Tommy Davidson

Living In Color (2020) by Tommy Davidson. You probably know who Mr. Davidson is because otherwise you would not be reading his book or this review. Suffice it to say he was a major talent on the talent packed groundbreaking T.V. show In Living Color. That alone says a lot about his ability to entertain and share the spotlight. But there is far more to his story than just making you laugh.
Born to a troubled mother and absent father, he had his first break in life when discovered, literally, on a trash pile. Taken from that by a white woman who soon became his mother, Mr. Davidson was raised in a loving. caring environment that allowed him to become himself, even if he had no idea who the was.
As with so many other talented entertainers he rapidly discovered being “On” was a way to make the world like him.
The book is a chronicle of his ears years discovering his blackness, blossoming as an comedian/performer, landing a stellar, and essential, part in the vastly successful LIC, and going on into movies.
Perhaps the most moving part of his story is his talk about addiction and loyalty both to and from those around him. Throughout he manages to not bad mouth the people who tried to shut him down or discourage him. Rather he manages to reflect the guidelines set up within his adopted family while never losing touch with the reality of the family that produced him to begin with.
A compelling story of overcoming the odds and loving those around him. I apologize for tossing the word “Talent” about so liberally in this review, but Mr. Davidson is just that and no other word captured his essence as well.… (lisätietoja)

In Tommy Davidson's LIVING IN COLOR, Davidson recounts his unique family structure and how it was for him as a child. He explains through the many talents of his young person how he enjoyed making people happy. Davidson's growth from his early days in standup to the comedic powerhouse he has become is covered in detail. Along the way, Davidson discusses how addiction, forgiveness, parenthood, and loyalty shaped the person he is now.
There is an overarching feeling throughout the book that Davidson, without much bravado or arrogance, knew he was talented as a comedian from his early days in the business. He respectfully refrains from trying to rank himself amongst other funny celebrities and in fact spends plenty of time praising their talent throughout the book. Even people who Davidson has conflicted with, he still shows reverence to their comedic craft. This book is told from a very real and gritty place. Davidson constantly admits his faults and how they created setbacks and raising tension in the entertainment workplace he was in at a given time. He does point a few fingers as to problems others created, but the maliciousness and anger are kept to a minimum. There are some really great and unique stories from his years in the industry.
Certainly for fans of Davidson and the In Living Color series, but really for anyone interested in reading about a one-of-a-kind life like the one Davidson has lived, you won't be disappointed with LIVING IN COLOR. It was a real treat to read.
Thank you to Kensington Books, Tommy Davidson, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion!… (lisätietoja)