About the Book

In his powerful debut memoir, beloved comedian Murray Hill (Somebody Somewhere) opens up for the first time about how his painful past led to his unwavering commitment to spread joy—one rimshot at a time

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

OCT 6
7:30PM
In Person

In conversation with Bridget Everett & Jeff Hiller; Reception with DJ Champagne Jerry

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SVA Theatre
333 W 23rd St
New York, NY 10011
OCT 8
7:30PM
In Person

In conversation TBA

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Stissing Center for Arts & Culture
2950 Church St.
Pine Plains, NY 12567
OCT 10
7:00PM
In Person

The Kings in New York! with K. James, Mo B. Dick, Myster E Mel Kiki, and Uncle Freak

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Cutting Room
44 E 32nd St
New York, NY 10016
OCT 13
7:00PM
In Person

In conversation TBA

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Coastal Creative
2201 1st Ave
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
OCT 17
7:00PM
In Person

In conversation with Jeff Hiller

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Westport Library
20 Jesup Road
Westport, CT 06880
OCT 18
4:00PM
In Person

In conversation with Jeff Hiller

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The Foundry
2 Harris Street
PO Box 151
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
OCT 29
7:30PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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The Parkway
4814 Chicago Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55417
OCT 30
8:00PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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Atwood Music Hall
1925 Winnebago S
Madison, WI 53704
OCT 31
8:00PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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The Ark
316 S Main St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
NOV 1
7:15PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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The Den Theatre
1331 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
NOV 3
7:00PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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The Clocktower Cabaret
1601 ARAPAHOE STREET
Denver, CO 80202
NOV 4
7:30PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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Triple Door
216 Union St
Seattle, WA 98101
NOV 6
7:30PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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Polaris Hall
635 N Killingsworth Court
Portland, OR 97217
NOV 7
7:00PM
In Person

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Portland Book Festival
TBA
Portland, OR TBA
NOV 8
7:00PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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BIMBO'S 365
1025 COLUMBUS AVENUE
San Francisco, CA 94133
NOV 11
8:00PM
In Person

In conversation Kathleen Hanna

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Largo at the Coronet
366 N La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
NOV 14
4:00PM
In Person

In conversation with Tim Bagley

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Pride on the Page Book Festival
Palm Springs Cultural Center
2300 E Baristo Rd.
Palm Springs, CA 92262
NOV 21
7:00PM
In Person

Show & Talkback/signing

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Joe's Pub
425 Lafayette St.
New York, NY 10003
NOV 22
5:15PM
In Person

Panel: Funny Ha Ha: The Serious Art of Making Us Laugh | Chapman (Bldg. 3, Second Floor)

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Miami Book Fair
Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus
300 NE 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33132
DEC 15
12:00AM
In Person

A Murray Little Christmas -- Dec. 15-19 (6:30 p.m. on night one; 9:30 p.m. thereafter)

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Joe's Pub
425 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003

About the Author

Murray Hill, a.k.a. Mr. Showbiz and the self-proclaimed “hardest working middle-aged man in show business,” is a one-man entertainment machine: comedian, host, actor, writer, producer, and walking time capsule of classic showbiz charm. Television audiences know him as the lovable Fred Rococo on HBO’s award-winning Somebody Somewhere, and from his appearances on Life & Beth, Drag Me to Dinner, Elsbeth, Welcome to Flatch, and King of Drag. His campaign for Mayor of New York in 1997 was inducted into the New York Historical Society. He lives in Brooklyn. Visit him at MisterShowbiz.com.

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

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