Hello, Molly!: A Memoir Book Review

Whoever said women can’t be funny has never seen Molly Shannon perform. This actress, comedienne, and Saturday Night Live alum have been making audiences laugh for more than twenty years.

Her new autobiography, entitled Hello, Molly!: A Memoir, which was co-written with Sean Wilsey, was published last month. Her life was forever changed at the age of four when her mother, younger sister, and cousin were killed in a car crash. Her father was behind the wheel. Raising his surviving daughters as best he could, Molly had a unique childhood that opened the door to her future career as a performer. While becoming a celebrated actor/comedienne, she struggled with the loss of her mother and her complicated relationship with her father.

I loved this book. It is candid, it is funny, and it speaks to the power of belief and rising above tragedy. What hooked me was her ability to deal with grief in a way that was not overpowering or stopped her from living.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

P.S. I cannot end this post without talking about my favorite character of Molly’s, Mary Katherine Gallagher. Mary Katherine was the rare comedic combination of insecure, fearless, and not afraid to be herself. The comedy love child of Lucille Ball and Chris Farley, this character never failed to make me laugh.

Hello, Molly!: A Memoir is available wherever books are sold.

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Throwback Thursday- Superstar (1999)

Over it’s forty year history, Saturday Night Live has seen introduced it’s audience to many interesting and sometimes crazy characters.

Among the few (and only female) character who has made it to the big screen is Mary Katherine Gallagher (Molly Shannon). The 1999 movie, Superstar, expanded Mary Katherine’s world from a five minute weekly sketch to a full length movie.

Mary Katherine is an orphaned high school student who has been labelled an outcast by her classmates. She has one dream: to be kissed soulfully. With the announcement of the school talent contest, Mary Katherine has only one dance partner in mind, Sky Corrigan (Will Ferrell). But Sky’s girlfriend (Elaine Hendrix) is in the way. Guided by her grandmother (Glynis Johns), Mary Katherine and her follow special ed students will put on a performance that will hopefully turn Sky’s heart and mind.

What I love about this movie is that underneath the silliness is the truth of being an social misfit in high school and having dreams, despite the obstacles that stand in front of us. Mary Katherine fervently believes in her dreams, despite what some of her classmates are saying.

I recommend this movie.

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