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.