WASHINGTON (AP) – An extensive archive from comedian Jerry Lewis’ career, including rarely seen films, long-lost TV recordings and home videos, will have a new home at the Library of Congress, curators announced Monday.
The collection includes thousands of documents and recordings. Lewis is donating some items, while others are being purchased by the library from his personal archive. Some materials will be available immediately to researchers in Washington.
The archive chronicles Lewis’ more than 70 years in comedy. Conservators said the recordings will fill significant gaps in TV history, including Lewis’ appearances with Dean Martin on NBC’s “Colgate Comedy Hour” and on “The Tonight Show.” The network reused video tape and recorded over many shows until the 1970s. Many recordings from the 1950s and 1960s don’t exist elsewhere, said Mike Mashon, head of the library’s moving image section.
Lewis said he has been dedicated to making people laugh. He was born into a vaudeville family and began performing at age 5.
“If I get more than three people in a room, I do a number,” he said in a statement. “Knowing that the Library of Congress was interested in acquiring my life’s work was one of the biggest thrills of my life. It’s comforting to know that this small piece of the world of comedy will be preserved and available for future generations.”