Lemmon, Jack (1925-2001), was a versatile motion-picture actor whose roles during a long career have ranged from amiable young men to grumpy old ones. Although Lemmon was best known for his performances in light comedies, he gained praise in a variety of films, including satires and dark dramas. He won an Academy Award as best supporting actor for the comedy Mister Roberts (1955) and an Academy Award as best actor for the serious drama Save the Tiger (1973). He was nominated for Academy Awards as best actor for Some Like It Hot (1959), The Apartment (1960), The Days of Wine and Roses (1962), The China Syndrome (1979), Tribute (1980), and Missing (1982).
John Uhler Lemmon III was born into a wealthy family in Boston. He was educated in private schools and graduated from Harvard University in 1947. He began his acting career in summer stock and appeared on radio and television from 1948 to 1952. Lemmon made his film debut in It Should Happen to You (1953). His other films include Irma la Douce (1963), The Great Race (1965), The Odd Couple (1968), The Prisoner of Second Avenue (1975), Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), Grumpy Old Men (1993), and My Fellow Americans (1996). Lemmon also directed the film Kotch (1971).
