Nicolas Cage Compares Jerry Lewis to Marlon Brando

LONDON, UK – In a recent interview, actor Nicolas Cage expressed his admiration for Marlon Brando, calling the late Hollywood icon one of the greatest influences in acting. Cage shared his thoughts on Brando’s impact during a discussion about legendary actors and their inspirations.

Cage, a two-time Academy Award winner himself, emphasized that for many actors, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Tom Hardy, Brando is often regarded as the best. However, Cage made a surprising comparison, stating that comedian Jerry Lewis could be mentioned in the same breath as Brando.

“Jerry Lewis, I met Jerry once,” Cage said. “We became friends later, but when I first met him, he knew what a fan I was of The Nutty Professor, particularly the Buddy Love performance. I said to him, and I meant it, I said, ‘Jerry, it’s just you and Brando.’”

This statement drew an unexpected response from Lewis, known for his self-deprecating humor. Cage recounted, “He took about a two-minute pause, and he went, ‘Well, Brando’s good also.’ It was hilarious. He was wearing a kimono, if you believe that, a Japanese kimono and tennis shoes.”

The conversation highlighted the influence of Lewis, who directed, produced, and starred in the 1963 classic The Nutty Professor. Cage pointed out that many actors reference Brando as their guiding light but often overlook Lewis’ unique contributions to comedy and performance.

Despite his accolades as ‘The King of Comedy’, Jerry Lewis’ legacy does not frequently invoke comparisons to Brando’s dramatic excellence. Yet Cage believes Lewis’s innovative performances warrant recognition on par with Brando’s legendary status. “Many superlatives were lobbed at the multi-hyphenated talent Lewis, but ‘Brando-esque’ wasn’t one of them,” Cage noted.

As actors continue to evolve and draw inspiration from past legends, Cage’s remarks reinforce the idea that the foundations of performance art are built upon the interpretations of those who came before. Whether through drama or comedy, the influence of icons like Brando and Lewis remains a vital part of film history.