OBSERVER: (Almost) Killing It in Hollywood
All love the stories behind Australians making it big in the huge artistic pond that is Hollywood.
But for every Hemsworth and Kidman, there is a Williams.
Ash Williams, that is, a Melbourne comedian who did indeed make it in Hollywood, but fame came at a price.
Ash’s memoir (Almost) Killing It In Hollywood takes us behind the scenes to witness the dodgy jobs and struggles that often accompany the road to success and fame.
The adage to say yes to every offer led Ash to some strange scenarios, from modelling for the cover of romance novels, to working topless in a gay bar, and posing as a fake boyfriend.
But it doesn’t stop there – Ash attempted to get into the Guinness Book of Records for an attempt at running in high heels. He topped that by becoming the star of online tickling videos.
Yes, it was fame, but more in the underbelly of Hollywood. Ash felt as if he were leading a double life, chasing the Hollywood Dream, but feeling he had to sacrifice his integrity, his dignity and even occasionally his body, in pursuit of The Dream.
Ash has written a raw and funny book, lifting the lid on what people sometimes must do to make it in America.
As a comedian, he did perform at the world-famous LA Comedy Store, and he had roles on American TV hit shows.
And of course, the whole experience gave him excellent material to write this very funny, unvarnished look at the pursuit of fame.
(Almost) Killing It In Hollywood by Ash Williams is published by Echo Publishing and available online and at Readings and other major book outlets.
Julie Houghton
Pictured: Ash Williams