To honor the twentieth anniversary of beloved comedienne Gilda Radner’s death from ovarian cancer comes a commemo- rative edition of her memoir, It’s Always Something—featuring a newly updated resource guide for people living with cancer and a tribute by Radner’s former colleagues at Saturday Night Live.
As a cast member on the original Saturday Night Live, Gilda Radner created a compelling character named “Roseann Rosannadanna” who habitually ended her routine with the line, “It’s always something,” which was her father’s favorite expression about life. Radner chose the catch- phrase she made famous as the title to her brave, funny, and painfully honest memoir: the story of her struggle against cancer and her determination to continue laughing.
Gilda’s Club, a network of affiliate clubhouses that seeks to provide a social and emotional support community to people living with cancer, was founded in Radner’s memory in 1991. The name of the organization comes from a remark Gilda once made, that cancer gave her “membership to an elite club I’d rather not belong to.” In partnership with Gilda’s Club, It’s Always Something includes valuable information for all whose lives have been touched by cancer and reminds us of the important place laughter has in healing.
Told as only Gilda Radner could tell it, It’s Always Something is the inspiring story of a courageous, funny woman fighting to enjoy life no matter what the circumstances. She died in 1989. Gilda’s Club is distinguished by its unique philosophy and pro- gram, “cancer support for the whole family, the whole time.” Learn more about Gilda’s Club at GildasClub.org.
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"In my other life I must have been a comedianne. I have watched SNL since it's inseption in 1975. Gilda was always one of my favorites. It was so unfair to watch(read about) her fight with ovarian cancer. She wrote with unbelievable grace and without ever losing her humor which made her who she was."
— Telethe (5 out of 5 stars)
“Touching and witty.”
— USA Today“Extraordinarily candid...A testament to her courage and comedic spirit.”
— Chicago Tribune“Death be not proud: the book remains a victorious volume.”
— Detroit Free Press“Gilda mined her humor from everyday life, and what resulted really was something.”
— San Diego Union-Tribune" As alot of celebrity books do, this one reveals more about the author's life than she may have intended. Her determination to beat a terminal condition is admirable and her courage never flagged. But it also shows glimpses of her husband's (Gene Wilder) struggle, his exhaustion and gives some idea of what it must be like for the family of cancer sufferers. Medically out of date but a fascinating glimpse into a complex situation. UPDATE: I wrote this review and since then, my husband has been diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. I went back and re-read the book. It's discouraging how different her experiences were with the more middle class majority of cancer patients. Since my husband's diagnosis, I've struggled with endless paperwork, legal issues and terrifying onslaughts of bills. When I got to the part where her husband brings her a very expensive bracelet, and then she goes home from the hospital with round the clock private nurses, I gave up and tossed the book out. I think Gilda's story is an inspiration to many with cancer, but most folks will not have her experiences because their background is so different from that of a successful Hollywood celebrity. "
— Leigh, 2/15/2014" "Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end." "
— Holly, 2/14/2014" A look at the trials and nightmare that cancer is as only Gilda Radner can tell it. Funny and heartbreaking. "
— Aline, 2/7/2014" Was a very touching story, that I learned alot of things I need to remember for my own health. Gilda was her own biggest cheerleader and wouldn't take no for an answer. Another book that I am eger to re-read. "
— Paula, 2/5/2014" Very funny but also tells her story of cancer. "
— Stefania, 1/26/2014" Hmm. So many people love this book. I had been meaning to read it for years. And when I finally did, I was disappointed. I loved Gilda's comedy on SNL and knew the gist of her story. I tried to get into it, but found myself skimming some pages because this book was sorely lacking something. More depth? Less neediness? I wanted to learn more about her formative years, more about her life before cancer, and much less about her co-dependency issues. (I have been under the impression that Gene had a very different view of their relationship.) Plus, it just isn't very well-written. I expected better word flow from someone with her comedic wit. I don't mean to downplay her courageous and heartbreaking battle with cancer or her foundation legacy. I know she stated that it's hard to be funny writing a book about cancer because cancer is the most un-funny thing. And I get that. I wasn't expecting much humor, but at least a better book, and while I appreciate that she told her story, it just left me saying "meh". Maybe I'll re-read again someday. "
— Emily, 1/25/2014" I was glad to read her story of fighting cancer. Of course, it was written when she thought she had beaten it, so I think the book needed an epilogue added by the publisher. "
— Bethanne, 1/19/2014" I have a linger affection for the first cast of SNL, and Radner was a favorite. I'm sorry the ovarian cancer got her. "
— Kaethe, 1/19/2014" I read this book over 10 years ago, but remembered it each time I was afraid of some great turning point in my life. It pays to live deliberately and have a sense of humor. "
— Lucy, 1/19/2014" It ends about 6 months before she died. It's interesting. "
— Diane, 1/1/2014" Funny, sad, haunting. A must read. An amazing performer. An amazing woman. "
— Hope, 12/21/2013" A truly inspirational book. A story that will help us understand the reality that all of us are the same even the famous celebrities. We breathe the same air. "
— Krzyszxian, 11/22/2013" Funny, sad, funny, sad, etc. "
— Jamie, 11/21/2013" Great book, great lady! "
— Connie, 10/21/2013" Read a long time ago. "
— Cheryl, 10/13/2013" Changed my perspectives about cancer and life. "
— Jennifer, 9/22/2013" I read this book awhile ago, but I still remember it. Funny, sad, just a great book. I definitely recommend it. "
— Christine, 7/1/2013" Gilda could always make me laugh. I miss her. "
— Deena, 3/22/2013" Very funny at times, but the outcome was sad indeed. "
— Marie, 2/9/2013" An inspiring woman. "
— Tina, 12/7/2012" A touching, funny, sad, and amazing book written by one of the most amazing people. "
— Shane, 12/3/2012" I love this book...I owned a copy, passed it along and never so it again..But it was so good. I loved Gilda and loved her even more after this book. Her outlook being a comedian and all was enlightening but still heart wrenching. "
— Victoria, 11/23/2012" I have already read this book twice and it's our next pick for book club. It's funny, witty, and let's you in on the person that Gilda Radner really was in addition to her many personalities on SNL. "
— Erin, 9/13/2012" She's my idol so of course I adored this book, but it's really a must read for all survivors of anything at all. "
— Katy, 5/8/2012" I read this after she was gone. Then I realized how much I missed her. "
— Tammy, 10/22/2011" This is Gilda's cancer story. Her ups and downs in her own voice. Touching and beautiful. "
— Shawna, 7/16/2011" The book was read by her and she was not at 100% when she was doing it. It is a book about struggling for survival, my mom did it twice, and maybe it hit a bit too close to home. "
— chad, 5/12/2011" Gilda was such an inspiration and her book is no different. A must read for anyone. "
— Claire, 5/4/2011" I read this book years ago, long before I was ever diagnosed with cancer myself. I still remember vividly her descriptions of her treatment. It helped me to understand my sister's experience and then later my own. The title of the book is perfect. "
— Carol, 4/5/2011" Very funny at times, but the outcome was sad indeed. "
— Marie, 4/4/2011" Funny, touching, heart-rending Gilda Radner's well'known autobiography. "
— Barb, 1/13/2011" Gilda Radner's battle through cancer is inspiring. Even through tough times, she tackles everything with a comedic outlook and headstrong determination. Her writing style is unique. This former Saturday Night Live girl is a true hero! "
— Marissa, 12/22/2010" Very funny but also tells her story of cancer. "
— Stefania, 12/11/2010" I read this book back in 1986, when I was going through cancer treatments myself. "
— Jan, 12/2/2010" Powerful, Sad, realistic book about her fight with ovarian cancer "
— Mayotte, 10/15/2010" This has been sitting on my bookshelf for nearly two decades. I have always admired the talent of Gilda Radner, but had been putting off reading this book for a number of reasons. Once I started, I read nearly non-stop. Honest, sad, sweet, funny, moving. "
— Sharon, 6/26/2010" Gilda's on-again off-again on-again fight with cancer. How she coped, how she fought and how those around her made it possible.<br/>Wasn't particularly tear-inducing, nor was it funny. But a lot of insight into the personal battle with cancer. "
— Joanna, 5/2/2010" Gilda Radnors honest telling of her battle with ovarian cancer is surprisingly uplifting, even knowing that she eventually did succomb to the disease. "
— Terri, 4/15/2010" It was both sad and interesting to read about Gilda's battle with cancer. She was a neat human being. "
— Robin, 2/17/2010Gilda Radner (June 28, 1946–May 20, 1989) was an American comedian and actress, best known as one of the original cast members of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, for which she won an Emmy Award in 1978.