Comment on In memoriam: The two sides of Jerry Lewis

In memoriam: The two sides of Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis, who died Sunday at age 91, delighted millions with his slapstick antics, earning a devoted following and propelling him to dizzying heights of fame at a young age. He influenced the likes of Richard Pryor, trailblazed moviemaking techniques and raised more than a billion dollars for charitable causes. He also became a polarizing figure, one who was notoriously difficult during interviews and with audiences, made disparaging comments about women and gays, and faced criticism about his approach to fundraising. Few entertainment figures were as divisive as Lewis, who enjoyed such public adoration but also endured scorn. Kliph Nesteroff, author of “The Comedians,” a history of American comedy, said Lewis’s “influence cannot be overstated” and added that he serves as one of our best examples of the comedic mind. “The comic neuroses, the good and bad side, the happy, funny, smiling side and the brooding, angry, depressed side – Jerry Lewis had both of those,” Nesteroff continued.

 

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