Like so many Boomer kids, Jerry was THE MAN. I grew up in what was considered his golden age as a performer, the clown prince of Paramount Studios, culminating in his masterpiece, The Nutty Professor. Anything he did was dipped in comedy gold. With the passing years, I basically grew out of the Jerry Lewis brand of humor, just as I had Laurel and Hardy and The Three Stooges. But I never turned my back on them. Why Jerry?
He didn't make it difficult, that's for sure. His massive ego kept getting in the way of what I liked best about him. Out of character, he preferred to explain the craft of comedy, taking it as a serious art form, which it very well can be but there this line of thinking also breaks a major role in funny: Don't explain the joke. But explain he did until he became the joke. It's been said that Jerry was never funnier than when he was dead serious. And I had to agree. Jerry had worn his pretention like a coat of armor and it fit like those undersized suits he used to wear. Perhaps he was more Buddy Love than Professor Kelp all along. The disdain I felt spurred my backlash-or turn, rather.
But Jerry Lewis was also one of the true giants of Old Time Show Business, much like the Don Rickles. I've always been a sucker that chintz even at its schmaltziest and Jerry didn't disappoint. How's about a rousing rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone"? His work ethic was unsurpassed, performing at an age when he didn't have to any longer, but did so for the best reason of all: The pure love of it.
A few years ago, I became increasingly annoyed when Robin Williams' good name was sullied by talks of being passe' and basically over the hill, ignoring his contribution to the world of entertainment. Here I am, guilty of the same goddamn thing, another lame ass member of the fickle public, tossing history aside and joining the cool kids to mock this ridiculous dinosaur. Shame on me.
I know it's late, but I hereby apologize to Jerry Lewis for not giving you the salute you so deserve from someone who should have known better because you made him laugh hard and laugh often in my life. And you were a greater influence on me than I truly realized. You inspired me. I wanted to do what you did and for awhile, I did, albeit on a much smaller scale. I got to write, direct and star in my own material and I have to give you some credit for that. I too found success in being a total idiot. And I won't deny it. It felt good.
Thanks, Jerry. Your mark on the world of comedy will always be huge, no matter what the cool kids say.
