Tiffany Haddish's memoir The Last Black Unicorn is a riveting and hilarious look at how she's evolved from a miserable, neglected childhood to become one of America’s hottest comedians. Tiffany’s story is an inspiring tale of determination, resilience and joy.
The Last Black Unicorn reveals Tiffany’s unique personality and perspective on life, a blend of self-deprecation and razor-sharp wit. She begins by taking readers back to her childhood in South Central Los Angeles and her difficult family life. Her mother was mentally unwell and often violent which meant Tiffany had to take responsibility for herself, her siblings and her mother’s wellbeing from a very young age. This challenging upbringing shaped her sense of humour and her identity as an outsider.
Despite these challenges, Tiffany held on to her ambitions and drove herself to become a successful actor and comedian. Her journey of self-discovery is full of funny anecdotes and sage advice, which she shares in between stories about her struggles with racism, sexism and poverty.
Tiffany also vents her frustrations about being overlooked by Hollywood. She recounts her audition experiences and how she was often ignored by white casting directors and producers. She also describes the lack of creative and business opportunities that exist for female comedians of color in comparison to white comedians.
Along with the personal stories, Tiffany also offers mordant insight and incisive critiques of disparities within the entertainment industry. From the frequently limited roles for black actors to the lack of opportunities for the female comedians, Tiffany makes the reader reflect on how far the entertainment industry has come, and yet how much is still to be done to bring real equality.
At its core, The Last Black Unicorn is a story of resilience and determination in the face of profound adversity. It’s a raw, audacious and often humorous account of a woman defining her own path to success. It’s also a powerful reminder of the discrimination many black and female comedians face while attempting to break into the business.
Tiffany’s frank, funny memoir shows how the most salient lesson she’s learnt is to never give up and to continue to be true to oneself. By doing so, she has managed to defy the odds and become a celebrated comic phenomenon. The Last Black Unicorn is a worthy representation of the power of dreams and courage, as well as an important lesson in perseverance.
