Jerry Lester

Born: 1910-02-16

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Biography

Jerry Lester (February 16, 1910 – March 23, 1995) was an American comedian, singer and performer on radio, television and the stage, who hosted the first network late night television program as host of Broadway Open House on NBC, a vaudeville-esque combination of comedy and music, whose success demonstrated the potential for late-night television and led to the creation of the Tonight Show.

Known For

Smokey and the Bandit II
Arizona to Broadway
The Rookie
Hardly Working
The Godmothers
Mickey's Gala Premiere
Sleepytime Gal
Odds and Evens

Top Movie Credits

The Rookie Jerry Mann
The Godmothers Ricky Mastrasso
Mickey's Gala Premiere Maurice Chevalier / Ed Wynne / Jimmy Durante (voice)
Odds and Evens Mike Firpo