A legendary actor who brought laughter and tears to audiences with his iconic roles in films like "Some Like It Hot" and "Days of Wine and Roses", earning him numerous Academy Award nominations.
Known for his anxious, middle-class everyman screen persona, Jack Lemmon was a master of both dramatic and comic roles, captivating audiences with his versatility and talent. With a career spanning over five decades, Lemmon won numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying his status as one of the most successful actors of his time.
Born on February 8, 1925, in an elevator at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Massachusetts, Lemmon was the only child of Mildred Burgess LaRue and John Uhler Lemmon Jr. He attended Phillips Academy and later studied at Harvard University, where he developed his passion for acting.
Lemmon made his Broadway debut in 1953 with the play Room Service. His breakthrough came in 1955 with the film Mister Roberts, for which he won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career, with iconic roles in Some Like It Hot (1959), The Apartment (1960), and Days of Wine and Roses (1962).
Lemmon's long-running collaboration with actor and friend Walter Matthau spanned ten films between 1966 and 1998, including The Odd Couple (1968), The Front Page (1974), and Grumpy Old Men (1993). The New York Times described their partnership as "one of Hollywood's most successful pairings."
The Guardian labeled Lemmon as "the most successful tragicomedian of his age." He left an indelible mark on the film industry, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers. His legacy continues to be celebrated through his timeless body of work, cementing his place as one of the greatest actors of all time.
Jack Lemmon passed away on June 27, 2001, but his contributions to the world of cinema will forever be remembered and cherished.
Born in 1920
A talented actor who brought humor and charm to a wide range of film roles, from dramatic leads to comedic supporting characters, earning multiple Academy Award nominations.
99 Years Old
A dashing Hollywood heartthrob, starring in iconic films like "Some Like It Hot" and "Spartacus," charming audiences with his good looks and acting talent.
90 Years Old
Academy Award-winning actress, singer, and dancer known for her iconic film roles in "Terms of Endearment" and "Steel Magnolias", as well as her eccentric persona and spiritual beliefs.
Born in 1908
Star of classic Disney movies and TV shows, including "My Three Sons," known for his affable, everyman persona.
Born in 1921
A talented actress and singer who shone brightly in classic Hollywood comedies, winning an Oscar for her iconic portrayal of a ditzy blonde in "Born Yesterday".
Born in 1919
A pioneer of improvisational comedy and satire, known for his unconventional and innovative TV shows that blended humor with visual effects and absurdity.
Born in 1906
Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind iconic movies like "Some Like It Hot" and "Sunset Boulevard", known for his witty dialogue and genre-bending storytelling.
Born in 1920
A versatile Hollywood talent who directed and wrote screenplays for numerous films, including romantic comedies and musicals, often starring iconic actresses like Doris Day and Kim Novak.