Book Description
This is the first biography of the last surviving member of Hollywood's illustrious Rat Pack, Joey Bishop.

From the Inside Flap
Mouse in the Rat Pack is the first biography of Joey Bishop, the last surviving member of Hollywood's illustrious Rat Pack. Guided by close friend Frank Sinatra, the sad-faced Bishop (once dubbed "The Frown Prince of Comedy") rose at lightning speed from a struggling south Philadelphia nightclub comic to the pinnacle of show-biz preeminence. Throughout the 1960s, Bishop was the most popular comedian in America. He headlined his own network sitcom, The Joey Bishop Show, for four successful seasons; emceed John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural gala; and made frequent appearances as guest host of The Tonight Show. Bishop starred with compatriots Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Peter Lawford in a succession of blockbuster buddy movies, and headlined Vegas-with the Rat Pack and on his own-earning millions and keeping America laughing with his self-effacing humor. His sardonic wit propelled his "smart" comedy act into the epitomoe of show-biz cool. This candid biography examines Bishop's life in detail through information gathered from the author's archival research and exclusive interviews with members of the show business community as well as various actors, performers, managers, and agents who relate unique, behind-the-scenes stories about Bishop. Mouse in the Rat Pack covers the full breadth of Bishop's career, including the difficult lean years after the movie offers dried up and he was relegated to being a celebrity game-show contestant and a character actor in a forgetable televsion series. The author's extensive use of personal interviews and primary source materials paints a vivid and telling portrait of Bishop-the man whom Sinatra called "The Hub of the Big Wheel" since he anchored the group onstage and off.

About the Author
Michael Seth Starr, TV columnist for The New York Post, is frequently featured on the syndicated entertainment news-magazines Access Hollywood, Inside Edition, and Extra. Residing in New Jersey, his previous books include Art Carney: A Biography and Peter Sellers: A Film History.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mouse in the Rat Pack is the first biography of Joey Bishop, the last surviving member of Hollywood's illustrious Rat Pack. Guided by close friend Frank Sinatra, the sad-faced Bishop (once dubbed "The Frown Prince of Comedy") rose at lightning speed from as struggling south Philadelphia nightclub comic to the pinnacle of show-biz preeminence.

Throughout the 1960's, Bishop was the most popular comedian in America. He headlined his own network sitcom, The Joey Bishop Shoe, for four successful seasons; emceed John F. Kennnedy's 1961 insugural gala; and made frequent appearances as guest host of the Tonight Show. Bishop starred with compatriots Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Peter Lawford in a succession of blockbuster buddy movies, and headlined Vegas - with the Rat Pack and on his own - earning millions and keeping American laughing with his self-effacing humor. His sardonic with propelled his "smart" comedy act into the epitome of show-biz cool.

This candid biography examines Bishop's life in detail through information gathered fron the author's archival research and exclusive interviews with members of the show business community as well as various actors, performers, managers, and agents who relate unique, behind-the-scenes stories about Bishop.

Mouse in the Rat Pack covers the full breadth of Bishp's career, including the difficult lean years after the movie offers dried up and he was relegated to being a celebrity actor in a forgettable television series. The author's extensive use of personal interviews and primary source materials paints a vivid and telling portrait of Bishop - the man whom Sinatra called "The Hub of the BigWheel" since he anchored the group onstage and off.