Quinlan's Illustrated Directory of Film Comedy Actors (Henry Holt Reference Book)
Profiles over three hundred comedy actors, describing their personal life, professional methods, and career histories
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David Quinlan's latest authoritative reference guide profiles the career histories of nearly 300 comedy stars. His in-depth examination of their personal lives and professional methods provides insight into how individual physical comedy styles and comic effects were achieved. Some of today's best-known stars who are profiled include Robin Williams, Steve Martin and Danny DeVito; and the Marx Brothers, Mae West and Danny Kaye are featured among the old favorites.Comedy is often said to present the greatest challenge to an actor. From black comedy to barnyard slapstick, from urban wit to screwball comedy, it is an area that provides enormous scope. For those who succeed in comedic roles the rewards and recognition can be tremendous. Often - as in the case of John Belushi - the demands and pressures can outweigh those rewards. The apparent contradiction between many great comedic actors and their tragic personal lives makes for an especially intriguing subject.A wealth of information - some of it never before published - is illustrated by more than 400 photographs. Each entry is accompanied by a photograph and a complete filmography, including film, TV and guest appearances, plus voice-over narrations and films directed.Quinlan's Illustrated Directory of Film Comedy Actors is an unequalled source of on- and off-screen facts about the comedy stars and their films.
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