Hollywood king of comedy Jack Lemmon (10 photos)

The Soviet audience remembered this artist for the role of Jerry/ Daphne in the comedy Only Girls in Jazz. But in reality the possibilities the artist, who was even called a Hollywood rarity, were much wider.





Jack Lemmon was born in Newton, Massachusetts, USA in 1926. year. The family of the future star was status and wealthy. AND the only heir has never known refusal of anything.



When you have everything and want nothing more - is it not happiness? But the boy was not happy. He was oppressed by the life of a major, and the young man dreamed that he would grow up and be able to leave and start an independent life.

After studying at an elite private school, Jack sent documents to Harvard University. And after completing the training and receiving prestigious education committed an act that brought his father - the head a large confectionery company is furious. Lemmon Jr. enlisted sailor in the navy. He lost his allowance and inheritance, but at last he felt freedom.

Freedom of creativity and happiness to be yourself



"It has to happen to you"

Lemmon tried his hand at acting on stage of the student theatre. After completing the contract, Jack moved to Los Angeles and went to work on the radio. But I didn't have much time to feel yourself in the role of a presenter, as you accidentally got on television.

The first film "Lady Takes a Sailor" did not resonate with either critics or audiences. For several years, Jack was interrupted by minor roles. But the expectation paid off: the role in the film “It Must Happen to you" glorified Lemmon, and the role in the film "Mr. Roberts" brought "Oscar".



"Only Girls in Jazz"

In 1959, the film with the participation of Lemmon "Only in Jazz" was released. girls." And together with colleague Tony Curtis, they at one moment turned into the most sought-after and famous actors in Hollywood.








- I am a man!

Well, everyone has their flaws.



With director Billy Wilder, Jack had excellent friendly relations, and over the years they continued cooperate.

divine clown



"Odd couple"

This nickname stuck with Lemmon after he had formed a comedic tandem with Walter Matthau. The actors played together at 15 films, including "The Odd Couple", "Lucky Ticket", "Old Grumps".



"Old Grumps"

For half a century of creative life, Jack starred in more than 80 films. Approximately half of the roles were the main ones. Number of nominations and awards counted in tens. The children followed in the footsteps of their father - a son from the first marriage to Chris and a daughter from the second Kourtney. Jack was filming until the last days, even when he was tormented by cancer. He passed away in 2001, bequeathing bury him next to Walter Matthau, so that in the afterlife he will be next to friend and keep their brilliant comedic duo alive.