Q & Andy: Jerry Lewis

One of the greatest, zaniest, and most prolific entertainers of his or any generation, Jerry Lewis first made his name as the kook to Dean Martin’s straight man in a series of films the pair made together during the 1950s. Over the next half century, Lewis cemented his legend, as the solo star and director of a raft of comedic classics including The Nutty Professor (1963), and with a handful of cameos and star turns, as with The King of Comedy, Martin Scorsese’s film from 1983. In another arena, Lewis left an incredible legacy with his annual Labor Day telethons to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This month, Lewis returns to the screen as the aging jazz pianist Max Rose in Daniel Noah’s Max Rose. Here, he answers Andy’s questionnaire.

ANDY WARHOL: What did you have for breakfast?

JERRY LEWIS: Same thing every morning: lox and bagels

WARHOL: Do you dream? (What’s the last one you remember?)

LEWIS: Always (none of your business).

WARHOL: Do you keep a diary?

LEWIS: Not anymore.

WARHOL: How were you discovered?

LEWIS: Working with my dad.

WARHOL: What was your first job?

LEWIS: Inventing the wheel.

WARHOL: Are you a good cook?

LEWIS: Not really. My microwave-baked potato is pretty good.

WARHOL: Is there anything you regret not doing?

LEWIS: I’ve done a lot in the past 90 years.

WARHOL: Do you dance at home?

LEWIS: Not so much anymore. Now I stand at home.

WARHOL: Do you get depressed if you don’t work?

LEWIS: Always.

WARHOL: Who would be your dream date?

LEWIS: My wife, Sam.

WARHOL: What are you reading right now?

LEWIS: These questions.

WARHOL: What’s your favorite movie?

LEWIS: The Nutty Professor, of course.

WARHOL: Do you have a dream role?

LEWIS: Scarlett O’Hara.