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Ghetto Klown

By: John Leguizamo
Narrated by: John Leguizamo
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Publisher's summary

Ghetto Klown is autobiographical dynamite - this is Leguizamo at his scathing, honest, moving, comedic best. Among the finest portraits of an artist as a young wounded talented man as I’ve read.” (Junot Díaz)

“My main Johnny Legs has done it again...DOPENESS.” (Spike Lee)

In Ghetto Klown, celebrated performer John Leguizamo lays bare his early years in blue-collar Queens, his salvation through acting and writing, and his colorful career trajectory. He brings us onto the sets of his films opposite stars such as Al Pacino and Patrick Swayze and with directors such as Baz Luhrmann and Brian De Palma, while also opening up about his offstage life in love and marriage. In this candid memoir, Leguizamo offers a strong message of moving beyond self-doubt - and beyond the doubters - to claim some happiness.

Originally staged on Broadway in 2011, Ghetto Klown won Leguizamo Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards before being adapted into an HBO special. Now Leguizamo shares his life story in this vibrant, funny, and moving adaptation.

Includes an interview with the author!

©2015 John Leguizamo (P)2019 Abrams ComicArts
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Editorial Review

Discover the dynamic, engaging, and downright entertaining autobiographical masterpiece that is Ghetto Klown by John Leguizamo.
Leguizamo takes the listener on a journey through his life, from his working man roots as one of the few Latinos growing up in Queens, New York, to his discovery of the arts and comedy. Though he may have started as the class clown in high school, he eventually turned to stand-up, where his one-person shows gained a following. He gained confidence in acting, writing, and comedic endeavors. This audiobook is no different and channels all of his signature comedic wit and writing talent into a hilarious, insightful, and deeply personal rendition of his life and career.
Leguizamo pairs personal stories with Hollywood star anecdotes, recalling acting jobs with names like Al Pacino, Baz Luhrmann, or Patrick Swayze, and movies from his early days in Carlito's Way, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge! and Freak, to name a few. In Ghetto Klown, John Leguizamo channels all of these aspects of himself into one polished, humor-fueled story that you won't want to miss. His edginess and unique voice shine through for a truly dynamic listen.
This audiobook adaptation of his autobiography was first presented as a stage show which showcases how entertaining and full of life the story is. Now in audio format, it still holds the same excitement as Leguizamo narrates his own life, offering an authentic and heartfelt take. He is a seasoned voice actor who starred as Sid the Sloth in Ice Age and Bruno in the hit Disney film Encanto. He is also a Tony award-winning Broadway star.
This title is a love letter to the world of comedy and entertainment and a proud declaration of his heritage and background. He focuses equally on his triumphs and struggles for a story that will connect with you and move you from start to finish. —Audible Latino Editor

What listeners say about Ghetto Klown

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amazing insight

Very easy listen, funny and thoughtful, hoping to get more from John Leguizamo. selfishly wish it was longer.

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Hilariously funny

I love absolutely anything and everything this man does. Down to earth, brilliant, honest, and funny.

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Truly A Gem of a Performance!!!

I love John Leguizamo and all his performances. I laughed, and laughed and then shed a tear or two as he described his setbacks, anger, depression and his love/hate relationship with his father. Listening to his story made me realize that you have to be you. No matter what the obstacles, or setbacks, you have to live your truth. Not for others, but for you. The bonus interview at the end was a nice touch.

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John Leguizamo can do no wrong!

John Leguizamo doesn't just read this book, he performs it. Much like his one man shows, John is able to generate gripping performances all by himself that leave you captivated, whether it's a theater of a 1000 people or one person listening in their car. This semi autobiography of John's life perfectly captures his artistry and shows that homeboy really worked his ass off to make it in his industry. Overall, I can listen to this audio book over and over. John can do no wrong for me.

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Hilarious!!

I've always loved him ever since I was a kid & this was a great listen. Definitely left me wanting more😁

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Great book! Amazing point of view, especially for

Amazing book especially for us parents, talk about past and future, laugh and learn, remember our Latino history

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phenomenal

so well written, so we'll performed . very insightful and of course hysterical, John is comedy genius!!!

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Honesty in art

So honest. Speaks to us brown folks who have had to reteach ourselves how to be honest.

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John at his rawest.

Great book, quick read, once you start it will be hard for you to put it down.

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A New Latín Legend

I love the frankness, mirroring various situations many Latinos of GenX relate to & this Alpha Gen take for granted or shine light on proudly. He’s a hero to voice such truths so wittingly.

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