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About The Book

From comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalco—star of the film About My Father with Robert DeNiro—an inspiring, honest, uproarious collection of essays tracing his career from playing boxing rings and bowling alleys to reaching the pinnacles of comedy success.

At twenty-four, Sebastian Maniscalco arrived in LA with a suitcase and saved up minimum wages. He knew no one and nothing about standup comedy, but he was determined to go for it anyway.

Two decades later, he’s on the Forbes’ list of highest earning comedians, selling out arenas, and starring in numerous hit comedy specials including Why Would You Do That? and Is It Me?.

Stay Hungry tells the story of the twenty years in between. On the way from clueless rube to standup superstar, Seb was booed off stages; survived on tips and stolen food; got advice from mentors Andrew Dice Clay, Vince Vaughn, Tony Danza, and Jerry Seinfeld; fell in love; and stayed true to his Italian-immigrant roots. The one code that always kept him going: stay hungry, keep focused, never give up, and one day, you’ll make it.

About The Author

Photograph by Brian Higbee

Sebastian Maniscalco is a stand-up comedian, actor, and host of the podcast Daddy vs. Doctor. He has released numerous comedy specials, including Why Would You Do That?, Aren’t You Embarrassed?, and Is It Me?. He has been on Forbes’ “The World’s Highest Paid Comedians” list and his major motion picture portfolio includes a voice-over for character Johnny the Groundhog in the animated feature Nut Job 2 and appearances in films including The House starring Will Ferrell and Tag, starring alongside Ed Helms and Jeremy Renner. He has also appeared in the films Green Book, The Irishman, and is currently starring in About My Father with Robert DeNiro. Maniscalco is currently the cohost of SiriusXM’s popular The Pete and Sebastian Show. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Lana and their two children.

About The Reader

Photograph by Brian Higbee

Sebastian Maniscalco is a stand-up comedian, actor, and host of the podcast Daddy vs. Doctor. He has released numerous comedy specials, including Why Would You Do That?, Aren’t You Embarrassed?, and Is It Me?. He has been on Forbes’ “The World’s Highest Paid Comedians” list and his major motion picture portfolio includes a voice-over for character Johnny the Groundhog in the animated feature Nut Job 2 and appearances in films including The House starring Will Ferrell and Tag, starring alongside Ed Helms and Jeremy Renner. He has also appeared in the films Green Book, The Irishman, and is currently starring in About My Father with Robert DeNiro. Maniscalco is currently the cohost of SiriusXM’s popular The Pete and Sebastian Show. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Lana and their two children.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (February 27, 2018)
  • Length: 320 pages
  • Runtime: 7 hours and 33 minutes
  • ISBN13: 9781508255413

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Raves and Reviews

Even though Sebastian says that "comedy can't be learned, it is an experience you must endure," there's an awful lot to learn in this book. Not only for comics but for all performers. A really good read from beginning to end and some laughs along the way.

– Tony Danza

By one of the funniest men alive, this is a textbook on how to keep fighting when everything is telling you to go home. I love this book. It is a love story - the love of comedy. It will inspire you.

– Danny Aiello

Having sat down to a few meals with Sebastian myself, I can attest to the fact that food is his first language and comedy is his second (with wine coming in a close third). This book does a great job of intertwining all three with the compelling and inspiring story of his rise to the top of the comedy world.

– J. J. Watt

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