He was not everyone's cup of tea and he loved chewing the scenery. But he took comedy from a '50's place into a more modern era quite handily. And you had to love his stories and rants at the close of the telethon. "Hey, lady!!"
Jerry was said to be a complete grouch most the time, when off stage, especially in his later years, but one has to give him credit for knowing how to make an entertaining movie. Not all were great pieces of art, but most were money makers, and in show business, money matters, sometimes more than talent. Jerry became very experienced in set design, and camera work. influencing many who came after him.
One of his most fun characters 'The Nutty Professor' was redone quite well by Eddie Murphy. It's hard work being funny as a career. Not everything can remain spontaneous. You have to do the boring thing and get organized in your thoughts. Jerry was a very interesting movie star, back when we really had Movie Stars.
Agreed. I've been a Jerry fan for most of my life. Simply an American Icon--a wonderful philanthropist; in his later years, he gave more time to MDA than his own career. Though downright rude to some, he also recognized talent when he saw it, lauding Kevin Pollack, Gilbert Gottfried, Robert DeNiro, Jerry Seinfeld, Don Rickles...and, of course, he was very close friends with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean (Martin). Telethon '76 (the reunion) was a historic TV and pop-culture event. It will never be matched, as that "Vegas" part of celebrity and entertainment, the Rat Pack era, is long gone but certainly not forgotten.
Kudos Mr. Lieberman for your tireless fight for journalistic integrity and sensibility in this very chaotic and troubling time. (SFState, '92)
Agreed. Jerry was an American icon; his philanthropic work for MDA often surpassed his movie and television career. Though rude and bombastic, selfish and egotistical at times, he also cared deeply about so much, so many. He lauded contemporaries and rising stars alike: Kevin Pollack, Gilbert Gottfried, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert DeNiro, etc., while maintaining close friendships with Sammy (Davis Jr.) and Dean (Martin). One of a kind! (Thank you, Rich, for your tireless efforts toward journalistic integrity and truth. Simply the best at what you do!) -Mike W, SFState '92
I loved’ the nutty professor.’ I’m trying to remember the blonde who played opposite Jerry Lewis duel character of the nerdy academic and the sleazy lounge singer. It wasn’t Tuesday Weld and I don’t think it was still Stella Stevens, or was it? Anyone remember?
He was not everyone's cup of tea and he loved chewing the scenery. But he took comedy from a '50's place into a more modern era quite handily. And you had to love his stories and rants at the close of the telethon. "Hey, lady!!"
ReplyDeleteJerry was said to be a complete grouch most the time, when off stage, especially in his later years, but one has to give him credit for knowing how to make an entertaining movie. Not all were great pieces of art, but most were money makers, and in show business, money matters, sometimes more than talent. Jerry became very experienced in set design, and camera work. influencing many who came after him.
ReplyDeleteOne of his most fun characters 'The Nutty Professor' was redone quite well by Eddie Murphy.
It's hard work being funny as a career. Not everything can remain spontaneous. You have to do the boring thing and get organized in your thoughts. Jerry was a very interesting movie star, back when we really had Movie Stars.
Agreed. I've been a Jerry fan for most of my life. Simply an American Icon--a wonderful philanthropist; in his later years, he gave more time to MDA than his own career. Though downright rude to some, he also recognized talent when he saw it, lauding Kevin Pollack, Gilbert Gottfried, Robert DeNiro, Jerry Seinfeld, Don Rickles...and, of course, he was very close friends with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean (Martin). Telethon '76 (the reunion) was a historic TV and pop-culture event. It will never be matched, as that "Vegas" part of celebrity and entertainment, the Rat Pack era, is long gone but certainly not forgotten.
ReplyDeleteKudos Mr. Lieberman for your tireless fight for journalistic integrity and sensibility in this very chaotic and troubling time. (SFState, '92)
Agreed. Jerry was an American icon; his philanthropic work for MDA often surpassed his movie and television career. Though rude and bombastic, selfish and egotistical at times, he also cared deeply about so much, so many. He lauded contemporaries and rising stars alike: Kevin Pollack, Gilbert Gottfried, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert DeNiro, etc., while maintaining close friendships with Sammy (Davis Jr.) and Dean (Martin). One of a kind!
ReplyDelete(Thank you, Rich, for your tireless efforts toward journalistic integrity and truth. Simply the best at what you do!) -Mike W, SFState '92
Say what you will about the man but "the nutty professor" makes me laugh today as much as did when I was a kid
ReplyDeleteThe French loved him but, they also are a country that loves mimes so ……
ReplyDeleteVisit The Telethon Years on You Tube for years and years of Jerry’s special day.
ReplyDeleteI loved’ the nutty professor.’ I’m trying to remember the blonde who played opposite Jerry Lewis duel character of the nerdy academic and the sleazy lounge singer. It wasn’t Tuesday Weld and I don’t think it was still Stella Stevens, or was it? Anyone remember?
ReplyDeleteDid you know that Jerry Lewis had 7 kids? He was married twice and was 91 when he died, just five years ago.
ReplyDelete