As a little boy, I loved watching comedians – both old and young. In my office, I even have a wall filled with pictures of Red Skelton, Milton Berle, Buddy Hackett, Sid Caesar, Jackie Gleason, Laurel and Hardy, Dick Van Dyke, Phil Silvers, Don Rickles, and George Carlin. But the prime spot on that wall has always belonged to Jerry Lewis. I can assure you, this was no accident.
For an entire generation… or two, Jerry Lewis became easy fodder for the people who didn’t like him. Let’s just say he became a bit unfiltered, so he was an easy mark for those who just didn’t understand him. But if you think Jerry Lewis was not one of the greatest performers of all time, you missed a few things.
- If all you saw were his last few Muscular Dystrophy telethons, with obscure guests on an obsure channel, you missed decades of telethons that simultaneously took over every major network. Each telethon showcased the greatest stars from multiple generations.
- If all you saw was a man who was never nominated for an Academy Award, you missed the part about him being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his five decades spent raising funds to combat muscular dystrophy. Lee Jolles, my father, told me on more than once occasion: “You don’t give with your checkbook; you give with your time.” Jerry gave of his time for close to 70 years and raised over 1.5 billion dollars to help fight this terrible disease.
- If all you saw was an actor in some old movies, you missed the part about him opening up doors for countless other actors and comedians to write, direct, and star in their own movies. He invented, and received a patent for, the Video Assist, which allowed directors to see instantly what they are filming.
- If all you saw was a director who only knew how to direct his own form of comedic movies, you missed the part about him teaching other directors at the University of California with students that included Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
- If all you saw was a man who made a string of B movies with his comedic partner Dean Martin, you missed the part about a comedic team that went on to have to #1 television show, #1 record, #1 radio show, #1 movie, and #1 nightclub act… simultaneously!
I “met” Jerry Lewis two times in my life. Once was on Broadway, when he was performing the role of the devil in “Damn Yankees.” Oh, we didn’t quite meet in person, but I watched him perform in a show I had performed in twice myself. He nailed the lead in that musical, and it was unforgettable. I was in awe.
The second “meeting” was about a year and a half ago at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. He was performing in his one-man show. He sauntered out onto the stage and said, “I turn 90 in a week. Is it okay if I sit down?” Again, I didn’t quite meet him in person, but watching him crush that show by narrating key comedic scenes in his life, and mixing in a few classic jokes from the past, was mesmerizing.
For a treat, and a walk down memory lane, here’s Jerry in one of my favorite bits.
Was he a man without flaws? No. Few of us are. Hearing Rob Schneider refer to Lewis & Martin as, “the Beatles of comedy,” and seeing Jim Carrey’s tweet of “I am because he was!” says it all. As for me, the world feels a little less funny today. Quite simply, Jerry Lewis taught a five-year-old boy how to laugh, and how to make others laugh. My comedic idol has left this earth, but I’d like to think that a little bit of Jerry Lewis lives on in all of us. Let’s honor him by learning and applying the lessons he taught us. Let’s try to give of our time to help those less fortunate. Let’s be creative and unafraid to push the boundaries a bit. Let’s work hard and above all else, let’s never be afraid to let out that inner child who lives in each one of us. RIP Jerry.
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There have been some great tributes to JL this week. I’ve blurted out “Hey Laaaaady” numerous times in his honor. He should have received the NPP decades ago. Thanks for the wonderful tribute.
I saw him shout out his catch phrase in Damn Yankees! I’ll have you know he was not exactly breaking character – it was his actual line in the play. But he did lean on it for about five seconds too long. The place went nuts! Thanks for posting Fred.
Thank you for championing him, Rob. Very intelligent piece, in my opinion.
He was my champion. There will never be another and I suppose that’s the fate of true originals. Thank you so much for posting Laurie!
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to a wonderful man who made so many laugh. We all know that “laughter is the best medicine” and I hope people will take your advice both on helping others and letting their inner child out! Happy Weekend! Beverley
I hope so too. I heard him interviewed once and the reporter asked him about how old that inner child voice that he did was supposed to be. He replied, “eleven” That’s a great age; let’s all get in touch with that one! Thanks for posting and reminding us bout the best medicine on the planet.
Your tribute was so nice that I decided to post your picture up on my wall. Gary
I hope it’s a picture of me from my right side – it’s my better side… knucklehead! 🙂 Thanks for posting Gary!
Rob – Thanks for such a wonderful tribute to one of my favorite personalities ever. I too watched Jerry as a kid and was mesmerized by his physical comedic talents. I also respected his avant garde way of doing things and approaching life. Best wishes, Wayne
Sometimes geniuses are a bit misunderstood, and YES, Jerry WAS a genius. He did things his way and those with very sophisticated senses of humor, or perhaps those that just wanted to throw caution to the wind and laugh, got it! Thanks for posting Wayne.
This was a wonderful article, Rob, and I really enjoyed it. We know it was never popular to love this guy unless you were French, but he always made me laugh out loud. Whether watching retrospectives on comedy today, or having watched him ‘back in the day,’ his comedic timing and totally nerdy goofiness always come through. And yes, I can see he may have influenced you; guess that’s why I always enjoy your stand-up routines too! 🙂 Take care; hope all is well.
Nancy
“Totally nerdy goofiness” – now THAT captures Jerry Lewis! Not only did he influence me, apparently he did it for a long time. I have been hearing from friends who knew me in first grade who saw me do my Jerry impressions back then! I just saw the movie, The Caddy last night, and I’m all tuned up for my next appearance. 🙂 Thanks for posting Nancy!
Great read with a beautiful and inspirational ending!
That inspirational ending belongs to Jerry. I was just borrowing it from what he taught us all. Thanks so much for posting Hui.
Rob – I hope I get to interact with you 100,000 more times. Every time I will think of a great person (Jerry Lewis) and a darn fine person (Rob Jolles). Thanks for reminding me of two special people.
100,000 times might be ambitious, but at least you’ll understand where some of my “nerdy goofiness” comes from. I deeply appreciate the kind words. Thanks so much for posting Mark.
Rob, like you, I also “met” Jerry Lewis at damn Yankees and the “Hellzapoppin” performance at the National Theatre. I couldn’t wait to see him in person, since all my life he was THE king of comedy for me.
Just think Rob, if it weren’t for the Jerry Lewis tribute a few months ago at AFI, two of his biggest fans who also share the same occupation . might not have met….Thanks to Jerry Lewis, I have a wonderful friend and mentor in Rob Jolles…
Don’t forget Rob, we still have a bet on for the who finds the next Jerry Lewis film tribute…wherever .and whenever..
I plan to win that one!!!
You’ve already lost that bet. I watched The Caddy with my daughter at home; I just failed to invite you! Great movie, I believe, the best of Lewis and Martin. Thanks for the kind words, and posting Dennis.