Murray Hill, the comedian, author, and drag king, has published a new memoir titled 'Showbiz!: My Life as a Middle-Aged Man' through Gallery Books. The book traces his journey from a difficult New England childhood to a career in New York and Boston cabaret shows and roles on TV series including Somebody, Somewhere, Life & Beth, and Elsbeth. In Vogue's Required Reading series, Hill selected 13 books that have inspired his memoir and helped him through the ups and downs of Hollywood life.
The list includes memoirs by musicians and performers. Kathleen Hanna's 'Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk' is described by Hill as the work of a punk-rock icon and close friend, highlighting the messy realities behind being a revolutionary. Tina Turner's 'I, Tina' (co-written with Kurt Loder) is cited for its account of survival and reclaiming one's life. Etta James's 'Rage to Survive' (with David Ritz) resonated with Hill for its portrayal of struggle behind the spotlight.
Hill also includes books by fellow comedians and entertainers. Jeff Hiller's 'Actress of a Certain Age' is praised as proof that there is no expiration date on making it. Viola Davis's 'Finding Me' is noted for its raw honesty about trauma and invisibility. Sammy Davis Jr.'s 'Yes I Can' impressed Hill with the entertainer's ability to overcome racism and rejection. Hill also recommends any books by David Sedaris, citing his ability to find absurdity in everyday life.
Other selections focus on comedy and show business. 'Becoming Richard Pryor' by Scott Saul is included because Pryor turned pain and taboo subjects into truthful comedy. Steve Martin's 'Born Standing Up' captures the loneliness and stubbornness required for a comedy career. Tina Fey's 'Bossypants' is praised for its honesty about ambition and insecurity. Marc Shaiman's 'Never Mind the Happy' is described as the story of a kid who wanted to put on a show. Kliph Nesteroff's 'The Comedians' is called a history book filled with outsiders and oddballs.
The list concludes with Hannah Gadsby's 'Ten Steps to Nanette,' which Hill says challenged the idea that comedians must always make their suffering entertaining, and Leslie Jones's 'Leslie F*cking Jones,' celebrated for Jones's refusal to change herself to fit into show business.
Sources: Vogue.