Jerry Lewis
Actor
About Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis, born Joseph Levitch, was an iconic American comedian, actor, director, and humanitarian who rose to fame as part of the legendary comedy duo Martin and Lewis in the late 1940s and 1950s. After their partnership ended in 1956, Lewis embarked on a highly successful solo career, starring in and directing numerous comedy films that showcased his unique brand of physical comedy and pathos. His most acclaimed directorial work, 'The Nutty Professor' (1963), is considered a comedy masterpiece and demonstrated his sophisticated understanding of filmmaking technique. Lewis was also renowned for his annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethons, which he hosted for over 40 years, raising billions for medical research. His influence extended internationally, particularly in France where he was celebrated as 'Le Roi du Crazy' (The King of Crazy). Despite facing critical indifference in America for much of his later career, Lewis's impact on comedy and cinema was profound, influencing generations of performers from Jim Carrey to Sacha Baron Cohen. He continued performing well into his 80s, cementing his status as one of comedy's most enduring and innovative figures.
The Craft
On Screen
Lewis developed a distinctive acting style characterized by extreme physical comedy, rubber-faced expressions, and a unique blend of manic energy with underlying pathos. His performances often featured a childlike persona struggling against adult constraints, creating both humor and emotional resonance. He was a master of timing and physical transformation, able to contort his body and voice to create multiple characters within a single scene. His approach incorporated elements of vaudeville, burlesque, and silent film comedy while modernizing them for contemporary audiences. Lewis's comedy often explored themes of social awkwardness, alienation, and the desire for acceptance, making his seemingly simple comedies surprisingly complex emotionally.
Milestones
- Formed Martin and Lewis comedy duo (1946)
- Starred in 'The Nutty Professor' (1963)
- Pioneered video assist technology in filmmaking
- Hosted MDA Telethon for 44 years
- Received Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (2009)
- Honored with Governors Award by Academy of Motion Pictures (2009)
- Published bestselling autobiography 'Dean & Me' (2005)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (2009)
- Academy Governors Award (2009)
- Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award (2005)
- Venice Film Festival Career Golden Lion (1999)
- Los Angeles Film Critics Association Career Achievement Award (1984)
- American Comedy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award (1991)
- Saturn Award Best Actor (1983) for 'The King of Comedy'
Nominated
- Golden Globe Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (1965) for 'The Family Jewels'
- Golden Globe Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (1964) for 'The Nutty Professor'
- Golden Globe World Film Favorite (1967, 1968, 1969)
- Emmy Award Outstanding Variety or Musical Program (1978) for 'The Jerry Lewis Show'
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
- National Medal of Arts (1988)
- Commandeur de la Légion d'honneur (France, 2006)
- AFI Life Achievement Award (2005) nominee
- Kennedy Center Honors (2015) nominee
- French Legion of Honor
- Honorary Doctorate from several universities
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Jerry Lewis fundamentally shaped American comedy in the second half of the 20th century, pioneering a style of physical comedy that merged slapstick with emotional depth. His partnership with Dean Martin created one of entertainment's most successful duos, setting the template for comedy teams that followed. As a solo artist, Lewis's films explored themes of social alienation and identity through comedy, adding psychological complexity to the genre. His innovations in filmmaking technology, particularly the development of video assist, revolutionized how directors work on set. Lewis's annual telethons transformed celebrity philanthropy, creating a new model for cause-related entertainment that influenced countless fundraising efforts. In France, he was celebrated as an auteur director, influencing the French New Wave and earning him international acclaim that sometimes eluded him in his home country.
Lasting Legacy
Jerry Lewis's legacy encompasses his groundbreaking comedy, innovative filmmaking techniques, and unprecedented humanitarian efforts. His influence can be seen in the work of countless comedians who followed, from the physical comedy of Jim Carrey to the character-driven humor of Adam Sandler. The Nutty Professor remains one of the most influential comedies ever made, inspiring multiple remakes and demonstrating Lewis's lasting impact on popular culture. His development of video assist technology permanently changed how films are made, making him an unsung hero of technical innovation in cinema. Beyond entertainment, Lewis raised over $2.4 billion for muscular dystrophy research through his telethons, creating a lasting humanitarian legacy that saved and improved countless lives. Despite periods of critical neglect, Lewis's reputation has grown over time, with modern scholars recognizing the artistry and social commentary in his work.
Who They Inspired
Lewis's influence extends across multiple generations of comedians and filmmakers. Jim Carrey has repeatedly cited Lewis as his primary influence, particularly admiring his ability to combine physical comedy with emotional vulnerability. The Farrelly Brothers, creators of 'Dumb and Dumber,' acknowledged Lewis's impact on their comedy style. In France, directors like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard praised Lewis's directorial work, with Godard calling him 'the only one in Hollywood who's doing something different, new.' Lewis's video assist invention influenced directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. His humanitarian work inspired other celebrities to use their fame for charitable causes, creating a template for celebrity activism that continues today. Even contemporary comedians like Sacha Baron Cohen have acknowledged Lewis's influence on their approach to character-based comedy.
Off Screen
Jerry Lewis was married twice and had seven children, though he faced numerous personal tragedies including the death of his son Gary to a drug overdose in 2009. He was known for his intense work ethic and perfectionism, often working 18-hour days on his films. Lewis suffered from chronic pain for much of his life due to years of physical comedy and was addicted to prescription painkillers for a period. He was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, though his telethon methods sometimes drew criticism. In his later years, Lewis suffered from various health issues including prostate cancer and heart problems but continued to perform almost until his death.
Education
Dropped out of high school to pursue entertainment career, attended some acting classes but was largely self-taught in comedy and filmmaking
Family
- Patti Palmer (1944-1980)
- SanDee Pitnick (1983-2017)
Did You Know?
- Lewis developed the video assist system while filming 'The Bellboy' (1960), a technology now standard on film sets
- He was immensely popular in France, where he was called 'Le Roi du Crazy' (The King of Crazy)
- Lewis held the record for most films directed by one person starring in them (14 films)
- He never watched his own films after completing them
- Lewis was a classically trained pianist who could play by ear
- He suffered from chronic pain from decades of physical comedy and became addicted to prescription painkillers
- Lewis was paid $1 for directing 'The Nutty Professor' but received 50% of the profits
- He was the subject of a 2016 documentary 'Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis'
- Lewis was a regular at the Friars Club and served as its dean
- He was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work
- Lewis appeared on the cover of The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album
- He was a staunch Republican who supported Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan
In Their Own Words
I've had great success being a total idiot.
Comedy is a man plus a situation. The more pathetic the man, the funnier the situation.
I don't believe in dying. I've been through too much to die.
The trouble with the world is that everybody's about three drinks behind.
I'm a motion picture machine. I do what I'm supposed to do. I don't have time to be creative.
I'm the most creative human being on the planet. I don't even have to try.
You don't have to be a genius to be a success. You just have to be consistent.
I've been praised and I've been criticized. But I've never been ignored.
I'm a phenomenon. I'm not a person.
I'm a believer in the fact that you can't be funny unless you're tragic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jerry Lewis?
Jerry Lewis was an iconic American comedian, actor, director, and humanitarian who rose to fame as part of the comedy duo Martin and Lewis before becoming a successful solo performer. He was known for his physical comedy style, innovative filmmaking techniques, and decades-long work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethons.
What films is Jerry Lewis best known for?
Lewis is best known for his solo comedy films including 'The Nutty Professor' (1963), 'The Bellboy' (1960), 'The Ladies Man' (1961), and 'Cinderfella' (1960). He also starred in 16 films with Dean Martin, including 'At War with the Army' (1950) and 'The Stooge' (1952).
When was Jerry Lewis born and when did he die?
Jerry Lewis was born Joseph Levitch on March 16, 1926, in Newark, New Jersey, and passed away on August 20, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 91 after a long career spanning seven decades.
What awards did Jerry Lewis win?
Lewis received numerous honors including the Academy's Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the Venice Film Festival Career Golden Lion. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts and France's Legion of Honor for his contributions to entertainment and humanitarian work.
What was Jerry Lewis's acting style?
Lewis developed a distinctive style characterized by extreme physical comedy, rubber-faced expressions, and a unique blend of manic energy with underlying pathos. His performances often featured a childlike persona struggling against adult constraints, creating both humor and emotional resonance through precise timing and physical transformation.
How did Jerry Lewis influence filmmaking technology?
Lewis pioneered the development of video assist technology while filming 'The Bellboy' in 1960, creating a system that allowed directors to immediately review takes. This innovation revolutionized filmmaking and became standard equipment on virtually all film and television productions worldwide.
What was Jerry Lewis's relationship with Dean Martin?
Lewis formed one of entertainment's most successful comedy partnerships with Dean Martin from 1946 to 1956, making 16 films together and hosting popular radio and television shows. Their breakup was acrimonious and they didn't speak for 20 years until reconciling briefly in the 1970s.
How much money did Jerry Lewis raise for charity?
Through his annual Labor Day telethons for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from 1966 to 2010, Lewis raised over $2.4 billion for muscular dystrophy research and patient care, making it one of the most successful charity fundraising efforts in entertainment history.
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Films
2 films
