Jerry Lewis - Creative Until You Die | THR

[@diegoconnor1366]

I encountered him face to face once and the look on his face was pure hatred. I just kept walking to get away from him. Why did he even agree to this interview? To humiliate the interviewer? What an angry man.

[@randomdude189]

The interviewer is bad at questions. You open with why won’t you retire? Lol so dumb

[@tkynerd]

Fortunately, he didn't humiliate the interviewer at all; all he did was clearly show his own complete lack of class.

[@arodgefan589]

The interviewer humiliated himself with stupid questions like this.

[@brwhizz3060]

@@arodgefan589 How were the questions stupid? They seemed like pretty standard interview questions.

[@arodgefan589]

@@brwhizz3060 if you watch TMZ and think those are normal questions.

[@SCalkins88]

Jerry's responds like how I want to during a job interview

[@ZodiakAsHell]

haha

[@kiril1]

Hahaha.

[@knocfart]

i acted like Jerry in one Job interview and i fucking got the Job lol !!! this world is nuts ;)

[@kiril1]

Hope, it's not some public servant job. :)

[@sephoramaria]

Seth Calkins A bad reporter gets bad answers. A good reporter gets good answers!!!

[@EddyCusani]

The question you should have asked. 'Why would you agree to do an interview you don't want to participate in?'

[@vaughnshinkus4178]

I’m sure his reps set it up from for him.

[@metaparcel]

He didn't like the age question which basically meant why is he still doing what he does in his 90's? That set up the downhill and the fact that he's a cranky ass.

[@t.diddle7998]

Right. He was SO rude.

[@t.diddle7998]

But...I wish to know the full story... although that's impossible. We can never know what really happened unless we were there, and even then we may not fully understand it. So, I suggest that we take the first step and forgive out of hand.

[@JD-Media]

He clearly got offended at the type of questions insinuating because of his age he should retire.

[@Timx5599]

He's like 90 percent of the girls that message me back on dating sites.

[@danielauer9307]

Boy did Jerry break this assholes balls! The Great Jerry Lewis! An icon and a true comedy legend! Make God laugh Jerry!

[@danielauer9307]

Get a day job! Classic Jerry!

[@kennymcglade9352]

Must be one of those people that thinks this mildly talented, egotistical disrespectful prick deserves an infinite standing ovationbn for making 9 different funny faces, made a funny voice, which added together takes 3 minutes to show you everything this man could do. He was just damn lucky to have gotten past the war years and had an audience who was living a post war economy that rewarded everyone wanting to work. I thought he was hilarious, when I watched his tv repeats and movies when I was a little kid but now, watchig this old self proclaimed genius puts me in the mindset of watching Jim Carrey, Put them together with no other talent involved with free reign to do what they will and let them make two movies and the first one will sell out and the second one will sell out the first night because people will return to the second movie to make sure the first one they saw was really that bad. He made people laugh, kept them entertained but he has to bring that to people's minds. Watch other interviews, He's raised himself to a level high enough that in his mind he's only about 1/16 lower than God. Instant realtime playback, now there's a contribution to society, He woul be so loved and adored if he could just hold back the infinte, egomanical prick attitude,. he would've been a lot better off.

[@RealArtVandelay]

@@danielauer9307 dont really give a shit what he did, I see an egotistical, bitter old coot here and im not impressed.. thats why nobody gives a shit about him today

[@nanettevalencia4243]

@@danielauer9307 "This asshole" ? Lewis was an asshole

[@ednakelley814]

SO this is what Dean had to deal with. NO wonder Dean left.

[@cajonbru]

You on the other hand sound like a lovely person to be around with

[@ednakelley814]

@@cajonbru Why thank you!

[@Anth230]

​​@@cajonbru Well Jerry Lewis was a major prick. It's well known. This is not just some random old man grouch stuff. He was like this his whole adult life....

[@kenprice1961]

@@Anth230 Yup, a complete PHONY. His PHONY "acting" on his Telethons was too PHONY to watch.

[@kellycaviness4850]

@@Anth230Lol no he wasn't

[@MillionaireJoe]

Everybody's blaming the interviewer but it doesn't sound like he's a bad interviewer to me, it sounds like he's struggling to get answers out of an uncooperative interview subject. Trying to have a convo with somebody who's giving one word answers is a nightmare

[@gamma21285]

@Light in the Piazza Jerry Lewis is a dick. Quit defending him

[@sydneycalhoun50]

Light in the Piazza when you interview people you have a few prepared questions and topics but that’s it. The conversation should flow naturally but obviously here it did not haha.

[@donaldstephens11]

Old folks don't like to be reminded of their age & this dim wit interviewer could do nothing but talk about Jerry's age.

[@saschacunliffe7383]

@Light in the Piazza Totally correct. It is just atrocious, it really is.

[@m.w.9899]

@Snookie Playz Well, he was in his 90's. The question is valid. Most people would have retired.

[@rusticterry]

The true Jerry Lewis coming out - actually quite mean most of his life especially with his original family - not good, I don't care who you are.

[@namesameasu]

He's probably annoyed by the fact that they sent an interviewer who cares as little about the interview as Jerry appears to.

[@suzannesilverthorne-thomps2001]

Agreed

[@JohnPMitten]

I've NEVER SEEN an angrier, evil man.

[@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736]

Yeah, apparently he left all his children out of his will by his first wife and his son Gary Lewis couldn’t stand him

[@John-qw4vs]

Agree 100%

[@coryj1984]

I hope the interviewer has this on his resume. He has the patience and politeness of a saint.

[@cjpreach]

It was a bit of a struggle to listen to this one.

[@s.k.393]

Fucking brilliant. Hats off to the interviewer for rolling with it, and for JL for maintaining his hatred for 8 long minutes.

[@robertjosephs2629]

JERR - REE !! JERR - REE !! JERR - REE !! JERR - REE !!

[@gretchenbeck441]

J.L. boring souless entity

[@daviswendye]

The interviewers only mistake was being a "nobody." This is how narcissists treat people they think are inferior.

[@MrAM4D3U5]

I guarantee you if the interviewer was wearing a yarmulke he would have been treated completely different

[@monkeyb1820]

@@MrAM4D3U5 That's an idiotic comment. Letterman's Jewish? Leno's Jewish? Lewis was born a Jew and was otherwise about as Jewish as a Christmas tree, having 6 sons with a *Catholic* woman, just the way you'd want him to.

[@appledoreman]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY EXCRUCIATING! If the poor interviewer threw himself off a cliff immediately afterwards, you wouldn't blame him. As for Jerry Lewis, you'd never guess from this he was a comedian - his expression could turn milk sour.

[@AlexKnight009]

* Why do you think he hated the interviewer so much? Anybody that says he didn't hate him, needs to take a class called "Introduction to Psychology". Because that was hatred. Did he say something about his mother? Did he serve him cold coffee? Did he have a booger hanging out of his nose? What?

[@rosiejorda]

I remember when I was younger my dad used to dislike this guy so much now I can see why what a nasty person

[@FMHammyJ]

Same....my parents hated him.....didnt think he was funny at all......they were right.....

[@rosiejorda]

Yep was very stupid actor not funny at all like a kid really

[@RandyLawson-vh5jx]

@@FMHammyJ I thought some of his work was funny but what I have less respect for is leaveing his kids out of his will

[@jimlocke8281]

WOW! This guy has lived a charmed life, done exactly all he wanted to do, and yet is so bitter, angry, and unhappy.

[@thomasjust2663]

yes, he probably resented the guy interviewing him was young

[@ACLTony]

But, while not excusing Jerry's attitude here, he had emotional issues regarding his Dad. From what was shown in a movie about "Martin & Lewis" years back, rather than being encouraging, Jerry's Dad envied him as he gradually gained fame and success.

[@ASpiritualAwakener]

If ppl bring intelligence to the interview he's very alive and bounces back and forth. From the questions that he asked it was like he didn't do any research at all which as u can see didn't go over well w him.

[@PauloBerni699]

@@ASpiritualAwakenerSo what questions would you ask differently?

[@mg79277]

He always was. Je just played happy guy

[@floridaactor]

Jerry Lewis was a passenger on a flight when I was a crewmember back in the 1970s. He was an asshole then...I guess no different now.

[@reidemmons4625]

Okay..... Stop bashing on the interviewer and saying he is unprepared/a bad interviewer. They asked Jerry Lewis if he wanted to do an interview about people who are working past their 90s. JL knew that a majority of the questions were going to be reflecting on his past, talking about memories and what keeps them invested and creative at his age. The interviewer is doing a great job asking mostly open ended questions to try and get a conversation or more than a couple words out of him. Your job as an interviewer is to ask a lot of questions and hopefully just get the person talking about anything and then you can edit everything in post. JL never started talking. We should be impressed the guy was able to continue the interview for this long.

[@donaldstephens11]

Nobody wants their age to be the topic of the conversation, especially old folks

[@stanmunro2916]

What an Asshole he was !

[@saschacunliffe7383]

The interviewer later admitted he got EVERYTHING wrong and took far too many people into Lewis' house. His questions are trite and robotically asked. Lewis was an old, unwell man; he deserved infinitely better than this - it could have been a remarkable interview - a great last interview, but no. The whole impression I have of this is DISRESPECT and IDLENESS. Jerry Lewis was correct in his irritation and curt responses and he has all of his mind present. I mean, for fuck's sake - he misses the opportunity to REALLY talk to him about Dean Martin. Talk about wasted opportunities. No mention of his superb directing career. I just can't go on. It should be shown to all rookie journalists how NOT to interview ANYONE, let alone a showbusiness legend in his final years. Literally appalling.

[@2Uahoj]

@@saschacunliffe7383 Couldn't disagree with you more. Even if all of what you write was true, a decent person would do his/or her best to help the interviewer, especially after agreeing to do the thing. If he didn't want to answer the questions, he should have just told the guy, "sorry I changed my mind, I'd rather now continue with this."

[@BewareFools]

I think Cranky Jerry is just an act.

[@hinese71]

“Jerry, nobody has given a damn about you in 40 years. Is that why you’re like this?”

[@jeshkam]

"Yeah"

[@jaynet5756]

Yes I wish the interviewer would have been as blunt with him as he was. I would have said from the beginning sorry for bothering you and walked out. No need to interview a cranky rude old man.

[@celinerk4000]

😂😂😂

[@gerardinecizmar]

He had me fooled when I was young but how could anybody know that he was such a violent abuser of his own children.

[@cmrdeaconblues]

As a kid in the 60's and 70's, no comedy movie actor made me laugh harder than Jerry Lewis. A true genius. That being said, there's absolutely NO reason for anyone to be this rude to another human being... Totally unnecessary!

[@MsThebeMoon]

But it is funny. I think the funniest bit he ever did.

[@robertjosephs2629]

How is he rude? Hes answering all the questions in his own style. Hes an old school. Thats the way he rolled.

[@cmrdeaconblues]

@@robertjosephs2629 I know old school. That's not it, that's rude. If you can't see that then....

[@dogwoodfan777]

Like your orange evangelical prince might say: SAD! Sad, Michael!!! G**d*mn sad!!!

[@robertjosephs2629]

Michael, he was elderly and very sick when this interview took place. It's sad when an entertainer that was a star in the past is in their waning years and too old to work. Cut him some slack.

[@foodbychefty]

I've been cut with knives, mandolins, and graters. None of those instances were more painful than watching this.

[@thehammurabichode7994]

*How this nigga gettin cut by mandolins*

[@aidanrocha2043]

How does one get cut with a mandolin?

A mandolin is also a kitchen tool for slicing.

[@foodbychefty]

@ thank you.

[@callumchristopher9597]

To all those mocking the interviewer, he does a champion, superhuman job under the circumstances...how hard would it be to interview someone hung up on one-word answers? I salute you young man for braving the blizzard like cold of Mr Lewis and getting out alive. How embarrassing that the young interviewer, with his intelligent questions, respect and level-headed-ness, makes himself look decades older and wiser than Lewis, when ironically the opposite is the case.The Lewis apologists can say all they want, "He was having a bad day" etc etc but arrogance is arrogance. The interviewer deserves a medal of honor for spending 7 long lonely minutes in the trenches, not stooping to Lewis's child-like angst and petulance even once, remaining respectful throughout. Lewis meanwhile, from the first response, in both tone and content, transmits with 100% clarity the fact he is a massive asshole, at least on this day of the week. How can you flip it and blame the interviewers' questions? Before the first question has even left the interviewer's mouth Lewis has clearly already put his cards on the table that he's going to be a massive dick for the entire interview. Clearly he has unresolved anger/grief/fear issues which he needs to sort out asap given his age, I hope he can do so in time and I wish him all the best.

[@marym5037]

Intelligent questions????

[@marym5037]

One thing that I love about certain Americans is their choice of words...scum bag! Lol ...you have no respect for nothing and nobody! Yes, Jerry was old and ill and the question was extremely inappropriate! The interviewer didn't have skills to conduct an interview with a legend like JL and didn't know anything about him! He was not ready for that! JL was a man who helped kids all of his life and gave joy and laughter to people so yeah...I guess that he was a very good man! Scum bags are the ones whom called others scum bags! Intelligent or compassionate people would never use such wording! Have a good day sir!

[@TheTomtah]

Well maybe Lewis should not have agreed to do an interview if he was ill. These question are not bad, they're standard question you could ask during an interview. The interviewer shows incredible strength just continuing with his JOB even though Jerry Lewis was being unpleasant.

[@marym5037]

TheTomtah, Yes, maybe he shouldn't have agreed to do it! True! However, I believe that something happened during the interview or right before that because Jerry was okay at the beginning! And I am sorry, but I do not personally agree that the interviewer's questions were standard or good in any way! I know some of you disagree. That's okay! By the way he doesn't really show strength by continuing with what he thought he was doing right! I think he had no choice, but continuing...He could have asked better questions, but he never did! That's just the way I see it! I do , however, feel bad for him because it must have been hard for him to continue! I know Jerry acted like a grumpy old man, but he was an old man! Not justifying his behavior! However, I like Jerry. I think he was a great man and I don't judge a book by its cover. He had a rough exterior, sometimes he was rude, but he was a good man! He did so much good for others! I am not one of the people that criticize his life because I am , as a human being with my flaws , not in the place to judge him. I think that he was a very good man. People could just acknowledge that he was grumpy and insufferable during that interview rather than call him names and label him vile and nasty! People make mistakes! However, a person should not be defined only by his/her mistakes! Labeling a person nasty and vile without knowing that person is actually a vile thing to do in itself! Don't mean to offend anyone...just my thought :)

[@marym5037]

Opugilist, You, sir, are an idiot! I am not Ethiopian!!! You are a racist and an ignorant!First of all one of his sons, after his death stated that a lot of stuff about the will is untrue, plus, I am not interested in continuing this conversation and very far from caring about what you think or believe.

[@hungfao]

I don't believe in painting anyone with a broad brush. With Jerry, I can only cite an instance where an acquaintance I knew ran into him at an airport. As you might imagine, there were a few people interested in meeting Jerry. Apparently he was surprisingly rude. Meanwhile, his wife at the time was telling him to be nice. Legend has it that when he created the character 'Buddy Love' for the 'The Nutty Professor', this character literally took over his persona and became a permanent part of who he was.

[@riffraff2770]

Props to the interviewer for hanging in there.

[@Alex-dz2et]

Terrible interview style - all were closed questions that don’t elicit more than a yes / no answer. Even so - JL was nasty

[@DevonDumpling70]

He was funnier in this interview than anything else he ever did. 🤣

[@jeffreyroot9037]

Jerry Lewis shows his true colors about who he really was as an artist and family man.

[@lucyjones8088]

I feel sorry for the interviewer. How horrific! Jerry showed his true colors. A real nasty man Old or not. He left his sons nothing but left it all to his second wife and daughter. What a Guy!!!

[@SafetyMentalst]

Hey Jerry's Kids : #Music In Your #Heart you can #Dance to is #SuicidePrevention The #Songs I find on @KZbin .. #TwitterD_J

[@siredith8846]

Adopted daughter.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

I'll bet that reporter wasn't too depressed when he heard Jerry Lewis died. 😄

[@l.l.a.s3645]

He probably had PTSD flashbacks

[@MichaelJ44]

Whenever the interviewer laughs or gets stuck in a conversation involving a crazy cow town that’s when the flashbacks appear

[@mattilevi]

I thought it was an interesting interview. It gives great insight into how unforgiving Jerry was if he didn't like you or felt disrespected. He did leave all of his biological children out of his will, lol

[@moshewakatelutiw6233]

That's too much. We die. And if we have wealth AND children, to leave them out. Idek. But it was his life and I don't think he wanted to be aby different

[@nontew85]

Ironic how this was really the last viral thing in Jerry’s Celebrity career before he passed away a few months later. Being one of the most known men in show business for nearly 70 years and it ends with a cranky interview that lightly exposes what he may truly be like.

[@cajonbru]

Could you ever excuse him? You wanted him to be dancing? Being old and cranky is normal

[@asagara34]

@@cajonbru he is talking about his true colors a lot of actresses from the 60s and people who worked with him on the telethon have come out over the years just how despicable he was

[@cajonbru]

@@asagara34 ok? He is dead, what else you want? The guy was in the show business for ages. People think celebritys are perfect gods? Who are supossed to be cool with everybody outside of working hours all the time? He didn't hurt anybody relax

[@christopherrapczynski204]

​@@cajonbru dope

[@ACLTony]

There was one interview after this one, which was better. As pointed out Jerry seemed to have an issue with the way things were being set up for this particular interview, so he pushed back with short, dry answers.

[@jombiejuss]

“Ok clean it outta here!” Lol😂

[@jhmoxl]

The interviewer did a great job, its a fluff piece he asked fluff questions, he doesn't return the bile Jerry is throwing at him. He gets through it. True pro.

[@caseyvee4419]

I think I would have started calling him Joey, just to see if that would piss him off even more.

[@JustBeYouooh]

Casey Vee 😂 or Martin!

[@sebasm3217]

That would Had been an interesting experiment.

[@tonycento1084]

I think Jerry Lewis entered this interview with a normal disposition , but interviewer set Jerry off on the wrong foot, by starting to ask obnoxious questions that were totally irrelevant, such as " why dont you retire !!?? that naturally set Jerry Lewis off ,and he instantly disliked the interviewer right off the bat and set out to make the interviewer look bad by not wanting to answer any questions in depth

[@KH-os1ef]

The interviewer explained at the beginning of the exchange that his purpose was to interview a number of actively working nonagenarians, with regards to their philosophy of life & personal experiences. Regardless of whether the questions were supposedly asinine or not; the interviewer is doing a job & conducting himself with patience & professionalism, and he should NOT be condemned for Lewis' contemptible & frankly pugnacious attitude, which only served to highlight that manners & behaviour do not always equate with chronological age.

[@TALCOLMINTHEMIDDLE]

If I'm 90 and I'm spending my time in front of hot lights being asked questions like "Do you write your scripts by hand or do you type them?" I'd be short with my answers too

[@KH-os1ef]

@@TALCOLMINTHEMIDDLE The simplest solution to prevent such ire is to refuse participation with the interview in the first instance; that way a curmudgeonly ego remains intact without tempers being frayed and without shattering the confidence of an aspiring journalist on the start of his/ her career. He should have done his research. His fault. End of!

[@TALCOLMINTHEMIDDLE]

@@KH-os1ef I'd wager Lewis was doing this interview for contractual reasons seeing as how he had a movie coming out in 2017 (and has several other filmed interviews from mid-late 2016) and couldn't be bothered to put anything into it when being asked questions like "do you like Vegas now or in the past?"

[@SkillsthatKills99]

This comment, coupled with your "curmudgeonly ego" reply, made up the two most pretentious comments I have ever seen on this website.

[@lizziehooper1446]

@Iamaniceguy6969 You're a twat. Is that pretentious enough for you?

[@BobCat623923]

Wait...he's 90...who made him DO the interview? Why would he do it if he obviously wanted no part of it?

[@metallitech]

This is like meeting your Jewish girlfriend's old dad.

[@mysoncrumphaseveryinjury3853]

I'm imagining "Meet the Parents" trilogy but with Lewis instead of De Niro.

[@benton-benton]

LOL

[@tedcantu1]

He was very bitter about life but he was his own worst enemy.

[@LurkingCrassZero]

Lewis didn't even bother with the facade of a decent human being anymore. His deeply odious nature shines through.

[@IvanLendl87]

Dean Martin was right.

[@maryoleary2037]

This is a prime example of a man who can be engaging and funny when it is scripted, but has no sense of humour off stage. People said the same about Lucille Ball...hilarious on the Lucy show, but not in real life. I think the interviewer might have salvaged things a bit with a different approach. With the likes of Jerry Lewis, it would have been best to butter him up, by telling him how much you admired his body of work and then making reference to a few specific movies and how you enjoyed them. The interviewer should have had more experience to let it be a conversation rather than an interrogation. Failing that, had I been conducting the interview, I would have cut it short after 2--3 minutes, "Mr. Lewis it is obvious that now is not a good day to be speaking with you. Thank you for your time."

[@NoBody12133]

Or Lewis could have been less of a dick and just gave some answers longer than one or two words. Also the "glad you remembered it" after he had him repeat the title as if he didnt say it the first time.

[@childrenofminervaofficial4316]

"Alright, clean it outta here!" One of the best parting sentences I have heard

[@powysdewhurst]

A couple things: Rule 1: Never ask an elderly performer of anything "have you ever thought about retiring?" Never. Under any circumstances. And it was his FIRST QUESTION. That is when it instantly, instantly, went downhill. Because now he has his back up. Plus: Lewis was worried about death and fading into obscurity. Have you ever thought about retiring suggests "you need to stop and get out of the business because people don't care for what you do anymore." But: Rule 1: Never ask an elderly performer "have you ever thought about retiring?" Rule 1: Never ask an elderly performer "have you ever thought about retiring?" Rule 1: Never ask an elderly performer "have you ever thought about retiring?" Rule 1: Never ask an elderly performer "have you ever thought about retiring?" Rule 1: Never ask an elderly performer "have you ever thought about retiring?" Rule 1: Never ask an elderly performer "have you ever thought about retiring?" Rule 1: Never ask an elderly performer "have you ever thought about retiring?" 2. It doesn't feel like a conversation. It's all yes/no questions. 3. It feels like a laundry list of questions, a checklist, as opposed to an actual conversation with anyone as a person. It's dehumanizing. I doubt he actually even really looked at his subject....just next question, next question, next question. 4. People like Lewis respect people their own age or the ballpark. A 90 year old man will prefer, not always but usually, someone who is in the ballpark of their own age who understands the references, who has lived through many of the same things. Barbara Walters, Larry King, etc. people who knew Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin. 5. Lewis feels like this guy doesn't really know his work and history. 6. Lewis can be difficult. That needs to be a consideration. Sadly, Every and All aspects of this were ill-advised.

[@rogergomez1]

i wouldve just stopped the interview

[@Ken-lp9qt]

Say hello to the real Jerry Lewis.

[@rhand]

Despite the constant rain of "No" answers, JL surprisingly answers the question at 4:20 about the favorite part of his career.

[@trent3872]

Ya gotta admit though, the shirt and sweater look great together.

[@DK-sc4hb]

That interviewer has my sympathies.

[@theshittybeatles5768]

The interviewer was clever here, think about it, what interview with Jerry are you going to remember in years to come........the one where he talks about Martin and how much he loved him or this one where you get to see the other side of him.

[@The3rdRail826]

I thought the same, I have watched this a dozen times. Really shows another side of Mr Lewis.

[@lukkiluftdruck8939]

Nice people don‘t give an interview like that. No matter how stupid the questions might be. Jim carrey for example would answer the most stupid questions kindly and with love to the interviewer. Thats the personality that makes an interview. A good guy never lets you down.

[@Whiggles1980]

Exactly!

[@gfunk63901]

such a difference in the way peers felt about him vs. Dangerfield and Rickles

[@gfunk63901]

i love how at the end they showed all the other people being cooperative and friendlu and good sports.

[@stevesparta4995]

Unlike Lewis, those two were actually funny.

[@peterchecksfield9958]

Jerry Lewis made Jerry LEE Lewis look warm and friendly.

[@xG0BLES]

This is how my convos go on tinder when I match with a hot girl.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

They try to frame this like it’s “That irascible Jerry Lewis up to this old tricks!” But it’s just some old guy who wishes people weren’t in his house and he’s not being nice about it.

[@martinvdtogt]

This interview with mr Lewis certainly makes me remember how completely unfunny he was as an artist. Once a prick always a prick.

[@TATOIANENTERPRISES]

Mr. Lewis was as funny as a 6 car accident. Happy Shabbos.

[@kafoste100]

Lolol

[@robbiesmile3]

Jack Benny liked almost everyone. He disliked Jerry Lewis.

[@Jordyvanlith]

It is very clear that he will only have an interview with a colleague/peer.

[@skydog4393]

I still remember Ed MCMahon talking abut Jerry Lewis on the Tonight Show once with Johnny Carson. Even Ed admitted that although Lewis was extremely talented in the show business industry, he had very little people skills and could come off extremely rude to others. Sometimes even obnoxious. Too bad he didn't really;ize that it was those same people he turned his nose up to, who bought tickets to his shows and watched his movies. Otherwise, no one would have ever heard of him.

[@ottomannix7091]

Best interview ever.

[@firstnamelastname9631]

You have to go out more. Boy.

[@werearethedreamteam3724]

Otto Mannix that might be..

[@theresidentone]

YEP

[@johnpastore7685]

It’s not the interviewer, it’s Jerry

[@nalts]

Hard to be empathetic about the recent harassment news when you see him like this.

[@lo-kidank4040]

He clearly didn’t want them in house, he just wasn’t feeling the whole thing tbh…and it’s understandable…”you ever think of retiring?” is a terrible way to start an interview with a 90 year old comedian…he might as well have asked “how does it feel to be old af?” “Do you miss all the people that have died?” “What if you don’t wake up tomorrow?” “You think about death alot?”…”you’re old af Jerry, you know that?”

[@powysdewhurst]

Absolutely. Never ask an old performer have you ever thought of retiring.

[@SCELEAN]

"What this people doing ,what are you doing " 😂😂👍

[@Damoskinos]

Never rated him as a comedian

[@bugaloo2836]

The poor interviewer sounds so nervous and who wouldn’t be looking at JLs angry hateful face?

[@antoinetteTVset]

Re: to those defending his behaviour in the comments, I find the normalization of being an asshole pretty interesting, which goes to show you the power of celebrity and comedy moreso. I don't mean to sound patronizing or sardonic, but I really do find this is interesting. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't appreciate Lewis' responses. If I were an interviewer, I mean, I'm just trying to do my job-wouldn't Jerry's agent/reps have needed to agree to the interview anyway? Why would Lewis behave this way? Because he's having a bad day? There are moments where he intentionally mocks the interviewer. That's highly resentful behaviour... think about how angry you need to be to resort to that kind of response. Also, if he's so astute, why can't he recognize that the interviewer is clearly uncomfortable and intimidated? I didn't really find the interviewer's questions were shallow, vapid, or obnoxious, either.

[@marym5037]

Katarina Dunham, I am not personally defending his behavior. I feel bad for the interviewer! It must have been devastating! However, I do not agree with you that the interviewer's questions were not shallow! They actually were pretty stupid and showed no knowledge of Lewis's work! I mean, the man worked all of his life and the guy kept telling him that he was old and if he was thinking about retiring! God! That's ridiculous! He was obviously very inexperienced and didn't know anything about Jerry Lewis! People at Jerry's age become grumpier and insufferable! It's not uncommon( fear of dying and leaving loved ones behind, bitter sweet memories about the past etc...) Jerry wasn't pleasant, but was a very old man! The interviewer should have demonstrated some kind of respect for his work and acknowledge it definitely before mentioning that he was OLD! It is not about justifying is behavior at all!

[@deathstr1ker6666]

WHY

[@east9292]

He’s 90. He can do whatever he wants.

[@deathstr1ker6666]

@@east9292 WHY

[@holborne235]

Katarina Dunham Thank you. Apparently you’re the only adult in these comments. Jerry Lewis, whatever you thought of him as a comedian, was a dreadful person. He always was: it’s not like there’s a dearth of stories about his behavior over the years. And if he’s such a “legend,” all the more reason to be gracious to someone who’s doing an interview you agreed to.

[@MatsThyWit]

If he'd started with "at 90 years old you're still as active as ever, what's driven you to continue?" Instead of "have you ever thought about retiring?" He would have gotten a much better interview out of Jerry.

[@SomethingSomethingg]

I don't think so from what everyone's saying in the comments he was just always a nasty prick

[@johncrawford8481]

Clearly, Jerry was irritated at the very start. The interviewer should have ended this conversation after the first question. Jerry was no idiot and quickly picked up on the non-sensical questions, but he should have been more sensitive to the interviewee and ended it with respect. Instead, he acted like a child throughout with a pissy attitude.

[@groovee63]

Very simple folks. The first question the interviewer ask Jerry was the most stupidest question he could have asked... at that point the interview was pretty much over

[@debbiemartin2026]

He was clearly pissed at something before the interview and he was punishing the interviewer. I grew up with him,watched the telethon. Those were the days that you believed the character on the screen. No social media and no interviews on YT! Horrible to think people like this could have fooled everyone. We didn’t know what narcissist meant then. I think it wasnt until the 80’s that tern was even used. Life is just a smokescreen towards reality

[@judykane3024]

Why didn’t he say no to the interview. Unbelievable, how nasty he is. I guess everything they said about him being mean is true.

[@pllayerdois]

Just watched The King of Comedy. So he is really like Jerry Langdon

[@stevestarr9769]

Langdon was actually NICER.

[@MrGarysugarman]

I hope the reporter learned a lesson from this instead of possibly feeliing like a victim (which I don't know if he did). How many Lewis movies had he seen? How many live stage and TV performanes (many available on ytube) had he watched? Had he read Jerry's autobiography? Or any of the biographies? You have to up your game far beyond generic questions with someone with such a long distinguished career. Listen to Roger Ebert interviews. He was well versed on the careers of stars he interviewed and exceptionally well versed on all art forms in general - a true intellect for the interviewee to engage with.

[@palmerjohnson4982]

I cant help but think this would have been a funny scene in a Jerry Lewis movie - with Lewis playing the interviewer...

[@XadrezFernandoSouzaChess]

5:40 im glad you remembered it

[@arawn10]

Why did Jerry Lewis agree to this interview?!.. He obviously *did not* want to be interviewed!

[@Al_V]

I’ve anguished over my input to this interview and it comes down to one critical piece of information. A flawed character that can’t be hidden. There are just too many events and comments that present someone who wasn’t the nicest person. Yes, I adored him when I was a child. He was hero-ish to me but that dissipated through my adult years. In my opinion, he’d be an incredible challenge in getting to know him. That time has past but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I don’t think he’d give me or the common person a minute of his off-air, out of the spotlight time.

[@progressiveactionnh]

He was an abusive narcissist. the man you knew and loved didn't exist -- it was a creation for movies or performances based on imagination -- what he presented out of his imagination and what you interpreted. It was art. No need to feel bad about that, but there's no need to praise the man either, praise the art, but leave the man where he belongs --- bringing those he hurt to the light to be heard and the myth he created to die away so maybe we learn. I frankly think that his childhood as a child star left him starving for love and never experiencing the unconditional love and acceptance that a child needs for the development of a full sense of self. A classic narcissist; his only sense of self came from the response of others to his alternate selves that came up in his performances.

[@dumbguymoviereview1644]

The fake laugh at 6:33 is genuinely funny

[@igano111]

Not saying Lewis was the kindest person in the world, but come on, all you could come up with was a bunch of "wow, you're so old" boring questions. Can you blame him for thinking this was insulting and a waste of time? I'm glad you got served.

[@thethoughtfultoad1505]

I can’t understand the charm of this man. I went and reviewed his comedy, wasn’t that great, read about what he did to his kids, just awful. I don’t like to shame people who can no longer defend for themselves but I couldn’t hold back. I know there’s an audience for him and he brought joy to many and for that I respect

[@jperry714]

Watch the 1984 interview with Johnny Carson on the tonight show after this one. What a difference the interviewer and 32 years can make.

[@93Jubilee]

Actually, the tension between Carson & Lewis is palpable every time they were together on the show.

[@bwrwbleidlais156]

Just goes to show how close to reality Jerry Langford was. I will remember the man for the most uncomfortable characterisation ever.

[@sluggoII]

Did Jerry Langford ever work with Jerry Lewis?

[@bwrwbleidlais156]

Heard Langford busted him up real good

[@l.l.a.s3645]

@@bwrwbleidlais156 💀

[@crucius]

Why does a guy accept doing an interview and then fail to answer questions? Jeez.

[@glenmurphy7322]

André Silva thank you that's exactly what I said, and I love Jerry Lewis

[@sephoramaria]

André Silva bad reporters get bad answers. Good reporters get good answers. Just plain simple.

[@marym5037]

Exactly!!!

[@werearethedreamteam3724]

He probably knows his time is almost up.

[@davidsanderson5918]

André Silva Jerry Lewis is enjoying himself here I think, he's getting attention, he's performing....even in the way he wraps it up, he could've stopped it much earlier but he clearly wanted people to see him complete a piece, a sketch....he enjoyed every moment!

[@ronlevy2583]

My God, what a jerk. One word answers the whole time. Why did he even agree to do this?

[@JustBeYouooh]

Ron Levy I reckon he wanted to sleep more or had haemorrhoids lol

[@MillionaireJoe]

Exactly...why???

[@dlg78]

I think it's done on purpose.

[@skelter1153]

Some context here: Jerry's "Publicist" (which was also his Wife at the time) was contacted and relayed the message to Jerry that they wanted a quick interview. Jerry, wanted to talk to the "interviewer" first, before he agreed to do it. The "interviewer" wasn't available to speak to him so Jerry was under the impression that it was an interview for a MAGAZINE and agreed to give them an hour. The NEXT morning, without notice, these guys showed up to his Home, with a Camera Crew and Boom Mics, you can see at the beginning Jerry is saying: "What are you guys doing!?" because, again Jerry was under the impression he was giving an interview for a Magazine that would be PRINTED and issued in print.... so these guys basically hijacked a TAPED interview and his Wife practically begged him not to throw them out because they told her who the other celebrities were that agreed to be in the piece. So... Jerry was pissed off and begrudgingly agreed to be filmed when he merely agreed to a printed interview some time in the near future, and NOT the very next morning, and NOT on Camera. I think he had the right to react the way we see him in this interview. When he says "Clean it out of here!" He is talking about all their equipment.

[@PJVids83]

The most shocking part of the video are the comments. Some of you guys seem to think that just because it's Jerry Lewis he cannot possibly be in the wrong here. Look, sometimes, it's okay to admit that our heroes are jerks.

[@Boozer13]

Philip Zamora Agreed

[@jensmuell]

Wait. No one said that JL was completely right in reacting this way. But if you focus on the dynamics of this interview you'll see that JL is increasingly feeling insecure and oppressed by the interviewer's questions. So, what's the intention of such an interview anyways? To mock a 90+ year old? As being the younger, and mentally more agile, person I consider it the interviewer's plight to recognize the state of mind of his interview partner and react accordingly. No one said that a 90-year-old interview partner is a cakewalk. THR should have known that and been better prepared beforehand.

[@PJVids83]

***** Alright, you may have a point. It's true that the interviewer's questions are condescending and show a lack of knowledge about the subject.

[@68libby]

jensmuell: No, the 'intent' of the interview is exactly what Jerry Lewis signed up for - it's for a special on Hollywood legends who continue to work past age 90. He knew very wll his age was the topic, and he signed up to participate. Betty White, Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner, Stan Lee, Chloris Leachman and Don Rickles all participated, as well, and were gracious, funny and interesting in discussing working in the industry in their 90s. Jerry isn't being a jerk because they're discussing his age - if he didn't want to talk about that, he wouldn't have signed up to discuss it. He could have said "no" to the interview. He's being a jerk just because he's a jerk. And the poor interviewer is desperately trying to get him to say ANYTHING on the topic of being 90 in the industry that they can use for the special, but Jerry''s deliberately giving him nothing. No one is mocking Jerry whatsoever - he made a fool of himself by being the arrogant jerk he always is.

[@PJVids83]

Lib P I think the problem exists on both sides. The interviewer probably should have put more thought into his questions, and Lewis should've checked his ego.

[@randalusa]

This interview should never have been broadcast. Just send an older person to do it over, someone who knows how to listen rather than peppering a guy with question after question.

[@seranatus]

It's amazing that the interviewer persisted with close-ended yes or no questions throughout the entire interview. For instance, didn't ask a question like who's your favorite new comedian? favorite new movie?

[@grapefruitm00n]

He probably would have been like, "Nobody." "None of them."

[@javierfernandez6030]

@@grapefruitm00n WHY?

[@coldbrew1987]

Learning more about allegations regarding Jerry Lewis, this attitude from him doesn’t surprise me. Questions could have been better and interviewer could have pushed back more, but Jerry was obviously a very unhappy, grumpy man.

[@LenHummelChannel]

To be honest, Jerry was at his worst here: angry, irritated and unresponsive other than to be blunt and difficult and even mean. I pity the interviewer. I think he was right when re-considering: "I should have stopped the interview and asked him if there was anything we could do to make it all more pleasant for him." - that would have been a smart move.

[@ACLTony]

Interviewer was trying to get Jerry to converse with him and answer in more details. Rather strong (sad) hint at 6:32 that Jerry didn't want to do this and wanted to get the interviewer out of there asap.

[@Anth230]

He should not have agreed to it then

[@iloveartsncrafts]

One of my favorite actors, he clearly didn't want this interview and seems sad or angry at the world or the media.

[@saschacunliffe7383]

I think he is sad and angry at the moron who was questioning him with no real interest or flair. One of the world's greatest showbiz legends, right at the end of his life and he blew it! Staggering!!

[@FeelTheLack]

@@saschacunliffe7383 But it's Jerry's job as an entertainer to respond to questions with flair I believe.

[@emsolis]

Being the camera man it must've been awkward as hell.

[@martymartin9186]

He hated the question about his age because he was afraid of dying. Look at his interview with Inside Edition. So sad, he really feared dying.

[@coppolasandro]

I agree. the interviewer made a huge mistake in the beginning right from the first question. It was insulting, you don't ask questions like that to a legend.

[@iVenge]

I believe you’re exactly right. He never became comfortable with being old. Carl Reiner would have handled that first question differently and made a joke out of it.

[@andymassingham]

Someone has to splice this with Lou Reed’s early 70’s Australian press interview. 😂

[@MusicHandsAbrupt]

An example of a true monster.

[@andredarin8966]

Damn! This is a masterclass in passive aggressiveness. On the other hand, the interviewer was in way over his head. He asked too many questions that could be answered “Yes” or “No”. Nor did he ask for clarification of short, vague answers. Still, Lewis didn’t make the slightest effort to help this guy out. It almost seems as if he was purposefully making this guy squirm.

[@rogerwhittaker4189]

I remembered watching some Jerry Lewis movies after I was born growing up ,but my God he was so rude to the interviewer ,but why on Earth did bother or agree to do the interview.

[@AdamThorton]

There is a STRIKING resemblance to in Jerry's interview style to Lou Reed.

[@spoly8139]

With all his fame and fortune over his long career you can see how miserable he really was. I think the fact that he became estranged from his own sons and treated his ex wife so miserably had come back to haunt him. He also was in constant physical pain. His breakup with Dean also impacted him terribly. He died an old, bitter man full of hate in his heart. Not a life to wish on anyone.

It's not a interview, this is a interrogathory.

[@natelivas3961]

Reminds me of Lou Reed

[@benjamincasey6617]

Cmon, the guy was working with the Mafia for so many years.