Shirley, I Jest!
A Storied Life
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Cindy Williams, half of the comedic duo of Laverne & Shirley, has had a wild and lively career in show business. This book is an engaging and heartfelt journey from Williams’s blue collar roots to unexpected stardom—from being pranked by Jim Morrison while waiting tables at Whisky a Go Go to starring in one of the most iconic shows on television. With wit and candor, Cindy tells stories of her struggles as a child growing up with meager means and dreaming of becoming an actress. She also shares many misadventures and amusing anecdotes about some of the most famous actors in Hollywood. Never taking herself too seriously, Cindy finds humor and irony in the challenging world of show business.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this delightfully amusing memoir, Williams, best known for her role as Shirley in the 1970s sitcom Laverne and Shirley, takes readers on a lightning-quick tour of her life and career. She walks readers through her childhood: she was born in 1947 in Van Nuys, Calif., then moved to Dallas where she was raised by her mother, who was a waitress at a high-end restaurant, and her alcoholic father. When she was a teen, her family moved back to California, and at age 21 she begins waitressing at Whiskey-a-Go-Go and then at an IHOP. Soon she meets director Garry Marshall, who directed Happy Days and, later, Laverne and Shirley. Williams recounts her various acting experiences, such working on American Graffiti with George Lucas, but also discusses the lean times before her big break when she nearly quite acting. She provides endearing stories featuring such celebrities as Johnny Carson, Cary Grant, and Bob Dylan, her music idol. Williams presents herself as genuine, witty, and down to earth, and her personality comes across on every page. Unfortunately, this brief and breezy book stops shortly after the end of the sitcom.
Customer Reviews
Good Memories!
I wouldn't call "Shirley, I Jest!" a page turner; but, it is a fun look into Cindy Williams life. There's a lot of name dropping, which leaves the reader to wonder if Cindy ever really saw "herself" as a star.
As a fan of "Laverne & Shirley"; however, I enjoyed the stories and remembrances of a great show and talented cast!
Fun fun fun!!!
Like many people I fell in love with Cindy when I first saw her on Laverne & Shirley which to this day remains my 2nd favorite comedy, after I ❤️ Lucy.
After she left the show, I was always looking out for her future projects & always wondered what she was up to. Now thanks to social media it’s easier. I’ve read the book more than once & I hope she writes a sequel because I’m sure she has a lot more to share of her amazing life. It’s a fun read and you feel you’re on the journey with Shirley Feeney herself, as they have a lot in common.
If you’re a fan of hers and/or the show, you won’t be disappointed. It’s witty, smart & full of heart. Much like Cindy herself.