All of Me: My Extraordinary Life - The Most Recent Autobiography by Barbara Windsor

by Barbara Windsor

THE HEART-WARMING AUTOBIOGRAPHY BY BARBARA WINDSOR CHRONICLING HER EARLY CHILDHOOD IN LONDON'S EAST END TO RECEIVING A DBE IN 2000'A whopping, no-holds-barred rollercoaster of a book' Mail on Sunday`Barbara Windsor emerges from these pages as a personality both strong and sunny' Sunday TelegraphBorn in the East End of London just before the war, Barbara Windsor made her first stage appearance at the age of 13. From her early roles as the original Carry On dolly bird to her longest role as Peggy Mitchell in the award-winning BBC drama EastEnders , her spectacular success in theatre, film and TV has made her a British icon - the Cockney kid with a dazzling smile and talent to match.Here, for the first time, she talks in depth about the people and events that have shaped her her lonely childhood, her doomed marriage to Ronnie Knight, her legendary affairs, how she never let her fans down whatever her personal anguish. This is the heart-warming story of a courageous woman and consummate performer who has always made sure the show goes on.'By living up to its title alone it makes a nonsense of every other showbiz bleat 'n' brag ever put to paper' Julie Burchill'Infinitely more interesting than the sentimental schmaltz we have read about her before' Lynn Barber, Daily Telegraph

Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Nonfiction, Memoir

615 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of the best autobiographies out there. She's been there, seen it and screwed it. Brilliant.

[Suzanne the Bookaholic and Proud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus was a fantastic read, I have always been a fan of carry on films and likes of them, but reading this I started to dislike her as a person on some occasions, through the cheating on her partners and the numerous abortions that she had, especially when she was married and because she couldn't talk to her husband once, off she went and had 1 without even telling him she was pregnant, but I do admire her work ethic, she loved acting, singing and dancing and she did what she loved throughout her life and stuck by it, there was ups and downs like any relationships and life problems and she came through them stronger.
When the carry on films came out and her on screen relationship with Sid James, I think everyone knew it would carry off screen too, everyone knew it and to see how the way it came about and the goings on together behind the curtains was really interesting to read and the jealousness of Sid James even though they were both married to other people.
I do think that Barbara did get a lot of bad press in papers that others sold out on her and said some mean things just for a little money, even her own father who even after trying to rebuild her relationship with him, even though his new wife was a nasty piece of work.
Barbara's real break came from Eastenders playing Peggy Mitchell, everyone knew her as a small busty blonde from the carry on films, but she showed everyone she can do a more intense character from the various big storylines she was in.
I do hope all the best for her as I know now she as some serious health issues but with her love of her life husband Scott by her side, I'm sure she will be well taken care of.
Happy reading xx

[Polly Tiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I am 61, Barbara Windsor was a big star of the Carry On films I used to watch when I was young, with my parents and brother, so I was fascinated by her life story.
I read many of the parts of the book twice and I will always keep the book as I will want to read it again.

[Teresa Dent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whopping 586 pages. So quite a long read. But then again it was quite a full life and only covered up to her 60’s. So i can’t imagine how many more pages it would have been had it have covered the next 20 years til her passing. Barbara wasn’t shy in taking a man when she wanted him. And seemed to see the best in everyone too. I felt she quite often reasoned her innocence in most situations rather than taking responsibility. She describes Sid James as pursuing her as a reason to deny any responsibility in meddling in a marriage. This intrigues me now and I feel compelled to read Sid James’s autobiography just to get his take on the situation. Very interesting, got getter, type of lady though. A lady with real balls. Especially for the era she lived in. Good on her. But equally quite shameful at times, having abortions like it’s contraception isn’t ideal. And it’s quite obvious that she knew a lot more about her dodgy criminal husbands wheeling and dealing. But smart enough not to allow the police to connect up the dots. But all in all definitely a life lived well. Barbara Windsor definitely lived life her way. And why not aye!

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In between reading novels, I occasionally like to read a biography, and Barbara Windsor is such a character in our entertainment world that I was intrigued to read this.

Ms Windsor has tremendous recall of her life, and has had her fair share of experiences - both on and off the screen/stage. Most interesting, I found, were her recollections of her early years in the theatre, and her later comparisons of how the world of theatre has changed.

There are frank accounts of her numerous affairs, abortions and marriages. Ms Windsor comes across as an honest and hedonistic person but also a likeable one. although I found it difficult to understand why, after having so many affairs with her leading men, she should be so cheesed off to discover her first husband's adultery. A case of pot calling kettle sooty arse, methinks.

The book was written in a very conversational style, which sounded like her voice.

This wasn't the kind of book I could read in one sitting, but I dipped in and out of it over a couple of months. There wasn't really a plot to lose.

[Terry Geo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Barbara a few times when I was a television producer. She's one of the friendliest and kindest people I've worked with.

I read her two biographies before the first time we met, when doing research for a show. I learned so much of her life, but it wasn't until we met that I learned about the person behind those words. For a time, we became quite close. I've been to her house and spent time with her and her husband Scott, and she even let me flick through her "This is Your Life" book.

Barbara Windsor is a British treasure, an amazing person and someone I will always have fond memories of.

[Ada Uí shúilleabháin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyable enough. Quite a lengthy read though and it became a bit tedious towards the end.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this book. I loved Barbara's recall of her childhood and early acting life. She has certainly been through a lot in her life. So many men she has slept with and dumped.
Especially Thomas Powell who thought the world of her, and at one point she wanted to live with. Barbara didn't show a good light where he was concerned and should have got him the help he rightly deserved, even if she didn't want him. Second husband Stephen was only after her money to buy a business for himself. As for Sid James well say no more. Again she blames him for never leaving her alone. It takes two to tango.
I thought the world of Barbara Windsor before reading this book. Now she is getting her just deseats for all the damage she has done throughout her life.

[LL Shergold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read.

So well written, for most of it I felt as though Barbaracwas sitting in my lounge with me telling me her life story. I grew up with her, watching, as I'm sure millions have, watching her carry on films. What I didn't realise, however, what a truly versatile lady she was. Quite a hard life and for z log of us, realising her vulnerability and low opinion on herself quite familiar. Brutally honest which I'm so glad I chose to read/listen. Barbara and Scott's love for each other is s powerful message. Love to them both in what now must be the most hardest time of their lives.

[MRS EMMA JEFFREY · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested to read this book, 20 years after publication, as I know that Barbara Windsor has long been battling Alzheimers, which also interests me. She seems very honest in her storytelling. A long, glamorous life in theatre before becoming Peggy in EastEnders. Smart lady. So many men in her life.
Sad about her five abortions though, giving no regard to contraception, this tragedy to five babies would have been better kept to herself.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest account from a national treasure. It takes you right back to the great days of British stage and cinema and namedrops many famous celebrities. Barbara is very honest and has great memory recall in this. The only reason I have not scored it five is because I think it slightly skips a little bit of detail. For example there's not as much to read about the Carry On films and stars as I would have liked to of read, there's a lot on Sid James for obvious reasons but the likes of Jacques, Connor, Butterworth, Hawtrey and Sims don't get a lot of a mention other than in parts, there's nothing about certain films like Carry on Abroad in it either, sadly.

[Tim Donovan · Rating 1 out of 5]

In between the multiple abortions and the endless stealing of other people’s partners, I hope she found time to visit the clap clinic but I rather doubt it. A vile, selfish, talentless woman with a ghastly common mockney voice and a hideous flabby body. Even worse than I thought she was before I read it. One for the bonfire rather than the charity shop.

[Angela Gostling · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing insight into the life of the actor and written so convincingly in her ‘voice’ that I believe it must have been ghost-written. The book is focused on the public persona and any fans of the actor might be satisfied that they’ve seen into the real woman behind the name.

[Ellouise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous ladies barabra was he life was full of ups and downs

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read and sorely missed RIP

[Glenda Greenhalgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lived reading this autobiography, very honest warts and all with nothing left out. Would highly recommend it.

[Alli MB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant captivating read
Would recommend 100%
Her essence shone through
Barbara was so frank in her book
Beautiful spirit and a
Unique lady

[craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not too love !

An amazing woman with a honest open heart ,a good read from start to finish really let’s you in . God bless her x

[Elle Worsfold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. What an extraordinary woman and a life that well played out like a film. Funny heart breaking and very real Babs tells it like it Is!!

[Joy Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this

[Becci · Rating 4 out of 5]

An open and honest account. I really enjoyed this book but would have been nice to have read more about her carry on days.

[Amy W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad to learn Babs was a massive royalist Tory! But regardless I really enjoyed this.

My main knowledge of Barbara Windsor was her EastEnders turn as Peggy Mitchell so it was fascinating to go back over her lengthy stage and screen career before this.

I loved the down-to-earth, cheeky writing style and reading about all the highs, lows and scandals of Barbara's life. Definitely an interesting life story and cor she certainly got around a bit!!

[Jessica Clayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read this during the first covid-19 lockdown so it was nice to take a break from the real world.
If you are a fan of the “Carry On” film series then you will enjoy this. It shares Barbara’s experiences with stardom, being in the East End during the time it was ruled by The Kray twins and ofcourse all the backstory of her turbulent love-life.
She is funny and raw in the way of her story-telling. I admit, I was worried I would find this book too long as it is a thick book but she had my full attention every time I picked it back up.
I do enjoy a good autobiography but I don’t think I have come across one that is as honest as this one.

[Mr Ian R Ridley · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the the most boring autobiographies ever

Long boring repetitive dialogues basically a who's who of people she slept with left then got together again never finished the book lost interest two thirds through

[Jacqueline Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Sad in places but she had a great life.

[Becca Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Have always been a Barbara Windsor fan. Really interesting to have more insight into her life.

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

RIP Barbara another legend gone what a life she had.

[Kimmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, a good thoroughly read.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting overall, a wee bit long .