Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis (born Joseph Levitch; March 16, 1926 – August 20, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, singer and humanitarian who was famously nicknamed "The King of Comedy", with a career lasting over eight decades. He appeared in more than 59 motion pictures, including the first sixteen films with his partner, singer Dean Martin, during their act as Martin and Lewis.
Jerry Lewis | |
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Lewis in 1957 | |
| Born | Joseph Levitch March 16, 1926 Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | August 20, 2017 (aged 91) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1931–2017 |
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| Children | 8, including Gary |
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| Notable works and roles | Prof. Julius F. Kelp and Buddy Love in The Nutty Professor |
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As a solo leading star, he acted in Cinderfella (1960), The Bellboy (1960), The Errand Boy (1961), The Ladies Man (1961), It's Only Money (1962), The Nutty Professor (1963), Who's Minding the Store? (1963), The Patsy (1964), The Disorderly Orderly (1964) and The Family Jewels (1965). He portrayed Jerry Langford in Martin Scorsese's drama The King of Comedy (1982) earning a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination. He was also an early and prominent user of video assist, while as film director, producer and screenwriter.
For television, Lewis hosted the variety and talk program The Jerry Lewis Show from 1963 to 1984 and the annual Labor Day telecast The Jerry Lewis Telethon, benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) from 1966 to 2010. His work won him several accolades, including two stars on the Walk of Fame. Lewis performed in concert stages, nightclubs and audio recordings.
Lewis appearing in at least 117 film and television productions. France bestowed on Lewis the Legion of Honor. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. He is described as one of the greatest comedians of the 20th century.