Where Have I Been: An Autobiography by Sid Caesar, Bill Davidson (December 1, 1982) Hardcover

by Sid Caesar

In the fifties, Sid Caesar, one of the funniest men in the world, presided over a group of comic geniuses who dominated the screen and stage for the rest of the 20th century. With the help of friends and colleagues (Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon and Larry Gelbart) , Caesar developed original television comedy that rocketed him to stardom in "Your Show of Shows" and "Caesars Hour". This group’s hilarious rap-and-write sessions, many of which are re-created here, produced Caesars famous Professor shtick, the unforgettable Swiss-clock routine, the engaging series of duo performances with Imogene Coca, and many other rib-tickling scenarios. These were the "Glory Years." But when "Caesars Hour" ended in 1958, the nightmare suddenly began. The combination of devastating insecurity and the pressure ofsuccess led to a dependence on alcohol and pills that soon became an addiction. Periods of despair alternated with uncontrollable rages and violent behavior; work was sporadic and his family relationships were under tremendous strain. His wife,Florence, rode the roller coaster of depression and manic behavior with him, hoping and believing that it would change. Change did come at rock bottom. When, in 1978, an attempt to revive his act with Imogene Coca fell through, the drinking increased and Sid fled to Canada. A meeting with the right doctor helped him to confront his disease, and a sustained effort to rebuild body and mind began. Previous attempts at classical psychoanalysis had failed, but alone in a Paris hotel room, Caesar developed a unique method of self-analysis to reassemble his being. By the time of publication Caesar was in total possession of a dynamic self and engaged in exciting new work. This story lays bare the traumatic ups and downs of one of the best in show business. Studded with anecdotes from those who knew him best, it entertains, inspires, and reveals the true Caesar to all his fans.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography

Paperback

First published December 1, 1982

Reviews

[R.G. Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently heard Larry Gelbart, one of the writer's for "Your Show of Shows," say in an NPR interview that one day Sid Caesar showed up at a writers' meeting brandishing a revolver. "Loaded?" the interviewer asked. "Yes," Gelbart replied,"and so was the gun." I knew at that moment I had to find out more about Sid Caesar, a man I knew from my childhood mostly through guest shots on others' shows and from his role in the movie "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World."

"Where Have I Been" is a fairly unflinching (if heavily ghost-written) account of Caesar's early success, later addiction to alchohol and pills, and eventual recovery. I usually steer clear of both memoirs and celebrity autobiographies, but this book was a welcome read.

I've always loved the Golden Age of Television, an age which had passed away just a few years before I was born. This book, a very light read, was an extremely satisfying confection telling the tale both of the birth of live TV and of the behind-the-scenes decline of one of its great progenitors.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

All about Sid Caesar and his comedy, addictions, and his making peace with himself.

[Max Tachis · Rating 4 out of 5]

How Mr. Caesar knew that, coupled with 2004's "Caesar's Hours", this book would be a near-perfect one-two punch, I'll never know. But that's absolutely what this, his first autobiography, turns out to be. It's a good read for fans of comedy during the "Golden Age", but it's a GREAT read for fans of Sid Caesar. Hilarious and insightful and very often heartbreaking. In physical stature and in reputation this man was a giant. Hearing about his struggles with drugs and alcohol (among other demons) is on par with that weird moment when you realize that your parents are getting old. As my prior review of "Caesar's Hours" states, that book had Mr. Caesar's career in greater detail. Here, because it was written only a few years after he hit rock bottom, his battles are in sharp focus. The addition of other prominent figures in his life (Florence, his wife; his children; Carl Reiner, etc.) is a particularly insightful detail that adds real depth and perspective to the tragedy that was happening in secret behind most of Sid Caesar's incredible career.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really revealing and honest autobiography about descent in Scotch and Placidyl dependence in the midst of career success, wealth, and family. With Show of Shows etc. we get a history not only of television, but sketch comedy and it originated with Caesar and his peers. The telling, which runs into the early '80s, includes inclusions written by his family as well as colleagues like Carl Reiner.

[Marco W · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to non-fiction I find the less I know the better. I'd heard of Sid Caesar but didn't really know who he was. Funny, honest, human and with a great little trick of getting his wife or Mel Brooks to write a chapter to cover some of the moments where his drinking had impacted his memory. Probably my favorite showbiz biography

[Emily Woodward Deutsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of old showbiz biographies, and this is one of my all-time favorites. I don't know how many folks under 65 have even heard of the fabulously gifted -- and extremely handsome -- Sid Caesar, but he was one of the early pioneers of television who helped discover and shape the careers of such legends as Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon, and Woody Allen. They all ultimately eclipsed him in fame, in large part because of the addictions and other struggles detailed in this poignant and darkly humorous memoir. Anyone who's suffered setbacks and found the inner strength to persevere despite being counted out as a "has-been" will find this a compelling read. Also, anyone with an interest in the "golden age of comedy" should check this out from a purely historical perspective. Highly recommended, if you can find a copy . . . .

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated: B+

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this autobiography; once in a while one or another event in his life will come to mind.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this autobiography. Sid Caesar was an interesting guy, with his interest in science as well as comedy. A good read.

[John Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Sid was nuts. Makes for a good read.