Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis AM (March 16, 1926 – August 20, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, singer and recording artist, film producer, screenwriter and film director and was known for his slapstick humor in film, television, stage and radio. His career began in 1946, with an act together with Dean Martin, forming the team of Martin and Lewis, which performed in live nightclubs, television programs, radio shows and theatrical movies before 1956, when the two men parted ways, after 10 years as a duo.

Quotes

 * Ollie's projection of emotions like frustration, agitation and shyness was masterful, and so was Stan Laurel's conception of the harried, ineffectual soul.
 * On, as quoted in "Tuning in on TV: It's Not Just for Laughs" by Don Nelsen, New York Daily News (April 14, 1957), Coloroto Magazine, p. 4


 * A woman doing comedy doesn't offend me, but sets me back a bit. I, as a viewer, have trouble with it. I think of her as a producing machine that brings babies in the world.
 * Hey Laaaady: Jerry Lewis Isn't Laughing, CBS News, (2000)


 * I'm telling you about a child in trouble. If it's pity, we'll get some money. I'm giving you the facts. Pity. You don't want to be pitied because you're a cripple in a wheelchair; stay in your house.
 * CBS Sunday Morning, 20 May 2001. Lewis later apologized for the remark, Associated Press, 2 June 2001.


 * I learned from my dad that when you walk in front of an audience, they are the kings and queens, and you’re but the jester — and if you don’t think that way, you’re going to get very, very conceited.
 * As quoted in "Jerry Lewis on Dean Martin: 'I think of him every day.'" by Alex Scordelis, in The New York Post (26 August 2016)

Quotes about Lewis

 * He keeps imitating himself, but he has much talent and I think in time he will do first rate comedy. I hope so. But he he's going to have to learn artistic discipline.
 * Stan Laurel, as quoted in Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy (1961) by James McCabe, p. 241