Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis lived from 1926 to 2017, a career spanning 73 years. Their work continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
A member of the Silent Generation generation, Jerry Lewis was born in 1926 in Newark, New Jersey, USA and went on to become a celebrated Actor.
Jerry Lewis (March 16, 1926 – August 20, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, film producer, writer, film director and singer. He is best-known for his slapstick humor in stage, radio, screen, recording and television. Lewis is also known for his charity fund-raising telethons and position as national chairman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Lewis won several awards for lifetime achievements from The American Comedy Awards, The Golden Camera, Los Angeles Film Critics Association,
"Jerry Lewis's career defining moment was arguably his legendary partnership with Dean Martin, which exploded in popularity from 1946 to 1956." — About Jerry Lewis
| Metric | Jerry Lewis | Avg Actor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 91 | 53 | +38 yrs |
| Career length | 73 yrs | ~35 yrs | +38 yrs |
| Based on 3888 Actor profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Jerry Lewis
Did you know that Jerry Lewis was awarded the French Légion d'honneur, France's highest honor, in 1984, reflecting his esteemed status as an auteur in European cinema?
- Born Joseph Levitch, he began performing at age five, often alongside his vaudevillian parents.
- He and Dean Martin formed their legendary comedy duo after a last-minute replacement act in 1946.
- Lewis pioneered the use of video assist technology in filmmaking, allowing him to review takes instantly on set.
- He was highly revered in France, where critics and filmmakers considered him an important auteur.
- Lewis taught a film class at USC for years, with students including Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
Jerry Lewis's career defining moment was arguably his legendary partnership with Dean Martin, which exploded in popularity from 1946 to 1956. Their unique blend of Martin's smooth crooning and Lewis's manic slapstick captivated audiences on stage, radio, and film, making them one of the most successful comedy duos in history.
Jerry Lewis left an indelible mark on comedy and filmmaking, influencing generations with his innovative slapstick and pioneering directorial techniques. Beyond entertainment, his tireless dedication to the Muscular Dystrophy Association created a lasting philanthropic legacy.