Chris Kattan has defied comparison, expectations and sometimes gravity with his inimitable style of physical comedy. By creating some of the most memorable "Saturday Night Live" characters, as well as his many roles in film and television, Kattan has remained one of the most fearless and versatile comedians in the world.
Not long after Chris was labeled one of the improv group Groundlings' "must-see" performers in the company, he was cast on "SNL" - and within the first six weeks, Chris's film career also took off.
Now, for the first time, Kattan opens up about eight seasons on "SNL", performing alongside friends and future legends including Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey, and guest hosts from Charlize Theron to Tom Hanks to David Bowie. He also shares stories of his unusual childhood (involving a secluded mountain with zen monks) with Leonard Cohen and Alan Watts. "Baby, Don't Hurt Me" offers an unprecedented look into Chris's life, from his fascinating relationship with Lorne Michaels, a private Valentine's Day dinner with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, an unforgettable flight with Beyoncé and even breaking his neck on live television.
"Baby, Don't Hurt Me" is a candid revealing memoir from a timeless comedian and a window into the world of millennium-era "SNL", from the rehearsals to the after-after parties, as narrated by your hilarious and inspiring friend - who just so happened to be there for all of it.
I recently watched A Night at the Roxbury (I've seen it a few times). When I came across this memoir, I was still kind of in a Roxbury state of mine so thought I'd check it. I know of Chris Kattan from A Night at the Roxbury but hadn't really watched much of Saturday Night Live by the time he was on it ... I was a fan when it first came on but lost interest as I thought it had gone downhill over the years (I don't find it all that funny when I occasionally watch it now).
I found it surprisingly I like it more than I thought it would. I thought Kattan had an interesting story to tell. His parents split up when he was young and he was raised in two worlds ... his mother and stepfather's world was in a Zen environment living on a mountain and his father's world was in the entertainment field.
Because I had pretty well tuned out of Saturday Night Live by the time he was on, I found myself Googling and looking for the bits he talked about when he did his characters and with the various guest hosts.
I like reading memoirs, especially in the entertainment world to get the behind the scenes scoop on different shows and personalities. It was interesting to find out who Kattan had relationships and friendships with. I liked the writing style and found it at times humorous. As a heads up, there is swearing.
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