People I’ve Known and Been: Little by Little

Easily the most famous impressionist in comedy history, Rich Little has built a career out of studying other people and mining their lives and filmographies for unexpected comedic depths. Although Mr. Little’s accomplishments — and impressions of many celebs who have since passed or fallen from superstardom — don’t resonate quite as strongly these days, there’s no denying either his legacy or his impact on the world of comedy.

In People I’ve Known and Been, Little himself tells his story, exploring his long road to success and some of the amazing people he had the privilege to meet and get to know along the way. More a collection of favorite anecdotes with beloved friends and admired celebs than a biography, this memoir is a celebration of those Little credits for his success rather than a celebration of his own success. It’s a marvelously humble take on the traditional biography.

Loaded with photos and fun memories, this book will appeal to any comedy fan with an appreciation for days past as well as any fan of golden-age Hollywood. Some of the references might be dated, but it’s still a great read.