Jack Lemmon (born John Uhler Lemmon III), one of the most frequently praised actors in film and television history, was the first person to win the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor for his work in “Save the Tiger” (1955) and “Mister Roberts” (1973).
He lived from February 8, 1925, through June 27, 2001. Lemmon was known for his anxious, middle-class everyman screen persona in dramedy movies, earning him the title of “the most successful tragi-comedian of his age” according to The Guardian. He was regarded as equally adept in dramatic and comedic roles.
Lemmon accumulated a list of parts in both comic and tragic genres for his resume in the interim and thereafter.
But most importantly, Lemmon worked frequently with both actor Walter Matthau and director Billy Wilder, who both assisted him in creating some of his best work. Prior to giving another standout performance in “The Apartment” (1960), Lemmon first collaborated with Wilder on the classic comedy “Some Like it Hot.”
Before acting beside Matthau in their first collaboration, “The Fortune Cookie,” he went on to cement his dramatic credentials with “Days of Wine and Rose.”
But in the public’s mind, their legendary personality conflict in Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” (1968) solidified their position as comedic collaborators. Lemmon went on to have a streak of critically acclaimed successes, including “The China Syndrome” (1979), “Tribute” (1980), and “Missing,” that received accolades and nominations.
Before shocking audiences with his performances in “Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992) and “JFK” (1991), he gave strong performances in “Grumpy Old Men” (1993) and “Grumpier Old Men.”
Spouse and Children
He was married twice in his life, first, to Cynthia Stone with whom he had a son named Chris Lemmon, and then to Felicia Farr, with whom he had a daughter named Courtney Lemmon, after divorcing Stone. Both women were actresses.
Parents and Siblings
He was the lone child of John Uhler Lemmon II, president of the Doughnut Corporation of America (1893–1962), and Mildred Burgess (1896–1967).
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