For many years, since I was a little girl, this comedic genius brought a lot of joy and laughter into the lives of my family and I.
I would watch my introverted (though caring) daddy, laugh so hard at Jerry’s zany antics that he would have tears rolling down his cheeks.
I honestly loved watching him as much or more than Jerry himself.
There will always be a soft spot in my heart for Jerry Lewis the man for his love and concern for kids with disabilities since I myself was born with a rare, muscle wasting disease that’s in the dystrophy family.
Having said that, however, Jerry Lewis was a man too full of himself at times.
His condescending attitude in many interviews that I have seen of him are cringe-worthy.
Being Jewish, he was bullied badly while growing up, and after becoming so highly successful after such degradation may have contributed to his overcompensating (and over inflating) his self worth.
In any case, he was a national treasure in my mind and it’s very sad to see these great talents that God has given this nation leave us.
You summed it up perfectly. I have been reading a lot tonight about Jerry and no one has mentioned his time at Brown’s Resort in Loch Sheldrake... that was one of his seminal gigs!