Fun Trivia : Lewis & Martin

Structure Sub-topic of: Celebrities K-L Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries. Special Topics Jerry Lewis: Over The Years His Life and Times, Dean Martin The Career of Jerry Lewis The Life and Films of Dean Martin Dean Martin

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Lewis & Martin

The "Dean Martin Show" aired on NBC from 1965 to 1968. Originally the contract called for the show to air for one year, but upon seeing the ratings that Martin brought in, the network offered him a substantial salary increase. How much did they offer Martin to appear on the "Dean Martin Show"?

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin: The Early Years


$283,000 per episode. Martin's good looks and smooth voice were an instant hit with the television audience. He is the first entertainer to receive such a large salary for each episode. He performed off and on throughout the 1970's in Las Vegas. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis had not spoken to each other for twenty years when Ed McMahon asked Martin to appear on Lewis' yearly telethon in 1976. When Dean Martin was introduced, he was given a standing ovation, and Lewis proclaimed, 'Here is my best friend'. Martin donated 1.5 million dollars to Jerry's Kids, and proved that above all he was a man with charisma and grace. All of the information contained in this quiz can be found at jerrylewiscomedy.com and deanmartinfanscenter.com



Since 1949, Jerry's work with the Musclar Dystrophy Association offered him a heartwarming experience, and a chance to lend his time and energies to help children that are afflicted with neuromuscular diseases. In 1977, Lewis was nominated for which highly regarded award?

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin: The Early Years


Nobel Peace Prize . In 1977, when it came time to nominate Jerry Lewis for the Nobel Peace Prize, Congressman Les Aspin of Wisconsin made this statement, "Jerry Lewis is a man for all seasons, all people, all times. His name has, in the hearts of millions, become synonymous with peace, love and brotherhood." Although Jerry did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which went to Amnesty International, he was honored just to be nominated and was happy that he was recognized for his devoted work with children. In 1984, Lewis was honored with a nomination of the French Legion of Honor Award, which he won. The highly coveted award was originally founded on May 19, 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The award was meant to honor men and women who fought and served during war and peace efforts, however, after the death of Bonaparte, it was converted to an award which is revered by many people of all walks of life for humanatarian efforts in their lifetime. It was the acceptance that Lewis needed to make his life complete. Jerry Lewis is a wonderful actor, humanatarian, director, producer and all around great guy. Many could not achieve the success that has been bestowed upon him, and throughout the years he has proven that he is what the Hollywood dream is all about. The direct quote can be found at jerrylewiscomedy.com



In September of 1943, Dean signed a contract to appear exclusively at the Copacabana, in New York?

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin: The Early Years


F. Dean was signed to an exclusive contract with MCA, so that he could perform at the Riobamba Room in New York. Dean's vocal representation came, after the discovery of Frank Sinatra, and Dean had the voice and had the olive good looks, some said he was Sinatra personified. In 1944, he landed his own radio program entitled "Songs By Dean Martin", it was a fifteen minute program broadcasted from New York, in which Dean performed four to five songs, his voice reached millions of New Yorkers and they could not seem to get enough of him. In 1946, Dean formed his alliance with Jerry Lewis. Lewis wrote most of the antics that the duo would perform. While Dean was content letting things roll at their own will, Lewis wanted to become famous and quick. According to Martin historians, most believe that Lewis was jealous of the natural good looks that Martin possessed. The partnership lasted for ten years and during that time, many people witnessed tantrums and line stealing by Lewis. Martin took all of it in stride and held his temper in check. However, while filming "Hollywood Or Bust" with Lewis, it became apparent that Lewis thought he was the lead talent. Dean finally had his fill of Lewis' antics and declared loud enough for all to hear that he wanted out. It would take a full year for the partnership to fully dissolve, and they had commitments on both the West and East coasts that they had to fulfill first. On July 25, 1956, ten years after they paired up, the duo called it quits, they gave their farewell performance to a sold out crowd at the Copacabana in New York. The famous duo of Martin and Lewis had come to a close, and both men would have full successfull lives in the entertainment business.



Lewis was the winner of Europe's Best Director Award for eight consecutive years, starting in 1960?

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin: The Early Years


T. It appears that after the split between Martin and himself, Lewis turned more towards work behind the camera. After splitting from Martin, Lewis starred in numerous films, and learned the skills necessary for creating the types of films he could only hope to appear in. In 1959, with assistance from Paramount Studios, Lewis formed his own production company, Jerry Lewis Productions. Lewis is the only actor, director and producer to ever negoiate a contract for $10,000,000 with a major production studio. Lewis would receive sixty percent profits for seven films that he was signed to make for Paramount Studios. Jerry was a huge hit with the European audiences and was a major contributor of highly developed films. Lewis was nominated a record eight times for Best Director In Europe and won the coveted award eight years in a row. Lewis is the only actor, director and producer to achieve this award. While other producers were putting out films that held little or no moral value, Lewis was making a name for himself in Europe.



In 1937, Dean landed a job singing at the State Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. What is the name of the local band that he performed with?

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin: The Early Years


Ernie McKay Band. While performing at the State Restaurant in 1937, word of Dino's remarkable voice found its way to the ears of Sammy Watkins. Watkins immediately set out to see for himself just how remarkable Dino was, and he immeditately signed the young man to appear around Cleveland as his featured vocalist. Dino took Cleveland by storm, the audience loved him, and females adored him. In November of 1940, Dino Crocetti officially changed his name to Dean Martin and Steubenville would one day honor its favorite son.



During one of his trips to New York, motion picture producer, Hal Wallis caught Martin and Lewis' act at the Copacabana. He loved how they complemented each other with their talents, and wanted to sign the talented act to a movie deal. What is the name of their first movie?

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin: The Early Years


"My Friend Irma". In 1948, Martin and Lewis headed to Hollywood, California with the promise of a film contract with movie producer, Hal Wallis. Their first film "My Friend Irma", brought rave reviews, and according to Bosley Crowther of the 'New York Times', "We could go along with the laughs which were fetched by a new mad comedian, Jerry Lewis by name. This freakishly built and acting young man, who has been seen in nightclubs hereabouts with a collar-ad partner, Dean Martin, has a genuine comic quality. The swift eccentricity of his movements, the harrowing features of his face, and the squeak of his vocal protestations... have flair. His idiocy constitutes the burlesque of an idiot, which is something else again. He's the funniest thing in the picture". From all that has been written about these two talented men, most people considered Lewis to be the star of the comedy act that they performed. Martin's laid back attitude allowed Lewis to overact and become severely jealous of Martin's talent for singing, something which Jerry did not have the voice to do. For ten years Martin and Lewis became the most sought after comedy act between the West and East coasts, they were also the highest paid talents of their time. For ten years they appeared together in sixteen films, nightclub performances, and numerous personal appearances. They also had radio and television appearances, not to mention recording sessions. In 1956, the duo had numerous disagreements concerning Jerry's attitude. Jerry, who most believe was still not secure in his ablities and talents, was still very much jealous of Dean, and many believed that Jerry's jealousy caused most of the friction the duo suffered from. During the filming of the 1956 film, "Hollywood or Bust", Martin realized that he could no longer put up with Lewis' antics and wanted to dissolve the partnership. On July 25, 1956, exactly ten years to the day that the duo became a team, they ended the partnership right where it had started, in New York, but at the Copacabana. They peformed for a sold out crowd. It would be twenty years before the pair would speak again. The direct quote can be found at jerrylewiscomedy.com.



In 1931, when Jerry was five years old, he made his professional debut at New York's Borscht Circuit. Which song did he perform in front of a live audience?

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin: The Early Years


"Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?". When Jerry stepped on stage to perform "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?", he was overwhelmed by how the audience reacted to the other performers prior to him. That was exactly the attention that he craved, and by the time 1941 rolled around, he had perfected his 'Record Act', in which he would lip-sync musical lyrics, complete with a comedy act that required him to make funny faces and run around the stage. The audience loved it, but his ego required more attention. Max Coleman, a veteran burlesque comedian, and also a close friend of Danny Lewis, advised the younger Lewis to continue his mime act. He had a steady stream of work in burlesque shows throughout Buffalo, New York. However, working in this type of environment did not prove to be Lewis' 'big' break. But he kept up his 'Record Act' and Mime show, and the audience seemed to take to the talented young man. Lewis found his niche during a performance in Loch Sheldrake, New York at Brown's Hotel. Lewis was unaware that crooner, Dean Martin was in the audience, and was taken with Lewis' performance. Lewis was fast becoming a hot commodity, and bookings became more frequent. Irving Kaye helped Lewis get a booking in Atlantic City, New Jersey at the 500 Club. Unbeknownest to Lewis and Kaye, Dean Martin was scheduled to appear at the club as well. Lewis had caught Martin's act numerous times and desperately wanted Martin as a sidekick. According to all that has been written about Lewis and Martin, Martin's associate was unable to appear at the 500 Club with him, and he needed someone to help him with his act. He remembered Lewis, and asked him to help him out, thus starting the sensation that would be known as Martin and Lewis. Martin was on a downslide with is career, and once both men teamed together their salaries skyrocketed from a mere $250 per week to a whopping $5,000 per week.