Born with Teeth: A Memoir

Kate Mulgrew

Apr 2015 · Sold by Little, Brown

About this ebook

Raised by unconventional Irish Catholics who knew "how to drink, how to dance, how to talk, and how to stir up the devil," Kate Mulgrew grew up with poetry and drama in her bones. But in her mother, a would-be artist burdened by the endless arrival of new babies, young Kate saw the consequences of a dream deferred.

Determined to pursue her own no matter the cost, at 18 she left her small Midwestern town for New York, where, studying with the legendary Stella Adler, she learned the lesson that would define her as an actress: "Use it," Adler told her. Whatever disappointment, pain, or anger life throws in your path, channel it into the work.

It was a lesson she would need. At twenty-two, just as her career was taking off, she became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter. Having already signed the adoption papers, she was allowed only a fleeting glimpse of her child. As her star continued to rise, her life became increasingly demanding and fulfilling, a whirlwind of passionate love affairs, life-saving friendships, and bone-crunching work. Through it all, Mulgrew remained haunted by the loss of her daughter, until, two decades later, she found the courage to face the past and step into the most challenging role of her life, both on and off screen.

We know Kate Mulgrew for the strong women she's played -- Captain Janeway on Star Trek ; the tough-as-nails "Red" on Orange is the New Black. Now, we meet the most inspiring and memorable character of all: herself. By turns irreverent and soulful, laugh-out-loud funny and heart-piercingly sad, Born with Teeth is the breathtaking memoir of a woman who dares to live life to the fullest, on her own terms.

Ratings and reviews

As hard as I may have tried, I simply could not put it down! Mulgrew writes with a singular clarity of thought and form that makes it impossible to resist being swept away into her story. At first her style was some what startling to me. It seemed so frank, and yet, so romanticized. Don't resist. Just let yourself be taken for the ride. In addition, Mulgrew doesn't indulge in that time honored industry tradition of incessant name dropping, which too often plagues memoirs like this. Every name, every happening, every detail is essential to the telling and each event pours seamlessly into the other. It's funny, heart rending, romantic and inspiring. This book will leave you with nothing but respect and admiration for Kate Mulgrew's determination, ambition and talent. A Side Note Regarding the Title: I am 20 years old and when I shared with my friends the title of this book, we did not hesitate to guffaw. We readily make fun of anything that takes itself too seriously, as this title appeared to, but after reading this book, I believe this title completely and absolutely appropriate. It portrays a life of excitement, adversity and courage in the face of it all. I am proud to say that Born With Teen is on of my favorite books and that Kate Mulgrew is a women that I look up to, am empower by, and seek to emulate as I grow into womanhood.

As an author and writer myself, I can right fully say that this book is exceptionally well written. Kate expresses herself with intelligence, and candor while using a style that is unique and engaging. My hat goes off to Kate Mulgrew in a symbolic gesture of respect.

Ms. Mulgrew takes you on a journey from her years as a child, through the teens, to young womanhood-- through the roller coaster of life and how to strive to be better than yesterday...beautifully written and loved every minute!!! My question, now is, will there be a sequel?

About the author

Kate Mulgrew is an American actress noted for her roles as Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager, Mary Ryan on Ryan's Hope, and, most recently, Galina "Red" Reznikov on Orange Is the New Black. She has performed in numerous television shows, theater productions, and movies. She is the winner of a Golden Satellite Award, a Saturn Award, and an Obie Award and has been nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy.