“After his break with Mr. [Dean] Martin in 1956, Mr. Lewis went on to a successful solo career, eventually writing, producing and directing many of his own films.”
David Kehr, New York Times
Actor, comedian and filmmaker Jerry Lewis died today in Las Vegas, so I thought I’d pull some quotes of his from a string of posts I wrote about him in a few years ago. His 70+ year entertainment career was longer and more eclectic than most. (The 91-year-old began performing as a teenager and was on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2014.)
Professor Jerry Lewis (The Total Film-Maker)“ I’ll tell you what I did to become a film-maker. I had this drive and I was curious.”
Professor Jerry Lewis (Great Filmmakers) “I’m convinced that the best example of a total film maker was Chaplin.”
Professor Jerry Lewis (Screenwriting) “Producers and directors buy a property because they like the story. Actors buy it because they see themselves in a part. “
Professor Jerry Lewis (Actors) “Speaking now as an actor: tremendous ego is involved and we tend to believe that whatever weaknesses we have are justification for our neuroses.”
Professor Jerry Lewis (21-Year-Old Spielberg) Recently I saw a film made by a twenty one-year-old, Steven Spielberg… It rocked me back.
Professor Jerry Lewis (Director) “Simplicity makes better film: master, medium, choker.”
Professor Jerry Lewis (Shlemiel-schlimazel) “I do not know that I have a carefully thought-out theory on exactly what makes people laugh, but the premise of all comedy is a man in trouble, the little guy against the big guy.”