Fairy Tale

When he was a child, Jerry Richard Williams’ mother spent hours reading illustrated fairy tales to him and his twin sister. While his mother didn’t believe in fairy tales, she did believe in miracles from Jesus. She also enjoyed stories about Prince Charming and falling in love. So did her little boy. In Fairy Tale, Williams shares his life story, a kind of fairy tale about a career in the theater as a set and costume designer while looking for Prince Charming.

He narrates what it was like growing up gay in the heart of America’s conservative Bible belt of the 1950s. A charming, nostalgic reflection on surviving, Williams chronicles life events in his blue collar, post-war, reality. At every turn, he encounters a host of fairy godmothers and engages with legendary stars such as Merv Griffin, Myrna Loy, Esther Williams, and others.

This memoir tells the magical tale of Williams’ upbringing, schooling, career, looking for love, and overcoming challenges to manage a life well lived.