Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
London : Hodder & Stoughton, 1995.
Subjects
Original publication date
1995
ISBN
0340638370 / 9780340638378
Description
Paul Eddington'scareer ranged from stage roles in Ayckbourn, Frayn, and Pinter to television roles in the comedy series "The Good Life, Yes, Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister." In this book he recalls the childhood which set him on the road to acting and his lifelong Quaker faith. He traces the highs and lows of his career and includes among many entertaining memories, the days when Jim Hacker and Paul Eddington became confusingly intertwined in the public mind. For over 30 years he battled against skin cancer and this book is a testimony to his immense courage in surviving it."
User reviews
LibraryThing member the.ken.petersen
The great thing about an autobiography is that a person can lie all they want but, I defy anyone to produce 250 pages about themselves and not reveal their true character.
Being a keen fan of 'Yes Minister'', I have previously read Nigel Hawthorn's book and found him to come across as a rather
I need not have worried. Eddington was aware that his days were numbered (he died of cancer soon after its completion), and has produced a gentle autobiography admitting to his faults and laying little blame at the door of others.
If ever the British Stiff Upper Lip has been demonstrated in written form, it is in this book: the lack of self pity when he tells of losing what would have been a final television role because of the effects of skin cancer upon his face, makes the tale even more poignant.
Paul Eddington first burst into the public eye as Gerry Ledbetter in the 'Good Life', a role that was supposed to be a background character to Tom Good, played by Richard Briers and Barbara (Felicity Kendal). He, and his screen wife, Penelope Keith, were so good, that it soon developed into a four hander. Eddington then went on to star in 'Yes Minister' and 'Yes Prime Minister' as the inimitable Jim Hacker. He also toured the World's theatres in many successful plays and seems to have been a good friend, husband and father.
Being a keen fan of 'Yes Minister'', I have previously read Nigel Hawthorn's book and found him to come across as a rather
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unpleasant character, with rather too many of the foibles of Sir Humphrey, without the humour. I therefore approached Paul Eddington's tome with a certain trepidation: I do not like too many of my heroes to be shot down.I need not have worried. Eddington was aware that his days were numbered (he died of cancer soon after its completion), and has produced a gentle autobiography admitting to his faults and laying little blame at the door of others.
If ever the British Stiff Upper Lip has been demonstrated in written form, it is in this book: the lack of self pity when he tells of losing what would have been a final television role because of the effects of skin cancer upon his face, makes the tale even more poignant.
Paul Eddington first burst into the public eye as Gerry Ledbetter in the 'Good Life', a role that was supposed to be a background character to Tom Good, played by Richard Briers and Barbara (Felicity Kendal). He, and his screen wife, Penelope Keith, were so good, that it soon developed into a four hander. Eddington then went on to star in 'Yes Minister' and 'Yes Prime Minister' as the inimitable Jim Hacker. He also toured the World's theatres in many successful plays and seems to have been a good friend, husband and father.
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Call number
B EDDINGTON