Harvey Fierstein was better last night

But don’t take our word for it: He’ll be the first to tell you. The actor, playwright and "Torch Street Trilogy" icon’s new memoir, “I Was Better Last Night” is out this week—and it is as wry, smart, sassy and self-aware as its title. Fierstein has had iconic roles in "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Independence Day" and "Mulan," of course. But we don’t talk about his Hollywood years here. Today we focus on the early portion of his life and career, his childhood in Bensonhurst, growing up gay in post war Brooklyn in an observant Jewish family, a brush with Andy Warhol and more.   Brooklyn news and views you can use: bkmag.com  Email: [email protected]  Follow along on Facebook: Brooklyn Magazine  Twitter: @brooklynmag  Instagram: @brooklynmagazine  Follow Brian Braiker on Twitter: @slarkpope