Arsenio - by Arsenio Hall (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Arsenio Hall, America's beloved late-night TV host, reveals the ups and downs of his remarkable career as a trailblazing pioneer with this "vivid, outrageous" (The New York Times) behind-the-scenes, star-studded, no-holds-barred memoir of celebrity, race, and show business.

Arsenio Hall holds a uniquely prominent place in American culture--celebrated late-night host and comedic actor, famed for starring roles in the cultural touchstones Coming to America and Harlem Nights.

Now, he pulls back the curtain and takes us to a different time in Hollywood. Iconic scenes include: starting out as a young magician in Cleveland; hosting his first talk show in the basement of his apartment building when he was in elementary school; cutting his teeth at the world-famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, learning about comedy and life from legendary comedian Richard Pryor; forming lifelong bonds with legendary icons Muhammad Ali, Luther Vandross, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Eddie Murphy; tasting superstar success with Coming to America, the film that preceded The Arsenio Hall Show; conducting unforgettable, groundbreaking interviews with Magic Johnson, Bill Clinton, Tupac Shakur, Maya Angelou, Madonna, and Minister Louis Farrakhan; rescuing a family from a home-fire with Jay Leno; sharing hot sauces and blackjack with Patti LaBelle; and chilling with Prince.

And then, he made the difficult decision to walk away.

This bracingly candid memoir offers a new appreciation for this raw talent and gifted storyteller, who nightly, for six years, hosted what felt like a televised "party" that changed the landscape of late-night television and brought Black culture into living rooms across America.

With this book, he does it one more time.

Review Quotes

"Hall's writing is casually cool as he details the struggles, triumphs, and dogged persistence that made him a fist-pumping force in the 1990s. . . . The comedic verve on display throughout Arsenio aptly showcases why his impact endures."
--Booklist (starred review)

"For The Arsenio Hall Show fans and general readers alike, Hall's memoir is an entertaining and thought-provoking read."
--Library Journal (starred review)

"An energetic celebration of ambition and humor written in a loose, conversational style. Hall's fans will pump their fists."
--Publishers Weekly

"This book will remind readers why Hall was so popular in his day: He's funny, but also relatable and genuine. This is a truly fun account. . . . A likable throwback to the comedy scene of the '80s and '90s."
--Kirkus

About the Author