Dazzling the Screen Jack Lemmon

American actor Jack Lemmon portrayed both dramatic and comic roles. During his career, he received two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, three BAFTA Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and one Volpi Cup. In 1988, Lemmon received the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award and in 1991 the Kennedy Center Honors. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 76.

Director William Friedkin directed the 1997 American made-for-TV drama “12 Angry Men”. It was adapted from the 1954 teleplay of the same name by Reginald Rose. The film aired on August 17, 1997, on Showtime.

A jury deliberates the fate of a young man accused of murder. Jack Lemmon portrays Juror #8, who refuses to rush to judgment, insisting they discuss the case in greater detail.

Director Billy Wilder directed the 1960 American romantic comedy “The Apartment”. The film starred Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, and Jack Lemmon. In 1961, Shirley MacLaine won the Golden Globe for Actress in a Leading Role - Musical or Comedy

The storyline revolves around Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), who is an elevator operator. Insurance agent C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) has a big crush on her, but she is having a sordid affair with the company manager Jeff Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), wishing he would leave his wife.

Director James Bridges directed the 1979 American thriller “The China Syndrome”. The film starred Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, and Michael Douglas.

The storyline revolves around a TV reporter, Kimberly Wells (Jane Fonda), and her cameraman, Richard Adams (Michael Douglas), who discover safety cover-ups at a nuclear power plant. They begin investigating what really happened, only to be met with resistance from the plant’s executives. Jack Godell (Jack Lemmon) wrestles with his conscience and is forced to make a life-altering decision.

Director Blake Edwards directed the 1962 American romantic drama “Days of Wine and Roses”. The film was adapted from the 1958 Playhouse 90 Teleplay of the same name by JP Miller. The film starred Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick.

The storyline revolves around Joe Clay (Jack Lemmon), a successful public relations man who introduces his wife Kristen (Lee Remick) to social drinking, only for both of them to spiral into addiction.

Director Gene Saks directed the American comedy “The Odd Couple”. The film was based on the 1965 play of the same name by Neil Simon. It starred Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. (pictured above)

The storyline revolves around two divorced men – Felix Unger (Jack Lemmon), a neurotic man who recently separated from his wife, and Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau), a laid-back and utterly messy sportswriter who both decide to live together.

Director Robert Altman directed the American comedy drama “Short Cuts”. It was inspired by nine short stories and a poem by Raymond Carver. The film featured an ensemble cast with 22 principal characters, among them Jack Lemmon, Matthew Modine, Anne Archer, Robert Downey Jr., Lily Tomlin, and many others. The film won the Golden Lion at the 50th Venice International Film Festival.

The storyline is set in Los Angeles and interweaves multiple stories of love, betrayal, and discontent. Jack Lemmon portrays Paul Finnigan, an aging man seeking redemption as he reconnects with his estranged son.

Director Billy Wilder directed the 1959 American crime comedy “Some Like It Hot.” The film is based on the 1935 French film “Fanfare of Love”. The film starred Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.

The storyline is set in the Prohibition era and is about two musicians, Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon), who disguise themselves as women to escape the Chicago mobsters they witnessed committing a crime. They luck out by joining a female jazz band.