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JACK LEMMON: AMERICA’S  EVERYMAN

James Cagney wrote in his autobiography that after watching a young actor named Jack Lemmon play a role on live television where the actor performed every duty with his left hand, he was surprised to later discover that Jack was actually very right-handed and decided to reverse things just to give his performance a distinctive touch. Cagney said that he immediately knew that Jack Lemmon was a “thinking actor”. 

Few actors were as versatile as Jack Lemmon. And few actors understood or could explore the human condition as well as he. From zany screwball comedy to intense, serious drama, Jack Lemmon could play it all. Throughout his almost 50 year motion picture career, Lemmon entertained audiences with performances that were both thoughtful and evocative. Humorous and tragic. His list of film credits is impressive, ranging from comedic turns in “Some Like it Hot” and Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” to powerful dramatic performances in “The Days of Wine and Roses” and “The China Syndrome”  The key to Jack’s success and longevity in the business was that, no matter how outlandish or somber the role, he always projected that singular quality audiences could identify with: He was human. His characters could just as easily convey humor as they could sympathy, rage as equally as compassion. He could be neurotic. He could be heroic. It was all in the character. It was all in the man. He looked at life the way most people do: With bewilderment as well as amusement. Jack’s gift was that he could mirror onscreen our own experiences. 

Jack’s talent was unique and sublime and he had ample opportunity to display it in some of Hollywood’s most popular movies. Cinematic gems such as Billy Wilder’s “The Apartment” (one of 7 films Lemmon would make with the great director), “Irma la Douce” and “Glengarry Glen Ross”. Consider the scope of Jack Lemmon’s abilities as best displayed in his two Academy Award-winning performances: The young and cowardly Ensign Pulver nervously dodging fierce captain James Cagney onboard a naval ship for fourteen months in “Mister Roberts”. And then a 180 degree turn as businessman Harry Stoner, suffering a midlife crisis and nearing the end of his rope in “Save the Tiger”. Two roles that were poles apart, yet Jack played both parts convincingly and with conviction.  Because like all of us, Jack had his own faults and weaknesses. He understood. And understanding is one of the secrets behind great acting. 

While Laurel had Hardy and Abbott had Costello, Jack found his perfect partnership with his close friend Walter Matthau. They became the comedic team from the 1960s up until Matthau’s death in 2000. They appeared together in a total of 10 movies beginning with the classic “The Fortune Cookie” and climaxing with “Out to Sea”. Lemmon would also star Matthau in his debut directorial effort,“Kotch”.

In his later years, Jack would return to television from whence he’d made his start, appearing in such quality telefilms as O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey into Night”, “Inherit the Wind” and the touching “Tuesdays with Morrie”.

In his personal life, Jack Lemmon remained one of the most well-liked men in Hollywood. And he would be proud to know that he continues to be an inspiration to some of today’s most accomplished actors. Fellow two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey has openly acknowledged his gratitude to Jack Lemmon for his talent and generosity.

There is no question he has left us an unforgettable legacy.