The Legs Are the Last to Go: Aging, Acting, Marrying, and Other Things I Learned the Hard Way

by Diahann Carroll

Book Overview

It's conventional wisdom that Hollywood discriminates against women older than 40. Despite this, Carroll has had an uncoventional yet successful career including a role on Grey's Anatomy that was... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060763264
• ISBN13: 9780060763268
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Amistad Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Delightful Memoir with Words of Wisdom from a Legend

I thoroughly enjoyed Diahann Carroll's second memoir "The Legs Are the Last to Go..." Her first was published in the 80s when she was at the height of her Dynasty fame. I first learned about Diahann Carroll when I was child watching her on the opulent tv series, Dynasty. I always thought she looked so beautiful and regal. When I learned that this book was coming out, I thought it would be an interesting read. It definitely did not disappoint. Ms. Carroll outlines her life from growing up in Harlem to the experiencing success in theater and film to her re-emergence in the 80s at age 50. Not only does she highlight significant points in her career, but she also discusses the many men (and failed marriages) that have made her a much stronger woman overall. Now a woman in her 70s, Diahann Carroll looked back at her life and realized that while it was a good run, people and relationships suffered in the process. She makes a point to stress the importance of family, which is now a huge part of her life. She also learned that she doesn't have to have a man in life, a lesson that took quite a long time to learn. Overall, I thought this was a wonderful book from an African-American legend of film, theater, and tv. I highly recommend this book!

She Tells It From Her Heart

Normally, I don't read other reviews, when I'm reading a book. But, being so connected with this book, I was curious what others thought. I'm shocked by the assumptions and generalizations in some of the reviews for this book. When I saw Robin Roberts interviewing Diahann Carroll about this book, I said, "I gotta get that book. I want to know what Diahann Carroll's thoughts were, and the challenges, as well as triumps she went through." This book is wonderful, because from cover to cover, she takes readers on a journey, with strength, humility and humor. You can almost hear her voice. Often, there's not only thoughts that she expresses about her experiences. There's also thoughts that seem to come from her mind (follow up thoughts). And even though she's rooting for a different presidential candidate than who I would think she would root for, I'm happy to say that I can put that aside, and focus upon the dialogues that she has created in this great book. This book is a welcome conversation, replete with lessons for everyone, and in particular those who aspire to go well beyond now, in their life's journey - just because we all deserve to endlessly grow, with balance in our lives.

The sequel is even better

Back in the 80s when she was appearing on Dynasty ,one of the hottest shows in the country, Diahann Carroll wrote "Diahann", her first autobiography detailing her life, careers and loves up until that point. Although interesting and informative, the book's prose seemed stilted and overly dramatic at times. In addition, one got the impression that Miss Carroll was holding back in some areas perhaps over fear of repurcussions to her career. Her latest book, The Legs Are The Last To Go, is informative but even more interesting as it comes from a woman who now seems comfortable enough in her own skin to speak her mind about her 50 year career. In this book, Miss Carroll is more frank in telling her story . Her demeanor is also looser. After reading the first book, I didn't expect her to be such a funny storyteller but I found myself laughing out loud at her recollections of working with Pearl Bailey as well as a fleeting encounter with a certain music superstar of the 70s. Her recollections and updates on her relationships with her daughter and former husband Vic Damone are candid but not exploitative. Instead they reveal her emotional growth. Many readers will relate to the stories about her aging parents who she comes to recognize as flawed but good people. Even as a veteran actress, Carroll isn't totally jaded about the entertainment business. You can feel her excitement and appreciation when she writes about meeting and working with Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey's Anatomy. I strongly recommend this book. Hopefully, Miss Carroll will have more stories.

Fabulous, Fun, Informative Read For People of All Ages!

I am too young to remember Diahann from her heyday, but my mother was a fan and she was still definitely a household name for me growing up. This book not only made me laugh, it also taught me a lot about Old Hollywood, especially in its pre-politically correct days. If you like Nora Ephron's I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK, THE LEGS ARE THE LAST TO GO is similar but with more substance, and more glamour! So many entertainment legends cross these pages. It's a must read not only for Diahann's fans but all Hollywood and Broadway buffs.

I Loved It!

I've known and loved Diahann Carroll for quite some time, so I was more than happy to read "Diahann Unplugged" in The Legs Are the Last to Go! She is quite funny, always glamorous, and very honest in this memoir that covers her entire life. The photos are great, and whether you know her from Broadway, from TV, or her singing career, this is a great read!