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That's What I Am

That's What I Am
Your Price: $32.95 CDN
Limited Quantities
Author: Al Waxman
Publisher: Malcolm Lester Books
Format: Hardcover
# of Pages: 442
Pub. Date: 1999
ISBN-10: 1894121260
ISBN-13: 9781894121262

About the Book:

HARD TO FIND BOOK, only a very limited number of copies are still available.

Al Waxman, star of television, radio, movies and theatre, is forever imprinted on the collective Canadian consciousness as lovable Kensington Market shopkeeper Larry King in the King of Kensington, one of CBC-TV's first successful sitcoms, and is best known in the U.S. as Jack Adams in Net Worth, and as Lt. Bert Samuels, the boss in the "female buddy" police series Cagney & Lacey. The authenticity of Waxman's performance was recognised when the New York City Police Department made him an honorary lieutenant in 1986. He was one of those rare actors who seems to become the character he is playing. In this moving and beautifully-crafted autobiography, Al Waxman reveals himself so completely that we truly meet the man behind the characters we know so well.

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, he trained with famed acting teacher Lee Strasberg at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. As a student at the London School of Film Technique, he also learned the skills that would enable him to write, produce, and direct. Dedicated to the development of the TV and film industry in Canada, Al Waxman's tough-minded philosophy pervades this honest, often poignant, autobiography. He was awarded the Order of Ontario in 1996, the Order of Canada in 1997 and Canadian television's Gemini lifetime achievement award in 1998.

He writes with love and humour about expanding his activities to include directing and acting in live theatre. In 1997, he debuted to rave reviews at the Stratford Festival in Ontario as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. In 1999, he appeared in Winnipeg and Toronto, in a starring role in Neil Simon's Proposals. In 2000, he directed The Diary of Anne Frank at Stratford.

From a two-room walk-up on Spadina Avenue near Kensington Market in Toronto to a successful career in show business, Al Waxman travelled far in life, but he always remained true to himself. That's What I Am is the story of how he did it.

What people say:

"An honest and heartfelt account of a Canadian entertainment icon. [That's What I Am] is a great story about what it takes to 'make it and keep making.' I found Al Waxman's book to be moving, instructive and fun to read." — Atom Egoyan

"This memoir is filled with intriguing backstage tales from one of Canada's greatest performers. The 'King's' story confirms his per-eminent role in crafting this country's cultural coming of age." — Pamela Wallin

"A remarkably honest, revealing portrait of a true Canadian star triumphing over his sensitivities and uncertainties. A fascinating read." — Knowlton Nash

About the Author:

Albert Samuel Waxman (1935-2001) was a Canadian actor and director. Best known for his starring roles in the television series King of Kensington (CBC) and Cagney & Lacey (CBS), he worked in England, the United States and Canada on more than 1,000 productions, either as an actor director in film, television, radio and theatre. In addition, he devoted almost and equal amount of time to community and charitable causes and served on boards of several cultural institutions.