Comedian Rob Delaney To Release Memoir On The Death Of His Son

Actor and comedian Rob Delaney lost his two-year-old son Henry to brain cancer in 2018. At the time, the co-star of the Channel 4 sitcom Catastrophe revealed that his family was heartbroken by the toddler's death and how the tragedy had also significantly impacted his mental health.

Henry had previously had surgery and therapy to remove a brain tumor when he was one year old in 2016. The tumor had left him with serious physical impairments, but he had learned to adapt before the illness returned and claimed his life.

Now, the comedian is set to publish a memoir about his ordeal through that time, not just in remembrance of his kid but also to bring attention to the experiences of grieving parents and siblings.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the BAFTA-winning actor explained his inspiration for writing the memoir about his experience with Henry's sickness, which culminated in the child's death from the brain ailment.

"Any time I've spoken or written publicly about Henry, countless people have gotten in touch with me and said how much it helped them," he told the publication. "That's not because I'm anything special, it's because I'm giving voice to the experience of bereaved parents and siblings."

Delaney told THR that though the upcoming literary project requires far less collaboration than the film and television productions he's used to, he has nevertheless found pleasure in penning down his thoughts on his experience.

"Even though I'm alone as I write, I'm accompanied by beautiful memories of Henry," he said. "And because I've had the massive good fortune to have other things I've written get published or broadcast on television, I know that the book actually will be read. Even if it's just by 11 other bereaved parents."

Delaney's forthcoming memoir "A Heart That Works" will chronicle the battle to help Henry beat brain cancer, particularly shedding light on the brutality of childhood cancer treatments for the patient and his immediate family.

The new book will also take readers on the comedian's search for peace following Henry's death, which has left him emotionally devastated. Delaney is still unsure about relaying this story at the time of writing, but he intends to use his feelings to aid grieving parents.

"Time will tell if I'm ready to tell this story," Delaney continued. "But any time I can help this community that I still can't believe I'm a part of, it's an honor to do so. The honor and my love of Henry — and his mom and brothers — mingle together in a way that feels right."

"A Heart That Works" will also throw back on Delaney's family migration from Los Angeles to London and the comedian's rise to fame following the success of his feature in the Amazon Prime series.

Delaney took to his Instagram page to inform his loyal fans that the book was now available for preorder. The memoir is slated to drop on November 29 in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook voiced by the 45-year-old.

"Americans can now preorder my new book at the link in my bio," the comedian captioned his post that announced the debut date of the book. "I will also record the audiobook version, which will come out the same day."

Fans then posted encouraging messages in the comment section, promising to get copies of the book when it publishes.

"I always think of Henry when I brush my son's hair. You described it so beautifully in an interview I heard. I'll look forward to reading about you both when it reaches our shores," one fan said.

"Well, everything you've shared on the topic so far has been beautiful and devastating, so I'll be sure to grab this ASAP. Thanks for continuing to share, can't be easy," another fan wrote.

"A Heart That Works" will be published by Julie Grau of the newly relaunched Spiegel and Grau, who first worked with Delaney in 2013 on his previous humor-filled memoir Rob Delaney: Mother. Wife. Sister. Human. Warrior. Falcon. Yardstick. Turban. Cabbage

"As a writer, Rob has the unique ability to conjure absurdity and profundity in a single breath,' said Grau. "It has never been used to greater effect than in writing about his family's tragedy. The raw truth in these pages will speak to every reader and leave you changed in your perspective about the worst, and the best, life has to offer."

Delaney is represented by Meredith Miller at United Talent Agency, working in partnership with Avalon. The book's UK distribution rights were obtained by publishing firm Coronet, and it will be released in mid-October, a few weeks before its US release.