Arsenio

A Memoir

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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.

Good job

He did it his way. This book answered so many questions. Worth reading. Arsenio gave breaks to so many black people Bravo

Kept my interest the whole time

It flowed. It was historical. He is very witty and clever. It cleared up some misconceptions I had about some famous people. Very well done 👍🏾

The REAL story

I love the book, well told, written & of course, narrated. Celebrities amaze me at how they get allll into the private & personal lives of others but when it comes to their lives they go to great lengths to maintain their privacy.

He got busy

What a joy to hear Arsenio's POV about his life and career. For me, it was worth the time. I appreciate the laughter, tears and honesty. I wish Arsenio and his family all best . Thank you for pursuing your dream, no matter the cost. It was truly delightful to witness the highlights vicariously.

I love it

This book is everything for the culture! Thank You Sir. Thank you again for letting me in. Thank you for taking in the brunt of the pain for the culture.
Thank you for sharing your experience