The REAL Jerry Lewis Story Audiobook By Rick Saphire with Sheila Saphire

Years have gone into the preparation of the print version of The REAL Jerry Lewis Story, and now this audio version. Please take a few moments to listen to the acknowledgments of some of the people who worked so hard to bring this to you..

The print version of The REAL Jerry Lewis Story is available at Amazon.com

Sincerely,

Rick Saphire

Read by the author, Rick Saphire himself

Throughout my life—from childhood to representing him professionally—I was always searching for the true Jerry Lewis. No matter the situation, whether performing on stage, reminiscing about his innovations, or sharing intimate moments, it always felt like Jerry was playing a part, keeping a piece of himself hidden behind a mask.

One day, while on tour, we ended up together in a quiet corner of a shopping mall, away from the crowds and spotlights. A woman, unaware of who Jerry was, left her baby stroller near where we sat. Jerry’s gaze fixed on the infant, and something unguarded flashed across his face. In that small, unexpected moment, something shifted—a glimpse of someone genuine slipped through the act, revealing more than any of his performances ever could.

The print version of The REAL Jerry Lewis Story is available at Amazon.com

Years have gone into the preparation of the print version of The REAL Jerry Lewis Story, and now this audio version. Please take a few moments to listen to the acknowledgments of some of the people who worked so hard to bring this to you..

The print version of The REAL Jerry Lewis Story is available at Amazon.com

Sincerely,

Rick Saphire

Read by the author, Rick Saphire himself

Throughout my life—from childhood to representing him professionally—I was always searching for the true Jerry Lewis. No matter the situation, whether performing on stage, reminiscing about his innovations, or sharing intimate moments, it always felt like Jerry was playing a part, keeping a piece of himself hidden behind a mask.

One day, while on tour, we ended up together in a quiet corner of a shopping mall, away from the crowds and spotlights. A woman, unaware of who Jerry was, left her baby stroller near where we sat. Jerry’s gaze fixed on the infant, and something unguarded flashed across his face. In that small, unexpected moment, something shifted—a glimpse of someone genuine slipped through the act, revealing more than any of his performances ever could.

The print version of The REAL Jerry Lewis Story is available at Amazon.com

Bits & Pieces: This chapter weaves together several short, compelling anecdotes from the author’s personal and professional experiences with Jerry Lewis. Themes include the challenges of show business, Jerry’s complex personality—at once brilliant, erratic, kind, and abrasive—and the contradictions that marked his private and public life. The stories touch on lessons about fame, empathy, humor, double standards, and controversies, illustrating the multifaceted nature of both Jerry Lewis and the entertainment industry itself.

The print version of The REAL Jerry Lewis Story is available at Amazon.com

Bits & Pieces: This chapter weaves together several short, compelling anecdotes from the author’s personal and professional experiences with Jerry Lewis. Themes include the challenges of show business, Jerry’s complex personality—at once brilliant, erratic, kind, and abrasive—and the contradictions that marked his private and public life. The stories touch on lessons about fame, empathy, humor, double standards, and controversies, illustrating the multifaceted nature of both Jerry Lewis and the entertainment industry itself.

After returning from Germany in 2005, I found myself busy with new projects, including preparing Jerry Lewis’s return to the Golden Camera Awards in 2006. Securing a fitting recipient for the Lifetime Achievement Award proved challenging; Larry King, Stella Stevens, and Mickey Rooney were each considered and declined by circumstances. Jerry promised “a big surprise” in place of an honoree, leaving everyone anxious about what would happen.

Throughout the trip, Jerry’s mood swung from irritable and anxious—largely due to concerns for his ailing heart surgeon—to cocky and demanding when it came to technical needs for his performance. Despite friction with producers and staff over his requirements, Jerry eventually delivered his classic “Chairman of the Board” pantomime, though not without last-minute drama.

Our week included tense meetings, visits to Berlin sites both historical and somber, and the production of a German TV special for his 80th birthday. Jerry revealed his long-standing stage fright before overcoming it on show night, demonstrating both vulnerability and professionalism. The trip ended with a deeper understanding of Jerry’s complex personality—brilliant, volatile, and ultimately still the King of Comedy.

Though mainly known for his entertainment career, Jerry Lewis also tried several business ventures, including a camera shop and a failed chain of automated family-friendly cinemas. Later, he became a spokesperson for a spinal stimulator device to manage chronic back pain, which led him to advocate for pain relief technology in Washington, D.C. Lewis’s involvement with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) brought both accolades and controversy. However, he claimed not to be paid for telethons; he did receive perks. The chapter also illustrates his complex personality—combining humor, anger, and resistance to therapy—highlighted by pranks, emotional outbursts, and a refusal to change. Efforts to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom ultimately failed, yet his dedication to advocacy left a lasting impact.

As a representative for Jerry Lewis, my priority was securing equitable appearance agreements and protecting his interests. Managing his bookings, I negotiated terms with notable event producers, such as Germany’s Golden Camera Awards, ensuring all contractual and logistical needs were met. Overseas appearances required attention to travel, security, and cultural considerations, as exemplified by the tailored arrangements provided in Berlin.

High-profile engagements included TV interviews, award ceremonies, and media opportunities. I mitigated risks related to client satisfaction, such as Jerry’s aversion to robotic studios, by proactively verifying technical details and accommodating his preferences. I also facilitated media compensation and compliance with all contractual obligations.

Networking with industry professionals (e.g., Beate Wedekind, Goldie Hawn, Geraldine Chaplin) enhanced relationship management and future opportunity pipelines. Challenges, including last-minute program changes and sensitive public statements, were resolved diplomatically to maintain Jerry’s professional reputation.

Upon return, I leveraged Academy relationships to pursue further recognition for Jerry’s career achievements. Our efforts were validated when Jerry Lewis received the 2009 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Joe E. Stabile, a steadfast bandmate turned manager, stepped in after my uncle Ernie Glucksman—Jerry Lewis’s loyal producer and fixer—walked away when Jerry’s stubbornness destroyed his own TV comeback. Jerry could be genius or tyrant, brilliant or cruel, and he rewrote his past, erasing Ernie’s legacy to suit himself.

When Jerry wanted memorabilia only I had, he sent Joe to negotiate, dodged a face-to-face reckoning, and left old wounds unresolved. Years later, he made me his personal representative, but working with him meant fielding last-minute cancellations, managing a superstar who didn’t understand the internet, and cleaning up after his legendary rudeness—like when he snubbed a French reporter in front of me.

Behind the red carpet, loyalty was expendable and egos fragile. Through it all, the real story was clear—show business isn’t what it seems, and those who shine brightest onstage, often cast the darkest shadows offstage.