Is Gary Lewis Related to Jerry Lewis? How are They Related?
by Mathelene | Updated May 22, 2023
Is Gary Lewis Related to Jerry Lewis?
Yes, Gary Lewis is related to Jerry Lewis. He is Jerry Lewis's son from his first marriage to Patti Palmer. The interesting story behind Gary's name involves a clerical error at the hospital, which resulted in him being named "Gary" instead of the intended "Cary," after actor Cary Grant.
Gary's musical journey began at the age of 14 when his parents gifted him a drum set for his birthday. At 18, he formed a band with David Costell, David Walker, Al Ramsey on guitar, and John West on keyboards. During a rehearsal where two band members arrived late, Gary humorously called them "Playboys," and the name stuck, leading to the formation of Gary Lewis & the Playboys.
The group gained popularity with hits like "This Diamond Ring," "Green Grass," "Count Me In," and "Save Your Heart for Me." In tribute to his father, Gary even recorded a song called "Everybody Loves a Clown." Initially, the song was written exclusively for Jerry Lewis, but Gary eventually decided to record it himself. “I was writing the song as a gift for my father on his birthday,” Lewis said. “But it sounded so good, I thought it could be a hit. So I recorded it. I forgot what I gave my father that year for his birthday. Maybe it was a bowling ball.”
In addition to his musical endeavors, Gary had a brief presence in his father's films. He portrayed a younger version of Jerry Lewis's character in "Rock-A-Bye Baby" and had uncredited roles in "It's Only Money," "The Nutty Professor," and "The Patsy." He also made an appearance in an episode of "The George Burns Show" in 1959. Gary Lewis has mentioned in interviews that his father never pressured him into pursuing a career in comedy, allowing him to follow his own path in music.
“My dad always told me, do what you want in life, but do with all your heart and give a hundred percent,” Gary said. “My dad never pushed me into comedy. I always knew if I went into comedy I would never have an identity of my own. I would always be compared to him.”
Who is Jerry Lewis?
Jerry Lewis was a highly influential American comedian, actor, singer, filmmaker, and philanthropist. He was born on March 16, 1926, in Newark, New Jersey, as Joseph Levitch. Lewis began performing at a young age, teaming up with singer Dean Martin in 1946 to form the comedy duo, Martin and Lewis. The duo achieved immense success, both in live performances and on radio, television, and in films.
Jerry Lewis's comedic style was characterized by his physical comedy, slapstick humor, and spontaneous improvisation. He often played the bumbling, childlike character opposite Martin's suave and sophisticated persona. Their partnership lasted until 1956 and produced a string of successful films, including "My Friend Irma," "The Caddy," and "Artists and Models." Following the split with Martin, Jerry Lewis embarked on a solo career and achieved considerable success.
He starred in and directed numerous films, including "The Bellboy," "The Ladies Man," and "The Nutty Professor," which became one of his most iconic roles. Lewis's films often showcased his unique blend of physical comedy and heartfelt performances. Apart from his work in film and comedy, Jerry Lewis was a talented singer. He recorded several albums and had chart-topping hits with songs like "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody" and "Just Sittin' Here Waitin'."
He also had successful stage shows in Las Vegas, where he showcased his singing and comedic talents. Jerry Lewis was not only dedicated to entertaining audiences but also to charitable work. He became well-known for his philanthropic efforts in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). From 1952 to 2010, Lewis hosted and headlined the annual Labor Day telethon to raise funds for muscular dystrophy research and support.
His tireless efforts helped raise billions of dollars for the cause. Jerry Lewis had an eventful personal life that included multiple marriages and children. Patti Palmer (1944-1980): Jerry Lewis married Patti Palmer, a singer, in 1944. They had six sons together: Gary, Ronald, Scott, Christopher, Anthony, and Joseph.
However, their marriage faced difficulties, and they divorced in 1980. SanDee Pitnick (1983-2017): After his divorce from Patti Palmer, Jerry Lewis married SanDee Pitnick, a professional dancer, in 1983. They adopted a daughter named Danielle Sara Lewis. Throughout his career, Jerry Lewis received numerous awards and honors, including several Golden Globe nominations, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, and the Governor's Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Jerry Lewis passed away on August 20, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of comedy, film, and philanthropy. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his charitable endeavors continue to be remembered and celebrated.
Who is Gary Lewis?
Gary Lewis is an American singer and musician who gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the band Gary Lewis & the Playboys. He was born on July 31, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, as Gary Harold Lee Levitch, and he is the son of legendary comedian and actor Jerry Lewis and his first wife, Patti Palmer. Gary Lewis developed an interest in music at a young age and began playing the drums when he was just 14 years old.
His parents gifted him a drum set for his birthday, which sparked his passion for music. Four years later, at the age of 18, Gary formed a band called Gary & the Playboys with David Costell, David Walker, Al Ramsey on guitar, and John West on keyboards. The band gained popularity in the 1960s with a string of hit singles. Their breakthrough came with the release of their debut single, "This Diamond Ring," in 1965, which quickly climbed the charts and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was followed by a series of successful releases, including "Count Me In," "Save Your Heart for Me," and "Green Grass." Gary Lewis & the Playboys became known for their catchy pop-rock sound, characterized by upbeat melodies and harmonies. Gary Lewis and his band achieved significant success in a short period, appearing on popular television shows, performing at various venues, and touring extensively.
They made appearances on shows like "American Bandstand" and "The Ed Sullivan Show," solidifying their presence in the music industry. In addition to his musical career, Gary Lewis had a brief foray into acting. As a young boy, he made appearances in some of his father's films, including portraying a younger version of Jerry Lewis's character in "Rock-A-Bye Baby" (1958). However, his focus remained primarily on his music.
Throughout the years, Gary Lewis continued to perform and tour, entertaining audiences with his energetic stage presence and the band's nostalgic hits. Although their chart success declined in the late 1960s, Gary Lewis & the Playboys left a lasting impact on the music scene of the era. Gary Lewis was married to Sara Jane Suzara from 1967 to 1970. They divorced during that time.
Subsequently, in 2003, Gary Lewis married Donna Grow. Gary Lewis's journey in the music industry showcased his talents as a vocalist and his contributions to the pop-rock genre. While his career may have been influenced by his famous father, he carved out his own path and made a name for himself as the frontman of Gary Lewis & the Playboys.
Jerry Lewis Biography
Name
Joseph Levitch
Death Date
August 20, 2017
Nationality
American
Profession
American comedian, actor, singer, filmmaker, and philanthropist.
Gary Lewis Biography
Name
Gary Harold Lee Levitch
Age
76 years as of 2023
Nationality
American
Profession
American singer and musician
Net Worth
$10 million.
Is Gary Lewis Related to Jerry Lewis - FAQs
Yes, Gary Lewis is related to Jerry Lewis.
Yes, Gary Lewis appeared in a few of his father's films, playing a younger version of Jerry Lewis's character in "Rock-A-Bye Baby" and having uncredited roles in "It's Only Money," "The Nutty Professor," and "The Patsy."
There was a clerical error at the hospital, resulting in Gary being named "Gary" instead of the intended "Cary" after actor Cary Grant.
Gary Lewis & the Playboys had several hits, including "This Diamond Ring," "Green Grass," "Count Me In," and "Save Your Heart for Me."