Perhaps best known for his first theatrical monologue, 1985's Swimming to Cambodia
(which later became a surprisingly successful film, directed by Jonathan Demme), Gray followed Cambodia
with many more autobiographical performances, including Monster in a Box
and Slippery Slope
(and many film appearances) until his suicide at age 62 in spring 2004. A traumatic automobile accident in 2001 had left him severely depressed—this, and the hospital stay that followed, is the subject of the unfinished monologue that makes up only a short part of this memorial volume. Introduced by novelist Francine Prose in a graceful essay citing Gray's "unlikely and hilarious pilgrim's progress," the book includes short eulogies by some of Gray's many friends in memorial services at Lincoln Center and in Sag Harbor, his home. Many are from figures in the world of books and publishing—his agent, Suzanne Gluck; novelist A.M. Homes; essayist Roger Rosenblatt—others from show biz, like Laurie Anderson, John Perry Barlow, Eric Bogosian, Eric Stoltz and many more. This is an unusual book to put out as a trade edition and indicates the affection and esteem Gray commanded. (Oct.)
