Producer Howard Koch originally wanted Art Carney to replicate his role of Felix in The Odd Couple (1968), but Paramount production chief Robert Evans wanted Jack Lemmon, who was a superstar. Carney would later win the Academy Award as Best Actor for Harry and Tonto (1974) (1974) one year after Lemmon picked up his Best Actor Oscar for Save the Tiger (1973).
Ranked #47 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]
Since his middle initial was U., he had to deal with ribbing from kids who taunted him with, "Jack, u lemon".
Son, Chris Lemmon, with Cynthia Stone.
Starred opposite Henry Fonda in Mister Roberts (1955) in 1955 and opposite Henry's daughter, Jane Fonda, in The China Syndrome (1979) in 1979.
The only actor to be offered the role of George in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) before Richard Burton was cast. He accepted the role but quickly changed his mind the next day without offering any explanation.
Was born February 8, 1925, in an elevator at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Massachusetts.
Was considered for the role of Carl Fox in Wall Street (1987).
Was good friends with Walter Matthau.
Was president of the Harvard Hasty Pudding Club.