Jerry Lewis

Alternative meanings: Jerry Lee Lewis, Jerry Lewis (politician)

Joseph Levitch (born March 16, 1926), better known as Jerry Lewis, is an American comedian and actor known for his wacky, slapstick humor, and his charity fund-raising telethons for muscular dystrophy. He himself suffered many years of back pain because of a failed slapstick stunt which almost paralysed him. The constant pain resulting from this accident almost drove him to commit suicide.

Famously paired with Dean Martin at the beginning of their careers (July 25, 1946 - July 24, 1956). Some French critics once considered him a kind of comedy genius. He appeared in many films, including The Nutty Professor, The Bellboy and Boeing Boeing, featuring his zany character, and The King of Comedy, a seriocomic film in which he plays a late-night TV host plagued by an obsessive fan.

Lewis also starred in the unreleased 1972 film The Day The Clown Cried. According to Lewis's official website, litigation over post-production financial difficulties has prevented the film's release, but Lewis hopes that the film can be released someday in some form. However, the comments of those who have read the script and seen bootleg copies of the film footage cast doubt on whether a watchable film can be produced from existing stock.

Lewis also tried his hand at singing in the 1950s, having a chart hit with the song Rock-A-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody (originally made famous by Al Jolson) in 1956.

Trivia

The Simpsons' voice actor Hank Azaria based the voice of Professor John Frink on Lewis. Lewis was eventually invited to guest as the character's father in a 2003 Halloween episode.

Jerry Lewis

Trivia

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