We Killed

We Killed is an oral history that chronicles women in comedy from the 1950s through the modern era. Through interviews with over 150 comedians, writers, producers, and industry figures, the book documents the evolution of female comics in American entertainment. The narrative traces major shifts in comedy culture decade by decade, including the club scene of the 1950s and 60s, the boom of the 1970s and 80s, and the alternative comedy movement of the 1990s. Key figures like Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Sarah Silverman, and Tina Fey share their experiences and insights in their own words. The book tackles persistent questions about gender in comedy, including whether women are "funny," how appearance impacts success, and the challenges of breaking into male-dominated spaces. Through firsthand accounts, it presents both the obstacles and triumphs of female comedians across multiple generations. Beyond chronicling individual stories, We Killed reveals broader patterns about power, representation, and creative expression in American entertainment. The collected voices demonstrate how comedy both reflects and shapes cultural attitudes about gender, while highlighting the determination required to create lasting change in the industry.

Readers found this oral history provides an inside look at women in comedy from the 1950s onward, with over 100 comedians sharing personal stories and industry experiences. Readers appreciated: - Comprehensive timeline showing evolution of female comedy - Raw, honest accounts from both famous and lesser-known performers - Behind-the-scenes details about comedy clubs and TV shows - Documentation of sexism and barriers women faced Common criticisms: - Jumps between time periods and people too frequently - Lacks depth on certain major comedians - Too much focus on stand-up vs other comedy forms - Some repetitive anecdotes As one Goodreads reviewer noted: "The format makes it feel scattered - just when you get invested in someone's story, it switches to another person." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (80+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (40+ ratings) Professional reviewers cite the book as a valuable historical record, while casual readers find the structure challenging to follow.

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🎭 Despite the book's focus on female comedians, the title "We Killed" refers to the industry phrase "killing it" or "killed it" - meaning a successful performance, and challenges the long-held myth that "women aren't funny." 🎤 The book features oral histories from over 200 interviews with comedians, club owners, and industry insiders spanning multiple generations of comedy, from the 1950s to the 2010s. 👑 Joan Rivers, who is prominently featured in the book, was the first woman to host a late-night network television talk show, though her stint on "The Late Show" lasted less than a year. 📚 Author Yael Kohen wrote the book after her 2009 Marie Claire article about female comedians generated significant discussion and debate within the entertainment industry. 🎬 The book reveals how Lily Tomlin was once fired from "The Merv Griffin Show" for refusing to perform her comedy routine from a "woman's perspective," insisting instead on performing it as simply a comedian's perspective.