Ted Lewis was an American actor, known for his work as a bandleader in vaudeville, films, and nightclubs. His birth name was Theodore Leopold Friedman, and he was celebrated for his performances featuring a crumpled silk high hat and clarinet.
Personal and Family Life
Ted Lewis was born on June 6, 1890, in Circleville, Ohio. He was married to Adah Becker from 1915 until his death in 1971. Ted had a vibrant personality, often engaging with his audience by asking, “Is…EV’rybody…HAPPY?” during his performances.
Career Highlights
Over his long career, Ted Lewis became famous as a conductor, author, clarinetist, and singer, starting in 1910. He joined ASCAP in 1957, creating popular songs such as “Is Everybody Happy Now?” and “Me And My Shadow.” Ted’s unique style included a slow, drawling voice that added to his charm on stage.
Death and Legacy
Ted Lewis passed away from a heart attack on August 25, 1971, in New York City. His contributions to music and performance have left a lasting impact, and he is fondly remembered as “The High Hat Tragedian of Song.” Ted’s music continues to resonate with audiences today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Birth of the Blues | 1941-11-07 | Self (archive footage) |
| Here Comes the Band | 1935-08-30 | Ted Lowry |
| Is Everybody Happy? | 1929-10-19 | Ted Todd |
| Is Everybody Happy? | 1943-10-28 | Ted Lewis |
| Hold That Ghost | 1941-08-08 | Ted Lewis |
| Is Everybody Happy? | 1941-09-02 | Ted Lewis |
| Show of Shows | 1929-11-21 | Performer in ‘The Pirate’ Number |
| The Happiness Remedy | 1931-02-14 | Self |
| Manhattan Merry-Go-Round | 1937-11-26 | Self |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Band Leader |
| The Mike Douglas Show | 1961-12-11 | Self |