# Jerry Lewis

> American comedian, actor and film director (1926–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q294927](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q294927)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Lewis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jerry-lewis

## Summary
Jerry Lewis was an American comedian, actor, and film director (1926–2017) known for his work in comedy, film, and television. He was a founding member of the comedy duo Martin and Lewis and later became a prominent figure in Hollywood, directing and starring in numerous films. His contributions to comedy and entertainment left a lasting impact on the industry.

## Biography
- Born: March 16, 1926, in Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Known for: Pioneering comedy and filmmaking, co-founding Martin and Lewis, and directing and starring in iconic comedies
- Employer(s): Universal Music Group (Decca Records), Paramount Pictures, various film productions
- Field(s): Comedy, film, television, music

## Contributions
- Co-founded the comedy duo Martin and Lewis in 1946, performing together in vaudeville and on radio and television.
- Directed and starred in over 30 films, including *The Nutty Professor* (1963) and *The Family Jewels* (1965).
- Produced and performed in numerous television specials, showcasing his comedic talent.
- Released comedy albums and singles, contributing to the comedy music genre.
- Worked with notable artists and collaborators, including Steve Martin and Martin Short.

## FAQs
**What was Jerry Lewis known for?**
Jerry Lewis was known for his work as a comedian, actor, and film director. He co-founded the comedy duo Martin and Lewis and later became a prominent figure in Hollywood, directing and starring in iconic comedies.

**Where did Jerry Lewis study?**
Jerry Lewis attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

**What awards did Jerry Lewis receive?**
Jerry Lewis received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, the Commander of the Legion of Honour, and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

**What was Jerry Lewis' most famous film?**
One of Jerry Lewis' most famous films was *The Nutty Professor* (1963), which he both directed and starred in.

**Who were Jerry Lewis' notable collaborators?**
Jerry Lewis collaborated with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and David Alan Grier, among others.

## Why They Matter
Jerry Lewis mattered as a pioneer in comedy and filmmaking. His work with Martin and Lewis and his later solo career in films and television shaped the landscape of comedy entertainment. His innovative approach to comedy and his contributions to the industry left a lasting legacy. Lewis' influence extended beyond his performances, as he also directed and produced numerous projects that entertained audiences worldwide.

## Notable For
- Founding member of the comedy duo Martin and Lewis
- Director and star of *The Nutty Professor* (1963)
- Recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

## Body
### Early Life
- Born Joseph Levitch on March 16, 1926, in Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Began his career in comedy in the 1940s

### Career
- Co-founded the comedy duo Martin and Lewis in 1946
- Performed together in vaudeville, radio, and television
- Directed and starred in over 30 films, including *The Nutty Professor* (1963) and *The Family Jewels* (1965)
- Produced and performed in numerous television specials
- Released comedy albums and singles, contributing to the comedy music genre

### Collaborations
- Worked with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and David Alan Grier
- Collaborated with Universal Music Group (Decca Records) and Paramount Pictures

### Awards and Recognition
- Received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

### Legacy
- Pioneered comedy and filmmaking
- Shaped the landscape of comedy entertainment
- Left a lasting impact on the industry
- Influenced future generations of comedians and filmmakers

## References

1. Le Monde
2. Museum of Modern Art online collection
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Academy Awards Database
5. [Jerry Lewis Academy Awards Acceptance Speech](https://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/081-25/)
6. [Source](http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/actualites/conferen/donnedieu/jerrylewis.html)
7. [Source](https://njhalloffame.org/hall-of-famers/2009-inductees/jerry-lewis/)
8. Australian honours system
9. [Jerry Lewis](https://walkoffame.com/jerry-lewis/)
10. [Jerry Lewis – The Emmys](https://theemmys.tv/jerry-lewis/)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. MusicBrainz
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. Library of Congress Authorities
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. SNAC
17. Internet Broadway Database
18. Find a Grave
19. Discogs
20. filmportal.de
21. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
22. BnF authorities
23. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
24. GeneaStar
25. Munzinger Personen
26. [Jerry Lewis, Nonpareil Genius of Comedy, Dies at 91](http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jerry-lewis-dead-nutty-professor-bellboy-star-was-91-721408)
27. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/comedian-jerry-lewis-known-for-his-slapstick-humor-has-died/2017/08/20/23aed7e8-ac3c-11e2-a8b9-2a63d75b5459_gallery.html)
28. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
29. [Source](http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=24)
30. IdRef
31. CONOR.SI
32. Autoritats UB
33. Genius API
34. Quora
35. Jerry Lewis | BFI. BFI Film & TV Database
36. The Movie Database
37. LIBRIS. 2012
38. FactGrid
39. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
40. performing-arts.ch
41. Jerry Lewis - British Comedy Guide. British Comedy Guide