Jerry Lewis interview by Dick Cavett

Dick Cavett: How long did it take you to learn to trust your instincts? You know what I mean? You know, when you started making films, the thing to do is take everybody’s advice, supposedly, when you’re new… and it usually turns out that the performer’s instinct is right…

Jerry Lewis: It is true. Your instinct, you have to follow it. Because its easy as hell to buy a ticket to get into the arena, but that one guy who is going, “Ah-Hi”… its whole different story and opinions are important. You should listen to them. Sounding boards are important. But if you don’t follow your instinct and you follow the words of those on the perimeter, you’ll wind up being what they are and you’ll be what they think. And you’re not your own man. Nothing is worth that.

Jerry Lewis Interview by Dick Cavett / Date: ?