Engelbert Humperdinck shares heartwarming memory of comedy legend Jerry Lewis

Engelbert Humperdinck has revealed the career-defining compliment he received from comedy icon Jerry Lewis and it is a moment the legendary singer has never forgotten.

The 90-year-old star, famous for timeless hits including Release Me and The Last Waltz, looked back on his remarkable journey during an appearance on Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia. 

Among the memories was a special encounter with one of his childhood heroes that left a lasting impression.

Engelbert recalled growing up in England listening to American radio programmes featuring Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. 

Fascinated by the comedy duo, he spent hours studying their performances and eventually began imitating them while trying to make a name for himself in small clubs.

Before chart success arrived, he relied on impressions to entertain audiences. 

Performing as a struggling young singer, he would mimic stars including Jerry, Dean and Sammy Davis Jr to keep crowds engaged.

But years later, he found himself face-to-face with the man who had inspired him.

According to Engelbert, Jerry told him, “You do the best me I've ever heard in my life.”

The compliment stunned the British crooner, who admitted he thought it was “quite fantastic” coming from someone he had admired for so long.

The revelation also shines a light on Engelbert’s humble beginnings. 

Born Arnold Dorsey, he originally performed under the stage name Gerry Dorsey, a nod to Jerry. 

However, it was only after adopting the unforgettable name Engelbert Humperdinck that his fortunes changed.

That decision transformed him into one of Britain’s biggest music stars. 

His smash hit Release Me famously kept The Beatles’ Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever off the top spot in the UK charts, launching a career that has spanned more than six decades and earned him millions of fans worldwide.

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