Jack Lemmon: America's Everyman | The Hollywood Collection

Narrated on-camera by Jack Lemmon, this profile includes interviews with Lemmon’s son, the actor Chris Lemmon. Clips from some of Lemmon’s major films as well as archival footage add to this portrait of one of our most illustrious and productive stars.
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John Uhler “Jack” Lemmon III, was born on February 8, 1925. An only child, he was raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and was that rarity among Hollywood stars, a man with affectionate memories of his parents. Graduating from Harvard, Jack headed for New York City to become a professional actor. A job playing piano to silent movies gave him the chance to study comics like Keaton and Chaplin up close. His first acting was on soap opera and live TV drama. But it was his appearance in a Broadway revival of Room Service that led to a co-starring role with Judy Holliday in his first movie, It Should Happen To You (1954). However, Jack had no intention of “going Hollywood” and he adamantly refused to change his name. His unmistakable intellect and his boyish but average looks played against him becoming a romantic leading man.
But his live TV and comedy training gave him the perfect timing, the precise emotional balance and the total believability that showed in films as diverse as Mister Roberts (1955), Some Like It Hot (1959), The Apartment (1960), Days of Wine and Roses (1962), and The Odd Couple (1968). In his later films, Save the Tiger (1973), The China Syndrome (1979), and Glengarry Glenn Ross (1992), Jack exposed some of the darker side of the American Way of Life. Jack Lemmon made over sixty films and received numerous awards, including eight Academy Award Nominations and two Oscars.
Later in life, his achievement was enriched by new challenges in which he exposed the vulnerability and emotion of the later years as few had dared. He reveled in his ongoing screen partnerships with directors like Billy Wilder and stars like Walter Matthau. Also appearing are such legends as Jack’s life-long friend, the writer and director Billy Wilder, writer-director Garson Kanin, drama teacher Uta Hagen, and actor Gregory Peck. Actors Charles Durning, Maureen Stapleton, Betty Garrett, and Kevin Spacey, writer Neil Simon, director Delbert Mann, and other Hollywood luminaries help complete the profile. Clips from some of Lemmon’s major films as well as archival footage add to this portrait of one of our most illustrious and productive stars.

[@leastlikedcritic7529]

Jack Lemmon is so good, when you watch him on screen, you don't think he's just an actor, but an everyday man you can relate too.

[@January.]

*...can relate to.

[@karenherrera3961]

For sure❤

[@bob-mt6fs]

😊😊

[@JamesREdaburn]

​@@karenherrera3961❤

[@april5464]

It is impossible to not to love him. What an adorable person ♡

[@Thadmotor1044]

I met him at the Coliseum in La at a football game and He made me feel like a long time friend . What a mensch

[@davidallen508]

June Allyson and Doris Day both loved working with him and that comes across nicely in “You Can’t Run Away From It” and “It Happened to Jane”.I also love “It Should Happen to You”,”The Apartment” and “Some Like it Hot”.He was a very special actor and man.

[@Sicilia928]

I don't believe Jack Lemmon ever made a misstep in his career. Just to see his face or hear his voice makes you smile. One of my 5 favorite actors of all time. Genius!

[@wizardwanda5081]

Sicilia928 who are your other favorite four

[@cliftonhoward2656]

@@wizardwanda5081 FIONA GREGORY HERE AND I WANT SAY I LUV U

[@tobywashburn250]

I TOTALLY AGREE !! HE NEVER SEEMED LIKED HE WAS ACTING , PURE & NATURAL, ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES ,TOO !!

[@AstralPixie]

And he was unique because he was wonderful with both comedy and drama. He could make you laugh and cry.

[@lucybirdy9435]

So true! This smile this eyes ah...🥰 wonderful actor and gentlemen! And it's was so magic time!💖💖💖

[@danaraven5193]

My gosh, that smile! That mimics! I’m in love!

[@margaretmasters3582]

I was too ❤❤

[@amymack1954]

I've always loved Jack Lemmon, and I miss him.

[@dappylu]

Me too Amy.

[@corgisrule21]

What a beautiful thing his father did…bless him 🥹❤️ He will always be an icon for so many reasons.

[@marthadoody]

Jack Lemmon was a gem. I've been a fan of his since the late 60s/early 70s. Saying he's good doesn't even come close. His pairing with Walter Matthau was wonderful. Those two together made magic. I especially like his older movies. We miss you, Jack.

[@voicegirl555]

He died 20 years ago today. I can't believe he has been gone that long. He was such a wonderful actor and really loved his craft. You would not see him giving back an award! He loved acting. You could see it in every performance. He could do drama! Watch him in JFK! Save The Tiger! Fire Down Below! Save The Tiger! Glengarry Glen Ross where he gives a heartbreaking performance. He was good at comedy! Anybody who has seen his films know this! Mr. Lemmon we will never see your like again and we are the poorer for it. Thank you for the pleasure of your company and for all those films you left behind.

[@helanesolomon1724]

Great actor and person. I'm also a fan of his look a like son, Chris. Read his book about his father if you haven't yet.

[@christinepaige2575]

Chris's book was heartbreaking at times.

[@kevinbutler1955NYC]

Jack was one of the few performers..that I've seen in the 1960's and 70's..who can play..people that you can believe in and really care about.

[@carolynkingsley4421]

Loved Jack Lemmon. Of his films, my fave is, The Apartment and Irma la Douce. Your doc does him justice.

[@claudiawhite9772]

It would have been better if the background music was lowered!!! He was a great actor!!

[@johnjarou2357]

my all time favorite actor! he was special.

[@elizabethhestevold1340]

Priceless, " Some like it Hot!!! " with Tony Curtis Jack Lemmon, the other half off Walther Matthou/ Jack Lemmon , in Odd Couple . All strong Theater training , it showed....great work. Apartment, with Shirley Maclaine. Another /like Marylin, complementary teams. Days an Wine and Roses, heavy! Save the Tiger, outstanding.my favorite "China Syndrome." The best.🇩🇰🇺🇸💌💜

[@edwardcochran5060]

So many talented actors, that we got to view, and appreciate. Just think of all the very gifted, talented, ones we didn't get to know and appreciate. Simply because they were denied the opportunity to show their stuff.....

[@maggiesace389]

If youve never seen Jack (and Lee Remick) in movie, Days of Wine and Roses, its a MUST SEE! Also, movie, Mr. Roberts, with Fonda, Powell, and Cagney is FANTASTIC!

[@RyanHLee-nc7hg]

One of my two favorite actors of all time, along with Spencer Tracy. How I wish I could have met Jack.

[@erichodge567]

See Jack in "Glengarry Glenn Ross". Absolutely first-rate.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

He said himself it was the best cast he ever worked with.

[@conorsmith8551]

PUT THAT COFFEE DOWN !!

[@erichodge567]

The greatest cast ever assembled in movie history. No lie, no hype.

[@ozzie-sk9dh]

He was great in The Out of Towners. His wife in it was funny too.

[@jameschavez6400]

The highest point in the galaxy rightfully belongs named to one man Jack Lemmon❤️❤️

[@kristinaradosevic7069]

Beautiful human being

[@janinefarris2748]

He had natural comedic sensibilities and very deep humanistic sensibilities a long-range and gave it his best every time he acted but the natural funniness emerge within the character that he was playing his because he was not a stand-up comic and when he played serious drama it came from the deepest part of his vulnerability and the truth is he knows knows it to become. It reminds me of the way Elvis Presley sang his song he gave it all Jack Lemmon gave it all in his acting!

[@miriamferko154]

Whoa, didn't realize what a charmed career he had.

[@robmoir7524]

JACK LEMMON LIKED JAZZ TOO I REALLY LIKE THE MOVIE WITH HIM AND JAMES GARNER MY FELLOW AMERICANS

[@kpec3]

I always enjoyed watching him, in drama or comedy.

[@dianespanpinato8890]

The best of them are gone to soon A genious.i remember the 50s i took a tap class on bway in n.y.and the piano player for the class wsd jack lemmon.he was just starting ill never forget him.hewent to l.a I stayed in n.y and became a nightclub singer.of course under another name miss his films and him

[@gmetayern]

Loved that man.

[@Suzyfromtheblock]

Loved this man 💛🧡💖❤️💋

[@marysepradet3009]

I just watched "the fortune cookie" which is very good too !

[@user-ed1fg6yr1h]

It really is! I love their chemistry so much

[@margaritadikanti9062]

"Magic time!"♥

[@saveriosalemme5366]

Jack Lemmon was the Tom Hanks of his generation ⭐️

[@frankiewoodhouse2914]

Way better...

[@frankiewoodhouse2914]

@pc I do mean Jack Lemmon is way better

[@WhiteStone21475]

Tom Hanks can't hold a candle to Jack Lemmon!!

[@frankiewoodhouse2914]

@@WhiteStone21475 exactly!

[@ivam6473]

TOM HANK SUKS UR SO FKNG WRONG

[@GirlWithAnOpinion]

Sound is terrible! "Background" music drowns out the speakers! Somebody fix it, please!

[@ardivachambers6927]

Wonderful Documentary of Jack Lemmon Too bad they had to add music. *sigh*

[@melodyk10]

Ardiva Chambers so annoying! Great doc though, otherwise,

[@jolantaszurgot4058]

Świetny aktor każda rola godna geniusza uwielbiam go 👍👍😍😍💚💟💚💟👒👒👒👒

[@KnockOffBeingFat]

Amazing Man. I was his Bartender one night at Chadneys in Burbank CA.

[@eileenschenck1264]

Tremendous acting. And if you have not seen it...check out Pfft....a movie made in 1954 with Judy Holliday, Kim Novak and Jack Carson. Visiting the same restaurant after their divorce he and Judy do a great dance together. One of my favorite movies, though sad in some ways.

[@AstralPixie]

*Listening to what's inside... to what the real intent is* Very illuminating comments from Jack about the appeal of Charlie Chaplin. To the effect of: "His character was always in dire straits, but didn't feel sorry for himself. Most people find that distasteful. He got your sympathy, but didn't feel sorry for himself. " I think that there is a lot being said - to do with character.

[@irenehaid9943]

Fantastisch actor

[@Jah7878Jah]

This man has always been nice looking.

[@manooch]

2:29 look how he looks like at infancy like himself when adult

[@diankreczmer6595]

Jack lemmon, very self confident

[@harasyrpi5118]

Magic Time!

[@bettyburke8653]

O just loved SOME LIKED IT HOT..

[@veganvocalist4782]

hahaha ;D))) yea I made a point of watching it a few years back for the first time and was blown away VERY funny entertaining film ;D

[@maureendevries1904]

He deserved an Oscar for Some Like It Hot

[@mickwest2650]

What's with the loud music. Can't hear the words spoken.

[@miltsar]

I am enjoying this very much...would have enjoyed it even more if it wasn't for the loud musical score that was too obtrusive and unnecessary

[@joanschmidt8050]

The first time I saw him was a movie where he played Kim Novak's brother with James Stewart. It was , about magic! I can't remember the name???

[@joanschmidt8050]

It was Bell, Book, and Candle!!!

[@christinepaige2575]

@@joanschmidt8050 A delightful movie.

[@raylewis2121]

An actor’s actor

[@Statuskuo75]

Lemmon and Matthau are buried next to one another. Marilyn is nearby

[@wendyreis1233]

Background music too loud, very distracting.

[@tanyafromjefferson5484]

Agreed

[@valentinaroyanova9707]

😊

[@paulineburns2042]

I guess coming up was the good old days and u don't know it then his words

[@hensonlaura]

14:45 This man's ears are extraordinary.

[@narellecox2028]

He was a marvellous actor, so very versatile. Loved all his movies. Miss him.

[@skygazer6898]

We all know Jack was a fine actor but even without meeting him you just know he was a fine man too.

[@snavisTM]

Skygazer that's what people said about Bill Cosby.

[@veganvocalist4782]

his parents have a lot to be thanked for and be proud of , they nurtured a real gem of a man : )

[@janeck.8695]

One of the best. I can't think of many actors who would be more versatile in their roles, from Some Like It Hot to the Days of Wine and Roses. However, can't help it - I always see him as Daphne. The funniest film ever and his role in it was priceless. R.I.P. Jack, thank you for sharing your talent.

[@richardbullis156]

Jack Lemmon should have been nominated and won Oscars for Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, and etc.

[@janinefarris2748]

I believe he's one of the best actors I've ever seen along with that magical movie star quality he also comes across as a very deep reflected human being with a heart of gold I've always loved him

[@karenherrera3961]

I really loved what you said😊

[@karenherrera3961]

DITTO❤🎉😊

[@davidcarbone3385]

Amazing actor and career, and definitely his acting made you identify with the character he played.

[@FiveSigma72]

One of the best actors who ever lived.

[@mariarosagomez4385]

Maravilloso💙💙💙. RIP Jack Lemmon

[@greggmcelhinney1228]

T'he apartment one of t'he best films ever made

[@anjou6497]

Yes. 👍💗

[@reginabarron4073]

He's, a VERY good actor! I love, watching him on screen!😀

[@normadesmond6017]

Oh, Lemmon was as good as they come. He was in the best movies of all times: Some like it hot, The Appartement, Irma la Douce, The out towners, the days of wine and roses - you could put this guy in anything and he would get an Academy Award nomination for it. He was so good and always so spot-on, he was truly one of the greatest actors ever. And in combination with Walter Matthau - the best combination since Astaire and Rogers.

[@dcmarquez3816]

I have always loved Mr.Jack Lemon, he gave us his best, his performances were believable and real. He was and still is one of the greatest actors of all time.

[@RTD3]

His diversity was best portrayed in "The Great Race". That film deserves more credit than it gets, thanks to him.

[@linscrattish2648]

Not a bad word could be said about this man!

[@wimbledon5353]

Jack Lemmon was initially known for comedy, but The Apartment and Days of Wine and Roses proved that he can excel in drama...sometimes with a tragic quality. He had depth for sure - which is probably why he was able to transition into 70's Hollywood better than most of his colleagues...

[@evelyn7881]

AND he was a Harvard grad!

[@ДмитрийДмитрий-х4в]

Для него уже было мало ролей. Достойных его таланта.

[@marilyntape9050]

He was and looked hilarious in Some like It Hot😃🇦🇺🌈💜

[@edkeaton1085]

I have been a fan of Jack Lemmon for a long time. The man is quite entertaining and very articulate. His talents and gifts are what made him seem unique to all who have managed to follow his work over the years. Thanks for all of the memories.

[@arrow-lo7jf]

One of the greatest ever, and a class act of a man.

[@Wordmama]

Great show; lousy sound. But I stuck with it anyway because it was so interesting.

[@ΠαναγιωταΑγγελοπουλου-χ6ρ]

Jack Lemmon (his work in The Apartment was simply adoring) an actor of exceptional talent that Billy Wilder used to dazzle audiences in Some Like it Hot! Hollywood typecast him as a comedian from then on and he missed dramatic roles that could have been his. We had a glimpse of what he could do in The China Syndrome and The Missing. Panagiota Angelopoulou- Anoni

[@sherrimaeshima4193]

Great info and interview on/with Jack Lemmon, in his own category! His energy is present in all he did!

[@christineribone9351]

Jack and Tony what a duo! I always had a crush on Jack. He was the everyday man for everyone. Thank you Sir Jack!

[@LASTDAYSWATCHMAN777]

They should sack the guy who edited the music level.

[@deziramson3451]

Yes

[@GirlWithAnOpinion]

Totally agree! Horrendous!

[@orchidlilly7518]

Agreed

[@aadijoshi273]

Sack? Something more drastic, please.

[@MickiB_Is4916]

This Lemmon was Sweet! a real handsome and classy fellow he was. He's my very Favorite! Strange how serious he was when interviewed because he's so funny on film! RIP Jack Lemmon

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

If Lemmon was in it, you knew it would be good.

[@trinafirey1175]

What a great guy! I’m happy that he got to live the life he wanted.

[@davenix604]

I loved him in The Apartment, absolutely fantastic!

[@silviageorge7600]

What a wonderful actor ! I just love him !

[@edithbull874]

He was one of my favorite Actors , he is missed ❤😮

[@Mszahnclass95]

Rip Jack an Walter 💔I thought Jack an Ann Margaret had a great connection on Grumpier old man

[@DiabolicalAngel]

Jack had a likable quality about him. I enjoyed him in The Apartment.

[@markegan2480]

Jack Lemmon my favorite actor of all time, Magic time, thanks For all the Magical moments you gave us

[@gaetaneguitard6615]

Very talented actor, great acting, good in every caractor , passionate , good looking love him, with respect.

[@richardbullis156]

Character

[@Biboche23]

I truly love him he seems so real in his interpretations of characters. Truly witty funny classy man . He’s hilarious!

[@SOSchangedme]

Wow, I just became an even bigger fan of the Great Jack Lemmon. "...Now it's a crime to get caught!" Fantastic truth in 2023 💔🇺🇲

[@zuzellogan5613]

Jack Lemmon was a great actor, very versatile who could play a drama as well as a comedy. God bless his soul always. There will never be another Jack Lemmon, he is irreplaceable.

[@robmontgomery8186]

Iam one of his biggest fans mr Lemmon always bring magic to the screen he one of kind

[@519djw6]

I've been watching this on KZbin, and the sound quality was so bad that it was just barely audible. Is is just my computer, or have others had the same problem?

[@alisonboulding185]

12 Angry Men; The Odd Couple

[@improcat1]

"Save the Tiger' , what a performance.

[@mikeletaurus4728]

Great! I wish his role in "Glengarry Glenross" had been mentioned. He absolutely stole the film.

[@chroniclesofalivingdeadgirl]

Everything in his life seemed to work out to his favor. I wish my life is like that. Sure it's because he's a nice guy. Still, his life was just great.

[@M.Robespierre3691]

My all time favorite actor!

[@katg7965]

My best actor ever. Along with James Stewart. They were both great.

[@elena16350]

ZBackground music was detestable, Jack Lemmon, greatest actor the worlds produced, I come from England and we’ve produced a few, but none with the range of paletteJack had to play with, Jack was lucky, he had brilliant roles created for him, but you still have to play them, and I’m Alison sure that Jack was so good that he inspired authors to create great works. America has stopped being innovative , the last classic was Godfather, now it’s all gadgets , special effects that has stolen away America’s ambition. ‘’We’ll always have the memories.

[@lindamcneilly7389]

A gentleman and one of the best to ever grace the silver screen.Thank you Mr Lemon for leaving us the wonderful films,RIP SIR

[@chriswoosley3883]

Why in the hell is there commercials every 2 minutes ,even regular tv aint that bad,....pain in the ass

[@c.a.savage5689]

You need to have AdBlock (free). I saw it from start to finish without any ads.

[@phoenixfire2578]

Did anyone else rewind the scene of him clearing his ears repeatedly and laugh hysterically? Comedic gold.

[@lisasargent2841]

Yes, On the airplane he did that too. It was priceless!!!

[@Thadmotor1044]

love Lemmon , Days of Wine and Roses helped countless people

[@sandraoss326]

what the hell... music is so loud can hardly hear gregory peck talk Unfortunately for me the back ground music is too loud & it is hard for me to hear. Surprising the company that made this didn't realize it

[@veganvocalist4782]

yea they obviously did not test it on a small audience first

[@hannekedenhartog]

Jack Lemmon was a briljant actor!