In the summer of 1962, as a teenage comedy magician, I found myself immersed in the world of show business alongside the famed Jerry Lewis in New York City. Under the watchful eye of my uncle—Jerry’s manager—I experienced the excitement and unpredictability of showbiz, from meeting celebrated personalities to navigating the tension after a hotel robbery and even being protected by an undercover officer.

During my stay, I felt both anticipation and uncertainty as I waited for my chance to perform on The Tonight Show. When the moment finally arrived, my comedy-magic act entertained a national television audience, making me the youngest comedian to have appeared on the show to that date. The experience propelled my own career forward and also benefited Jerry, who was looking to connect with a broader, younger audience. Ultimately, those two weeks showed me how unpredictable show business can be—a world where ambition, luck, and timing all help create moments that are both fleeting and unforgettable.