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Unabridged Audiobook: 7 CDs (8 hours)
Read by the author
He’s starred on stage and screen. He’s hosted the Oscars nine times. He’s played with the Yankees. And he can’t seem to remember where he left his keys. In the Grammy-nominated audio version of his autobiography, Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys?, comic Billy Crystal reflects on his first 65 years while looking ahead to his so-called Golden Years.
Crystal’s story is moving and funny, surprisingly candid, and, at times, absolutely unbelievable. In narrating his first 65 years, he touches on everything from his childhood in New York to his experiences as an actor, director, family man, and all-around funny guy. No matter how much you may think you know about the comic, you’ll still be amazed by his adventures—from shooting hoops with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as a kid to hosting the Oscars with pneumonia. And you’ll be surprised by his thoughtfulness and sincerity as he opens up about his relationships with his parents, his wife, and his daughters.
At 65, Crystal may sometimes forget the names of old friends, but he still remembers some pretty remarkable moments in his life—and he details them with fondness, humor, and honesty.
Admittedly, though, the opening is rough, as Crystal performs a few bits about old age in front of a live audience. To be honest, after the first chapter, I was tempted to stop the CD and listen to something else instead—but I’m glad that I kept going. Crystal recorded several chapters in front of an audience—and, surprisingly, those are some of the more awkward moments in the reading. He simply seems to be trying too hard to be witty and entertaining.
When it’s just Crystal and a microphone, however, it feels warmer and more personal. Sometimes, even he seems amazed by some of the things that he’s experienced. But it’s also during these solo recordings that Crystal is free to open up about the not-so-funny parts of his life—from the loss of beloved friends and family members to his love for his wife and daughters. And you might be surprised to find that his heartfelt reflections will sometimes bring tears to your eyes.
Still Foolin’ ‘Em is simply more accessible than the average celebrity bio. Crystal doesn’t try to impress listeners with his name-dropping or wow them with stories about his glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. Instead, he comes off as a perfectly normal guy with a remarkable gift for telling stories—and making people laugh. Whether you best remember him as Jodie Dallas, Miracle Max, Mike Wazowski, or the guy who does the funny Oscar montages, you’ll be amazed, moved, and thoroughly entertained by his honest and often hilarious reflections on his life and work.
Dare I say it? It’s mahvelous.
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