhoun, New York Times bestselling author of Why We Can’t Sleep
"Murray Hill is a fixture of New York cabaret-comedy nightlife scene and starred on one of the funniest and tenderest shows in recent memory, Somebody Somewhere. If you’re a sucker for an unconventional career path story told with the charm of a showman, this one’s for you." – LitHub
“One of the best living comedians just wrote the book of the year.” – Kathleen Hanna, New York Times bestselling author of Rebel Girl
“This man is a genius. This man is SHOWBIZ himself!” – Margaret Cho, comedian
“For readers of Jeff Hiller’s Actress of a Certain Age, Showbiz! is a funny, candid coming-of-middle-age tale that will delight Hill’s many fans.” – BookPage
"This fantastic story of stumbling self-awareness combines heart, wit, and humor in generous portions.” – Bay Area Reporter
Description
In his powerful debut memoir, beloved comedian Murray Hill (Somebody Somewhere) opens up for the first time about how his painful past led to his unwavering commitment to spread joy—one rimshot at a time
Murray Hill, the trailblazing comic and self-proclaimed “hardest working middle-aged man in show business,” has been delighting audiences around the world with his signature blend of campy humor and subversive showmanship for three decades. Much like Fred Rococo, his character on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere, Murray radiates relentless positivity and an indomitable spirit as entertaining as it is inspiring.
Behind the one-liners lies a deeper truth. Growing up in a conservative New England household where abuse ran rampant, Murray found refuge in showbiz memoirs and watching old-school comedians on The Tonight Show. These tales of survival, in the face of maltreatment and discrimination, offered him hope and the possibility of reinvention through the world of entertainment.
After leaving home, Murray began the slow process of finding and defining his identity as a newly emancipated adult and queer, boundary-pushing artist. It wasn’t always easy. Murray drank to escape his past, and masked his depression with alcohol. His drinking spiraled into a mental health crisis that nearly cost him his life. But with loving support from his chosen family and community, Murray found not only his people but himself.
Warm, fearless, and laugh-out-loud funny, Showbiz! Murray Hill’s story of survival, reinvention, and finding joy against the odds. Because when life hands you trauma, you turn it into a tight five. Showbiz!
