The Five Greatest Movie Comedy Teams of All Time: Martin and Lewis

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In 1946, two struggling performers met in Atlantic City. Dean Martin was an Italian crooner and Jerry Lewis a comic whose act was making funny faces while lip syncing to records. The two joined forces and quickly became the hottest nightclub act in the country. Their act tore up the stage. Smooth handsome Dean charmed the audience with his singing and maintained his nonchalant cool composure while skinny rubber faced Jerry cavorted with his improv shtick. The team stormed from nightclubs to radio to movies. Despite only supporting roles in their 1949 debut "My Friend Irma," they stole the movie and became box office kings with 16 hit movies in 10 years. After the breakup, Dean enjoyed hit records, achieved film and TV stardom and famously was a member of the Rat Pack. Jerry enjoyed success as a solo and turned director until his career waned in the late 60s. The French have always loved him which perplexes American critics. Many dislike Jerry's antics but there is no disputing he is an influential often imitated comedy icon.