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Table of Contents
About the Book
Murray Hill, the trailblazing comic and self-proclaimed “hardest working middle-aged man in show business,” has been delighting audiences around the world with his signature blend of campy humor and subversive showmanship for three decades. Much like Fred Rococo, his character on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere, Murray radiates relentless positivity and an indomitable spirit as entertaining as it is inspiring.
Behind the one-liners lies a deeper truth. Growing up in a conservative New England household where abuse ran rampant, Murray found refuge in showbiz memoirs and watching old-school comedians on The Tonight Show. These tales of survival, in the face of maltreatment and discrimination, offered him hope and the possibility of reinvention through the world of entertainment.
After leaving home, Murray began the slow process of finding and defining his identity as a newly emancipated adult and queer, boundary-pushing artist. It wasn’t always easy. Murray drank to escape his past, and masked his depression with alcohol. His drinking spiraled into a mental health crisis that nearly cost him his life. But with loving support from his chosen family and community, Murray found not only his people but himself.
Warm, fearless, and laugh-out-loud funny, Showbiz! Murray Hill’s story of survival, reinvention, and finding joy against the odds. Because when life hands you trauma, you turn it into a tight five. Showbiz!
Appearances
In Person
In conversation with Bridget Everett & Jeff Hiller; Reception with DJ Champagne Jerry
Learn MoreSVA Theatre
Stissing Center for Arts & Culture
In Person
The Kings in New York! with K. James, Mo B. Dick, Myster E Mel Kiki, and Uncle Freak
Learn MoreCutting Room
Coastal Creative
Westport Library
The Foundry
The Parkway
Atwood Music Hall
The Ark
The Den Theatre
The Clocktower Cabaret
Triple Door
Polaris Hall
BIMBO'S 365
Largo at the Coronet
Pride on the Page Book Festival
Joe's Pub
In Person
Panel: Funny Ha Ha: The Serious Art of Making Us Laugh | Chapman (Bldg. 3, Second Floor)
Learn MoreMiami Book Fair
In Person
A Murray Little Christmas -- Dec. 15-19 (6:30 p.m. on night one; 9:30 p.m. thereafter)
Learn MoreJoe's Pub
Product Details
- Publisher: Gallery Books (October 6, 2026)
- Length: 352 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668053706
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Raves and Reviews
“Reading Murray’s memoir reveals why he is so beloved: what shaped him, what influenced him, and what made him such a smart, hilarious, and much-needed presence. What a thrill for those of us who love him so to have this beautiful, honest, brave, and important book, and what a treat for those who will come to know both the legend and the person.” – Sarah Jessica Parker
“This is one Hill I’d die on.” – Amy Sedaris, New York Times bestselling author of I Like You
"We all know Murray Hill is Mr. Showbiz, but this book shows so much more. His vulnerability, his kindness, his truth. Plus a lot of showbiz, too!” – Jeff Hiller, nationally bestselling author of Actress of a Certain Age
"Laugh-out-loud ridiculous, sweet and wholesome, and heartbreakingly poignant.” – Library Journal, starred review
“A rip-roaring story of Liza-esque unsinkability from a Don Rickles–esque entertainer.” – Kirkus Reviews
“In his gritty, forthright debut, drag king Hill looks back on his tumultuous early life with humility and good humor… An effortlessly charming self-portrait.” – Publishers Weekly
“An inspiring must-read account/memoir from the Mayor of Misfits, Murray Hill. Murray’s signature warmth, heart, and humor are on every page of this book. I did not want to put it down. Bracingly honest and brutally funny, this is an essential read for anyone longing to feel seen.” – Bridget Everett, actor and voice of an angel
“At once a moving tale of survival, an invaluable history of nightlife, and eloquent proof that a chosen family can save a person’s life.” – Ada Calhoun, New York Times bestselling author of Why We Can’t Sleep
"Murray Hill is a fixture of New York cabaret-comedy nightlife scene and starred on one of the funniest and tenderest shows in recent memory, Somebody Somewhere. If you’re a sucker for an unconventional career path story told with the charm of a showman, this one’s for you." – LitHub
“One of the best living comedians just wrote the book of the year.” – Kathleen Hanna, New York Times bestselling author of Rebel Girl
“This man is a genius. This man is SHOWBIZ himself!” – Margaret Cho, comedian
“For readers of Jeff Hiller’s Actress of a Certain Age, Showbiz! is a funny, candid coming-of-middle-age tale that will delight Hill’s many fans.” – BookPage
"This fantastic story of stumbling self-awareness combines heart, wit, and humor in generous portions.” – Bay Area Reporter
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Showbiz!
Hardcover 9781668053706







