A long winding trip to nowhere. While there are some valid and interesting insights into Rodney’s life, and his one-liners always made me laugh, this books does a poor job of being a biography of Rodney Dangerfield. After every show or movie that Rodney was in the author sees fit to do multiple pages of just reviews from various newspapers which did not add anything to the story but in fact made it a slog to read. The author seems to have conducted some interviews for this book but also heavily relied on already printed material which could be found elsewhere including Rodney’s own memoir. The most interesting parts were the beginning and end of Rodney’s life and that was mostly because they were without much of The printed material that could be found and without the author inserting his own commentary on a situation. An author riffing on a riff is just odd.Skip this or pray there is an editor who steps in and says let’s not just copy review paragraphs before this is released.

NOTHIN’ COMES EASY is an entertaining, poignant look at one of America’s most recognized comedians of late last century. Michael Seth Starr gives lots of respect to the guy who could get no respect during a lifetime of trying, Rodney Dangerfield, born Jacob Cohen.

As a genre, the book is a “celebrity biography” with lots of notice given to personal reminiscences of friends and coworkers, reviews published of his performances over the years, and large chunks of his most famous lines. The book captures Rodney’s rough and tumble path through to the stardom he achieved, in movies, nightclubs and standup performances, everywhere, in fact, he could make an inroad.

He was a complicated person, a comedic genius and a tortured soul, a good friend and a difficult collaborator. Starr captures the complexity of the man, his prolific output, his driven work ethic and the intertwined entertainment industry of the time. I read the book straight through, with enjoyment.

With thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Finally - Rodney Dangerfield gets biographical respect!

Nothin' Comes Easy by Michael Seth Starr is an apt title for the first, believe it or not, first-ever biography about comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield.

Rodney Dangerfield, born Jacob Cohen, had a tough life. His father was absent, and his mother was distant, to put it mildly. Rodney was originally a failed comic who went by "Jack Roy."

Jacob Cohen had little luck and even took on a decade-long civilian job to pay the bills. Still, through perseverance and excellent joke writing, he eventually became a successful comedian in his mid-40s. All he needed was a schtick, and the "Rodney Dangerfield" persona was hilarious and relatable, as most people feel they don't get any respect.

Starr's prose is fantastic, and I can visualize Rodney's tics and delivery while reading the book. While Nothin' Comes Easy is just 220 pages before endnotes and quotes, I can assure potential readers that the biography is comprehensive and well-researched.

This was a 4-star book for me, not a 5-star because I didn't learn much about the person behind Rodney Dangerfield. However, it appears his circle consisted of only fellow comedians, and his lone pastime outside of comedy seemed to be smoking copious amounts of marijuana. It's no fault of Starr, who personally interviewed many of Rodney's comic friends.

The book was still a satisfying read.

I enjoyed Dangerfield's comedic work but didn't actively seek him out. The book would be 5-star for anyone who is even a mild fan.

I would recommend the book to anyone interested in comedy history.

I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Let me just get this out of the way, I enjoyed the heck out of Nothin’ Comes Easy: The Life of Rodney Dangerfield by Michael Seth Starr. I don’t know what got into me, but in the last year and half or so I have read 4 or 5 comedian biographies. And honestly I have loved them all. I always amazed that the lives of these people who have made me (and countless others) smile and laugh have often lived some hard lives. I’m amazed that often times these geniuses have taken the pain in their lives and turned it into comedy gold. And that is definitely the case with Jack Roy (aka Dangerfield). The story of Dangerfield is absolutely fascinating, from his rough childhood, loaded with family issues, to this giving up on comedy and going into the siding business, to once again embracing his his love….his need to perform comedy. Equal parts depressing and inspiring, Nothin’ Comes Easy has only made me appreciate Dangerfield all the more. He was always fond of saying he gets no respect, but sure as heck deserves it! Definitely recommend this one. I’d like to thank Kensington Publishing | Citadel and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Nothin’ Comes Easy.

This book was excellent with lots of facts and information about one of the greatest comedians and also an actor in my lifetime. From the beginning learning about his family history and his humble upbringing and the man who had 2 previous names before he was known as Rodney Dangerfield.
It was interesting to read about how he got to be such a success with much detail about his early career to when he finally made it as a star, You can almost feel him telling his jokes and adjusting his red tie. I highly recommend this book to all.

I got this book from Netgalley, so I can read and review it before it’s published. Now, I knew of his comedy and his characters from CaddyShack and Back to School, but I knew of nothing else. I was really interested to learn more.

I didn’t know his father and uncle were vaudeville performers. I mean, makes sense!

He worked really hard to become who he is, but he also had a short 10-year hiatus when he got married till his divorce (ages 30 to 40) when he focused his priorities on being a normal family man (note, he sold aluminum siding). They did get remarried for a few years, and then divorced again. At age 40, he became even more popular as a comic and that’s when he opened his own comedy store.

The book is filled with a lot of his one-liner jokes and stories as told by him and other people. TV appearances and movies, as well as things he wrote, are also discussed. He is open about his drug usage (mostly marijuana) and his family.

He was friendly with Sam Kinison, Bob Saget, and Robert Klein, just to name a few.

He seemed like a likable guy who was always available to help the younger comics. And, he always paid fellow comics who would write jokes for him.

Overall, I enjoyed this book.

I love Rodney Dangerfield and had to read this book. Ive read some of Starr’s other books(the biography of Rickles comes to mind) so I knew what to expect - a serviceable biography written in serviceable prose. I knew a lot of what Starr reports but it still was interesting to have all of Dangerfield’s life come together in one place. This is not a great biography but I suspect it will be the only one about him so read it , particularly if you are a fan of Rodney.

An Advanced Review Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

Introduction
"Nothin' Comes Easy: The Life of Rodney Dangerfield" by Michael Seth Starr is a thorough biography that takes readers through the life and career of one of America's most beloved comedians, Rodney Dangerfield. Known for his catchphrase "I get no respect," Dangerfield's journey from obscurity to comedy stardom is one marked by persistence, personal struggles, and an enduring connection with audiences. Michael Seth Starr, a seasoned biographer with a knack for capturing the essence of his subjects, provides an intimate, detailed look into Dangerfield's life, offering insights into his comedy, relationships, and the personal challenges he faced.

Summary
Early Life and Struggles: The book begins with Rodney Dangerfield's humble beginnings as Jacob Cohen in Depression-era New York. Starr details his early forays into comedy, which were initially unsuccessful, leading Dangerfield to abandon comedy for a time to focus on a more conventional life, including selling aluminum siding. This section illustrates the theme of the book's title, highlighting the immense struggle Dangerfield faced to achieve recognition.

Rise to Fame: Starr narrates how Dangerfield made his comeback in the 1960s and 1970s, adopting his stage name and persona that would make him famous. His appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and later on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" catapulted him to fame. The biography explores his comedic style, which was heavily based on self-deprecation and the concept of not receiving respect, resonating deeply with audiences.

Personal Life and Challenges: The book does not shy away from Dangerfield's personal life, including his marriages, particularly his relationship with his second wife, Joyce Indig, and the complexities of raising his children. It also covers his battles with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, showing how these struggles influenced his comedy and his personal life.

Legacy and Later Years: Starr discusses Dangerfield's later career, including his successful forays into film with movies like "Caddyshack" and "Back to School." The narrative captures his efforts to promote new talent through his own comedy club and his ongoing battle with health issues, leading up to his death in 2004. The biography concludes with reflections on his lasting impact on comedy and how he mentored figures like Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Carrey.

Conclusion
Michael Seth Starr's "Nothin' Comes Easy" is an engaging and heartfelt biography that does justice to Rodney Dangerfield's legacy. It provides a balanced view of his life, celebrating his comedic genius while not glossing over his personal battles. The book is both a tribute and a critical analysis, showing the man behind the laughter, his resilience, and his dedication to his craft. For fans of Dangerfield or those interested in the history of American stand-up comedy, this book is an essential read that humanizes a comedy icon.

Detailed Ratings Breakdown
Content Quality (5/5): The biography is rich in detail, with well-sourced anecdotes and personal insights that paint a vivid picture of Dangerfield's life. Starr's research is meticulous, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of both the public figure and the private man.
Narrative Style (4/5): Starr's writing is engaging, though at times, the shift between the humor of Dangerfield's professional life and his personal struggles might disrupt the flow for some readers. However, his storytelling keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Research and Accuracy (5/5): The author's background in journalism shines through in the thoroughness of his research, including interviews with family, friends, and contemporaries of Dangerfield, ensuring a factual and nuanced portrayal.
Impact and Insight (5/5): This book goes beyond mere biography to provide insights into the nature of comedy, the psyche of a comedian, and the cultural landscape of American humor in the 20th century. It's particularly insightful in showing how personal hardship can fuel artistic expression.
Readability (4/5): While the content is compelling, some might find the depth of personal details dense. However, for those interested in the subject, it's a smooth and informative read.
Overall Enjoyment (5/5): A recommended read for comedy enthusiasts, providing both enjoyment through the recounting of Dangerfield's humor and a poignant look at the man behind the laughs.