Collections: Jerry Lewis 

The Jerry Lewis collection at ullstein bild documents the life and work of one of the most influential figures in American entertainment and film history of the 20th century. Jerry Lewis (1926–2017) was an actor, comedian, director and producer who achieved worldwide fame through his distinctive slapstick style, physical comedy and his dual role as both performer and creative force behind the camera.

The collection includes press and portrait photographs, film stills, on-set images, as well as photographs of public appearances, award ceremonies and film festivals, notably the Cannes Film Festival, where Jerry Lewis was also recognised as a serious filmmaker. In addition to iconic role images, the collection shows him at work as a director and interacting with colleagues, highlighting his lasting influence on modern comedy and auteur cinema.

Thematically, the collection reflects the tension between popular comedy and cinematic innovation. Jerry Lewis’s work influenced several generations of filmmakers and was recognised early on in Europe as artistically significant.

This collection is particularly well suited for editorial use, cultural and historical features, and film and media publications, as well as for content focusing on the history of American cinema, comedy and 20th-century popular culture.