Make Room For Danny

by Danny Thomas

The popular entertainer chronicles his long and happy life in show business, describing his impoverished boyhood in Ohio, his Lebanese heritage, his rise to fame, and his friendships with Burns, Sinatra, Caesar, Berle, Benny, and others. Reprint.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 10, 1991

Reviews

[Len Knighton]

I was a fan of The Danny Thomas Show back in the 1950's and early '60's. I don't remember the first edition with Jean Hagan but watched when Marjorie Lord played Danny's wife. My favorite part of the show was the final credits because I loved listening to the arrangement of O Danny Boy played by the orchestra. I occasionally listen to it on YouTube.
But I also enjoyed Danny Thomas. His character, Danny Williams, was a little rough around the edges, certainly a different style of parenting from what one would see on Leave It to Beaver or Father Knows Best.
What I learned from this book is that Danny Thomas, in a sense, played himself on his show. His character was based on his real-life situation as an entertainer.
And what a life he lived! Unfortunately, most young readers of the 21st Century probably would not recognize many of the performers mentioned in this book. More's the pity. I suspect that Thomas' style of entertainment, (telling long stories), wouldn't appeal to them either. Indeed, some of them seemed a bit drawn out on the page. I read one review that said there were too many stories. I tend to agree, but as Thomas says in the book, the humor is "in the telling."
I would have liked to have learned more about St. Jude Children's Hospital. That is the living legacy of Danny Thomas.
I liked the book but I wanted to love it.

Three stars waxing

[Peter Riva]

I read this years ago as he was a close friend of the family... what a wonderful memoire and all of it so much fun to read. Like David Niven's The Moon's A Balloon, these men were talented, funny and damn good story tellers.

[Debi Emerson]

I was a child when Danny Thomas' show, "Make Room for Daddy", was on TV and it was one of my favorites. Still is. I knew about his accomplishments, especially St. Jude's, but it was most interesting to hear about them in his own words. He was truly "one of the greats"!

[Andrea]

I love him. It's probably because his hospital saved my life. I read this book a lot of years ago and I remember liking it because it made him seem more of a real person to me rather than an icon.

[Mary]

I've been watching and enjoying The Danny Thomas Show for the last couple of months and wanted to learn a bit more about him. I had read Marlo's memoir a number or years ago and have always admired her. Now I admire her dad just as much. This was a pleasant look back on his life, family, and career. He came from humble beginnings and seemed to keep his humility even with all of his successes. He genuinely seemed to be loved and respected by everyone in a rough industry. This book was published in January of 1991, but sadly he died a little less than a month later. However, it makes me happy to know that he and his wife are interred at his beloved St. Jude Children's Hospital that he founded. Danny Thomas might be considered "square" and "cornball" these days, but his memoir was a nice respite to the daily crap that we're enduring in 2026.

[Darla Ebert]

A refreshing book for it's focus on the best in life, including God and family. I enjoyed not having to wade through filthy language and sickening disclosures from the memoirs of a-moralistic people whom I had hoped to, at least, respect. Danny Thomas was an established comedian by the time I was born and his long running t.v. program is only barely remembered but it was a gem. "Make Room for Daddy" emphasized family values and did it in a humorous way. Good good book. Sadly Danny Thomas passed away in 1991.

[Andrea]

I knew very little about Danny Thomas before I discovered "The Danny Thomas Show" on Catchy Comedy network, but I'm really glad that I found this book. 
The most interesting part was the beginning where he writes about his childhood.  
I also really liked his recollection of the time he spent on his show. He spoke very highly of his TV son, Rusty Hamer and their relationship.  
The last 1/4  of the book was kind  of slow for me, but overall this is a great book. 

[Dave]

Strong, clear biography with lots of laughs. This made very clear his association with St Jude’s Research Hospital for Children. I also learned a lot about his Arabic/Lebanese roots. e.g. His birth name was Muzyad Yakhoob. He went through several name changes before becoming Danny Thomas. I was also surprised to learn that he grew up in the Toledo, Ohio area.

[Bev Emerson]

2.5 stars

[Lori]

I read "Make Room for Danny" years ago. Thought it would be nice to read again and write a review. Danny Thomas writes of growing up in large family. then being raised by his aunt and uncle. He decided he wanted a career in "show biz" he found his talent was story telling. He eventually found fame. Years later he starred in "Make Room for Daddy" When He was trying to get his career started he prayed to st. Jude and promised he would build him a shrine if he became famous. Years later he made good on his promise and was behind building St Jude hospital for children with cancer. He writes of the many famous friends he made as well. A fun read. I was happy to read this book again.

[Janie]

Thomas's autobiography is short and to the point. Most interesting was personal information about his life from his birth as Muzyad Yahkoob in a Lebanese/Sicilian family, to the late 80's when the book was written. His friendships with the superstars of the era, George Burns, Jan Murray, Frank Sinatra etc. lead to many fun stories about the early days of his career. Though I knew he was spokesman for the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, I had no idea of his involvement for the inception and creation from the beginning. Interesting trip down memory lane.

[Rae]

A book about the man who started St. Jude because of a promise he made to St. Jude if St. Jude would get him a job. WOW. I am not catholic but I know he has done something so wonderful for countless children and families. Danny Thomas truly knew what it meant to be a Christian, to help take care of those who cant help themselves. All the amazing things St. Jude still does today is wonderful and a blessing from GOD.

[Donna Bryant]

I liked this book. Danny Thomas looked like and reminded us of our dad, who was also Lebanese. The book captured some of the all-so-familiar customs and the pictures were delightful to see. I liked it.

[Jay]

Reads as Danny Thomas' "walk down memory lane" - from his meager start as a no-name comedian to his rise to the top of comedy in the 60's/70's. Not very introspective but very entertaining.

[Julie]

Kind of slow going at times. But learned that he helped found St. Jude's Childrens Hospital and did a lot more than just "Make room for Daddy".