Jerry Lewis and Den Martin were one of the most exceptional comedy team in the history of show business. There are a few who realize that the duo was the first to strike it big on television. Fans of Laurel and Hardy, Marx Brothers, or the Three Stooges are outnumbered, but there is undoubtedly something electric about Jerry and Dean.
Their on-screen appearance
Jerry and Dean, as a team, have worked together for ten years. They both were a great success in movies as they worked together in around 16 films, and each one was a success at the box office. They were also hugely popular in their live acts in tours and nightclubs. They also co-hosted a variety show called “The Colgate Comedy Hour,” whose ratings were too high.
Why did they split?
Reason 1: The reason we simply hear for their split in the year 1956 is differences in their respective work ethics. Dean’s working style included working along with playing. He enjoyed working very much. While Jerry, on the other hand, was a self-acknowledged workaholic. He was enthusiastic about who wanted to make more and more TV shows, films, and live appearances.
Reason 2: Dean Martin was a talented singer with a funny personality, and he was often thought to be the “fifth wheel.” He was a guy who latched onto a multi-talented and brilliant comedian, while Jerry had high ambitions. He was dreaming not only to become a comedy star, but he also wanted to branch out to directing, producing, writing, and many other fields.
Reason 3: The typical reason we’ve come across their split was their wives. It was clear to everyone that Jerry and Jeanne Martin never really got along very well. It was because Jerry and his wife Patti were very close to Dean’s first wife, Betty. So, it became complicated when Dean divorced Betty to marry Jeanne; they slowly drifted away.
Reason 4: Jerry and Dean developed different ideas about the act. It happened when Jerry tried to bring in more pathos in their TV shows and movies against Dean’s wishes. Jerry wanted his character to be more like that of Charlie Chaplin that would make feel the audience sympathetic towards the character.
Dean and Jerry developed different ideas about the act. According to Jerry Dean just hated the idea and didn’t want to go with it.
This event eventually landed up in an argument, thus splitting of the famous comedy team in the history of television. Though the viewers still cherish the shows and movies they have worked together, it came as a heartbreak for the fans worldwide.