One Helluva Life: An Autobiography

by Maureen Stapleton and Jane Scovell

An intimate and exceedingly direct autobiography tells the behind-the-scenes story of Maureen Stapleton, the legendary star of theater and film, who has won the Tony, the Oscar, and the Emmy,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684810921
• ISBN13: 9780684810928
• Release Date: September 1995
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 285 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Great Bio

One of the most enjoyable actor/theatre autobiographies I've read. I'm sort of a movie star bio-freak, and this one had me laughing out loud. I enjoyed every moment. Her recollections of Colleen Dewhurst were unique. What a great broad they both were. Love it.

She's great and she tells it like it is/was!

This is not always a comfortable read - especially when Ms. Stapleton tells about her childrens' response to her alcoholism. But she tells it like it is - and she never spares herself. Maureen Stapleton has indeed had a hell of a life, and a pretty great career, too. Her comments about acting are refreshingly down-to-earth, and she is not the least bit self-aggrandizing. Most celebrities make themselves out to be holier than thou in their autobiographies, but not our Maureen. She does fib a bit, actually: at one point she claims that she hasn't touched a drop of hard liqour in 30 years, then she admits to sipping vodka at the funeral of Colleen Dewhurst (1991). If you like honest-to-goodness characters, you'll love this book!

A Helluva Book!!

The book is an effortless read. I'm not sure if I can compare it to reading; it feels as if you're having a conversation with her. The reader will come away wanting more!! I found it nearly impossible to put the book down. I've always admired her performance; they're truly masterful. The effortless style she displays on stage & screen comes shining through in the pages of her book! It is a truly honest and unforgiving look at her life. I loved this book!! She is a treasure! PS - I grew-up one block away from her childhood home.