Jerry Lewis

Date of Birth: March 16, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: August 20, 2017

Biography

Jerry Lewis, born Joseph Levitch, was an iconic American comedian, actor, singer, filmmaker, and humanitarian who became one of the most beloved entertainment figures of the 20th century. Born on March 16, 1926, in Newark, New Jersey, Lewis began performing at a young age, influenced by his parents who were both in show business. He rose to fame in the 1940s as part of a comedy duo with Dean Martin; together, they created a series of successful comedy films and TV shows, becoming household names. After their split in 1956, Lewis embarked on a solo career, directing and starring in numerous hit films such as “The Nutty Professor” (1963) and “The Bellboy” (1960). Apart from his entertainment career, Lewis was deeply involved in philanthropy, most notably through his chairmanship of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). He hosted the annual MDA Telethon for over 40 years, raising billions of dollars for the cause. Lewis passed away on August 20, 2017, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and charitable contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about Jerry Lewis

1. Jerry Lewis was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2009 for his philanthropic work.

2. He invented the video assist, a device that allows film directors to watch a take immediately after it’s shot.

3. Lewis was a lifelong supporter of the civil rights movement and used his platform to promote equality.

4. He was a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California, where he taught a course on film directing.

5. Jerry Lewis had a significant impact on French cinema, earning the Legion of Honour, France’s highest decoration, in 1984.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jerry Lewis

1. “I get paid for what most kids get punished for.”

2. “I’ve had great success being a total idiot.”

3. “Pity? You don’t want to be pitied because you’re a cripple in a wheelchair? Stay in your house!”

4. “I have some very personal feelings about politics, but I don’t get involved in that.”

5. “Every man’s dream is to be able to sink into the arms of a woman without also falling into her hands.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jerry Lewis achieved an estimated net worth of $50 million.

Children

Jerry Lewis had seven children. He had six sons with his first wife, Patti Palmer: Gary, Ronald, Scott, Christopher, Anthony, and Joseph. He also had one daughter, Danielle, with his second wife, SanDee Pitnick.