Ronnie Allen, Ms. Lewis' pianist and musical director, provided the background for a beautiful rendition of "La Vie En Rose," which Lewis jokingly calls "Levine and Rose." Other songs and comedy patter followed. After reading an emotional passage from her upcoming biography, Jerry's Kid, and the showing of a video tribute to her father, Suzan Lewis performed a comedic pantomime to the 1950s musical hit, "The Typewriter."
Following her show, Suzan, whose facial characteristics mirror those of her famous dad, was asked by an audience member if she enjoyed entertaining senior citizens. In the classic Jerry Lewis style, Suzan's face lit up as she said, "Seniors are the best audience in the world. During my show they laughed so hard there wasn't a dry seat in the house!"
In the 1950s and 1960s, Suzan's mother, Lynn, and stepfather, Hy Uchitel, owned and operated some of the most elegant entertainment establishments Manhattan. They included the El Morocco night club, and Voisin, a posh French Restaurant. In 1976, Suzan's mother disclosed that Suzan's biological father is Jerry Lewis. Since then Suzan has spent time with him and has been accepted by Lewis family members. Legal documentation is on file.
In the 1990s, a nearly fatal automobile accident changed Suzan's life, leaving her legally disabled and in constant pain. She was forced to live on disability and Medicare. Although Suzan had a storybook childhood living in five star hotels in New York City and going to the finest schools in Manhattan and Europe, the past few years found the former debutante out of luck, out of money, and homeless. But now Suzan Lewis is on the road to a better life.
Suzan Lewis' brave battle to regain her pride and independence is the subject of an upcoming book. Suzan's live stage and TV appearances will highlight her inherited sense of humor. Her goal will be to entertain, motivate, and inspire those who come to see her.
