Actor and Hollywood icon Jack Lemmon was one of the most gifted actors of his generation. He was also considered a maestro in both comedy and drama, making him a fan favorite of his days.
There have been fewer people with the special gift of making the crowd fall in love with them as an actor in both comedy and drama; Jack Lemmon was one of such with the unique gift.
The late Hollywood legend excelled in different parts of his career, which lasted more than four decades, and at the time of his death from cancer in 2001, Lemmon’s legacy as a movie legend was uncontested.
HIS EARLY LIFE
Growing up in Newton, Massachusetts, not many would have thought that the little baby who sweetly warmed the heart of his family the moment he was born on February 8, 1925, would go on to become a well-acclaimed actor in his lifetime.
Lemmon was known for being a versatile actor who excelled in both comedies as well as drama. He was the first person to win Academy Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
Throughout his career, Lemmon was nominated for an Academy Award eight times; he won twice. He was also the star in more than 60 films, earning him a reputation as the master of the screen.
Lemmon was known for his passion for his work and work routine. His busy schedule was legendary. He was also credited with appearing in over 20 films in his 70th year.
Lemmon is best known for his work in “The Odd Couple,” a collaboration with his old friend Walter Matthau, as well as seven films directed by Billy Wilder, five of which he co-starred in with Matthau.
Lemmon grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth, but that did not spare him from climbing the ladder of his success and working for his fame, and building a legacy in a competitive industry.
HIS CAREER
His father, who ran a bakery company, is alleged to have introduced the doughnut business to the UK, which meant that the young Lemmon was privileged to have anything he wanted and become whoever he desired.
Lemmon made the decision to become an actor, out of all his options. After attending Harvard University, where he was president of the school’s Hasty Pudding Club, Lemon served in the U.S Navy during World War II.
After requesting to be allowed to venture into his dreams, his wealthy father reluctantly allowed him to depart for New York City in pursuit of his own fame with only $300 to his name.
Lemmon, who was not yet famous, had run out money and moved into an apartment owned by his family. But, his ability to play the piano allowed him to support himself and pay his bills.
Lemmon was also able to take up roles on radio drama and television. Soon, he was a star in the television boom. He made his Broadway debut in the 1953 film “Room Service,” and although it was a failure, it helped Lemmon secure his first contract.
The late 1940s and early 50s were good years for the budding actor. In 1950, he tied the knot with Cynthia Stone, but later, he claimed he made the decision in a hurry, and the couple divorced in 1956. Right after, Lemmon focused fully on his career.
Lemmon’s Academy Award-winning performance in Mister Roberts (1955), as Ensign Pulver, was a major breakthrough in comic acting. This led to him being invited to appear in many other great films directed by Richard Quine.
Some of his best works all directed by Quine included “My Sister Eileen” (1955), “Operation Mad Ball” (1957), “Bell,” “Book and Candle” (1958), and “It Happened to Jane”(1959). Lemmon’s skills became hot in demand, and he barely took a break or had anything else.
He directed many projects and produced several short films. Out of all his roles, Lemmon’s with Wilder was the best.
Each movie had its own taste. The partnership saw them in seven films. He worked alongside Matthau on ten films and his run of luck continued into the 70s as he had more attention-grabbing works released and cementing his name as the man of the era.
Lemmon became a huge figure, popular with both actors and fans. Although his works were commercially successful, he soon found himself in a stressful life and began drinking excessively.
Lemmon was also a smoker. In the 1980s, Lemmon decided to reduce his alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
Towards the end of his life, Lemmon still bagged a series of awards, including the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award in 1988, the Screen Actors Guild’s Life Achievement Award in 1990, and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1996.
FAMILY AND DEATH
Lemmon was married twice and had kids from both marriages. After his first marriage failed, the actor married his second wife, actress Felicia Farr, in 1962. They shared Courtney, their daughter, who was born in 1966.
Lemmon, who had suffered from bladder cancer for two years, died in 2001. His family remembers him even though he died.
His son Chris from his first marriage reportedly revealed that he had a good relationship with the late actor and considered him to be his best friend, who gave him lots of fond memories as a child. Chris said that Lemmon is his inspiration and that he will continue to carry on his legacy.
Speaking of his father’s last words to him, Chris revealed that Lemmon advised him to spread sunshine and never stop halfway as an actor. Through Lemmon’s life, fans witnessed the reward of dedication and hard work.