A Chat with Jack Lemmon - Part 1

Jack Lemmon's career spans an incredible 5 decades. A veteran of an estimated 100 television and 45 films. He has been called, the screen's nicest, nice-guy. An extremely talented actor, Jack is just as capable relating a joke in a comedy, as he is a strong message in a drama. As the under-dog caught in everyday dilemmas, he dithers and fumbles. As an alcoholic, he draws a three dimensional character by his superior performance.

Jack Lemmon was born John Uhler Lemmon in Boston in 1925. His father ran a doughnut company, but Jack preferred to study acting rather than taking over family business.

After graduating from college, he applied for work in television, which was in its infancy in the early 50's. His television apprenticeship led to a fine film debut in IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU (1954) which established him as dynamic comedy performer. A year later in 1955 for his fourth movie: his portrayal of Ensign Pulver in MISTER ROBERT won him a Best Supporting Oscar. After six movies he came to the attention of director, Billy Wilder, who cast him in his classic, comedy, SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959) for which he was nominated for Best Actor, but lost to James Stewart's in ANATOMY OF A MURDER.

After another 8 years of slap-stick comedy he turned his talent to serious dramatic role in, DAY OF WINE AND ROSES (1962). Since than, Jack has flipped from comedy to drama, as in SAVE THE TIGER (1973) for which he won a Best Actor Oscar. And, although he gave brilliant dramatic performances in THE CHINA SYNDROME (1979) DAD (1989) and JFK (1992), somehow the name Jack Lemmon will always be synonymous with comedy.

Despite 38 years of constant stardom and exposure Jack's private life has never been marred by scandal. His son, Christopher Lemmon a classical training pianist, recently turned his hand to acting, and was seen in a few episodes of, KNOTTS LANDING.

However, Jack Lemmon's performance in the hit, GRUMPY OLD MEN proves he's better than ever, and has made him one of the most respect Hollywood actors.

Now, 75 years old, Jack is more stooped over than ever, and has a face that reflects every year of his age. Although he moves slowly, his wit is as sharp as a razor, his memory excellent and he draws some wonderful analogies about his varied and lengthy career. "Please call me Jack, everyone does. Even my son did for a awhile..." says Jack, giving me a grin reminiscent of his character, Felix in THE ODD COUPLE.

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