Much Love, Jac

by Weaver Jacki

The irrepressibly entertaining Jacki Weaver writes generously and wittily on her life, her loves and her passions.

Dubbed a National Treasure by Gough Whitlam, a Gay Icon by Les McDonald and a Household Name by the Sydney Morning Herald ('so is Sorbent,' her unimpressed mother remarked) Jacki Weaver has combined a distinguished acting career with a tumultuous personal life.

At 15 Jacki was playing Cinderella in her first professional stage appearance, opposite the then singing heart-throb, Bryan Davies, with whom she was enjoying a very public romance. In 1965 at the age of 18 she met and married her first husband, David Price: 'He asked me to marry him on our first date, and the sex was so good I said yes. (I believe in sex on a first date, otherwise how do you know if a second date is worth the effort?)' But Jacki Weaver is a self-confessed bolter and adventuress, with five marriages under her tiny belt.

There have been times of great wealth (most notably during her marriage to Derryn Hinch) and times of scraping along. There have been headlines galore, and heartbreak. One of the greatest and most enduring loves of her life, Richard Wherrett, she never married. But she denies promiscuity: 'Promiscuous implies that I'm not choosy. In fact I'm very choosy. I just happen to have had a lot of choices.'

From the iconic films Picnic at Hanging Rock and Caddie, to on-stage roles in They're Playing Our Song and Last Cab to Darwin, Jacki's career has spanned more than forty fabulous years of theatre, film, television and music. She has appeared in some of Australia's most memorable shows, has worked with everyone who's anyone in the Australian entertainment industry and has won Logies, Variety Club and AFI awards.

This is the extraordinary story of a talented actor who has lived her life to the very fullest - fascinating, funny and poignant, this is storytelling at its best.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

205 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Annie Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, sad and funny just like its wonderful author, Australian living treasure, Jacki Weaver. Hey, Jac, I want a new one now covering your years in the USA. Pretty please!

[Jinjer]

Why this book? Just watched Last Cab to Darwin and discovered this book when I was Wikiing (yes, that is a word) the movie and the actors. Sounds like a fascinating life to read about.

[Lyn Quilty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conversational, easy to read. What a life! So many relationships and in many ways a privileged and self indulgent life, but Weaver comes across as a warm and funny personality.

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at one of our most recognisable actresses. Didn't realise she was Australia's answer to Elizabeth Taylor as far as marriages go, and most probably for many of the same reasons. Almost didn't buy this book, but am now pleased I did, as it revived some wonderful memories of people and the times we've lived in.

[Rowlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacki sure is intriguing and has a wealth of experience behind her, both professionally and personally.

[Rita Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A warm and revealing memoir.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting life