Product Description

In the summer of 1999, David Lander revealed publicly that he suffers from multiple sclerosis-a secret he'd kept for fifteen years even while living and working in Hollywood's celebrity fishbowl. Diagnosed with the illness after filming the last episode of Laverne and Shirley, Lander continued to develop his film and television career while hiding his illness. His success was an astonishing testament to his physical and emotional strength and his determination to prove that those with M.S. can still enjoy fulfilling and challenging lives.

Fall Down, Laughing is the humorous and poignant story of Lander's courageous struggle with multiple sclerosis. Over the years, Lander tried everything to improve his condition: exercise programs, alternative medicine, support groups, the latest crop of designer drugs. Weaving his experiences against a backdrop of entertaining celebrity anecdotes, Lander offers a message of affirmation that will provide information and hope to millions of M.S. sufferers, their friends and caregivers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #315561 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

About the Author
Best known for his portrayal of the character "Squiggy" on the sitcom Laverne and Shirley (1976-1983), David Lander has appeared in feature films including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, A League of Their Own, and A Bug's Life. He has guest-starred on more than thirty television shows, including Mad About You, Twin Peaks, and Pacific Blue. A lifelong baseball fan, he is a scout for the Anaheim Angels and part owner of the Portland Beavers, a Minor League ballclub. In addition to his active film and television career, Lander is the Goodwill Ambassador for the National M.S. Society.

Customer Reviews

Been There Done That
Fall Down, Laughing is not only an informative book but one that will make people understand that having MS does not take away your humor. The book is realistic in the way it portrays the disease. yet it shows that the diagnosis is not the end of a persons life or career for that matter. From someone who has suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for eighteen year, raised a wonderful family and was able to continue working, I personally found this real-life account of someone who has been through it all, refreshing and very accurate. I would encourage anyone who has MS or is a family member of an MS patient to read this brave story, written by one who shares our circumstances.

Inspiring, Heartfelt and truly Funny
Leave it to David Lander to show you the funny side of a chronic condition. I read this book mainly on the subway to and from work and the passengers probably thought I was mad laughing at a book were the title contained the word "Multiple Sclerosis". If they only knew how he presented MS in this book, they'd be laughing too.

This book was better than I expected. Most biographies I read about people with illness starts in adult hood and doesn't really build up their character. David started in way before he became "Squiggy". I liked this approach because it made him seem more `common' as opposed to the non-attainable celebrity type.

At the point in time I was yet undiagnosed with any illness. It turned out I had another illness, although the one I do have may develop into MS one day. This book made me feel better about whatever I was about to face.

It was real, heartfelt and honest. David is inspiring and sharing his story in the way he did makes him even more loveable. Thanks David.

Fianlly, laughing at MS!
Finally, there's a comical side of MS! I started reading the book during a recent MS flare-up; even though I thought I'd started feeling worse both physically and mentally, I think this book was the best medicine I could've hoped for! Your comedy and writing are incredible. Thanks, David, for all you do for us MSer's!!