Top 20 Jack Lemmon Roles Ranked

Buffet Ware

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02-01-2025

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Jack Lemmon, a titan of American cinema, left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his unparalleled comedic timing and remarkable dramatic range. His career spanned decades, gifting audiences with unforgettable performances across a diverse spectrum of genres. Ranking his best roles is a daunting task, a subjective endeavor certain to spark debate among cinephiles. However, considering critical acclaim, cultural impact, and sheer acting prowess, here's a curated list of twenty of Jack Lemmon's most memorable and impactful roles:

The Top 20: A Subjective Journey Through Lemmon's Legacy

This list isn't a definitive "best of," but rather a celebration of the versatility and talent that defined Lemmon's illustrious career. The order reflects a blend of critical reception, personal impact, and the role's significance within his larger body of work.

1. C.C. Baxter in The Apartment (1960): This iconic role, for which Lemmon won his first Oscar, cemented his status as a leading man capable of both humor and heartbreaking vulnerability. His portrayal of Baxter, a man willing to sacrifice his own happiness for career advancement, is a masterclass in understated emotional depth.

2. Felix Ungar in The Odd Couple (1968): Lemmon’s portrayal of the meticulous Felix, alongside Walter Matthau’s Oscar Madison, remains one of cinema's most beloved comedic duos. The film perfectly captures the chaotic energy and underlying humanity of their unlikely friendship.

3. Joe in Days of Wine and Roses (1962): A stark departure from his comedic roles, Lemmon’s portrayal of an alcoholic struggling with addiction showcases his remarkable dramatic abilities. This performance demonstrated the breadth of his talent, revealing a capacity for profound emotional rawness.

4. George C. Scott in Mister Roberts (1955): This early role showcased Lemmon's natural comedic timing even within a more serious narrative. His performance as Ensign Pulver, alongside Henry Fonda, established him as a rising star with considerable potential.

5. John Cleaver in Some Like It Hot (1959): One of his most celebrated comedic roles, Lemmon's portrayal alongside Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis established his ability to navigate complex farcical situations with effortless charm.

6. Ted in Irma la Douce (1963): This role further cemented Lemmon's status as a master of romantic comedy, deftly balancing humor and pathos.

7. Guido Anselmi in Avanti! (1972): This Billy Wilder comedy provided Lemmon with yet another opportunity to showcase his comedic timing in a witty, sharp script.

8. Jerry in The Out-of-Towners (1970): A quintessential Lemmon comedic performance, full of exasperated reactions and physical humor.

9. Alex in Save the Tiger (1973): Another dramatic role showcasing Lemmon’s versatility. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a struggling businessman.

10. Harry Burns in The Goodbye Girl (1977): This romantic comedy showcased Lemmon's comedic chemistry with Marsha Mason, portraying a relationship with both lighthearted and dramatic moments.

(The remaining 10 roles will be included in Part 2 of this blog post. Stay tuned!)