Panelist Bennett Cerf's Random House published Lewis's biography, 'The Joker Is Wild: The Story of Joe E. Lewis', written by Art Cohn, in 1955. The story was adapted into the musical drama film 'The Joker Is Wild (1957)' starring Frank Sinatra as Lewis.
Joe E. Lewis had recently released his album 'It Is Now Post Time' (1961), one of the first LPs released by Frank Sinatra's label 'Reprise Records'. Recorded live at The Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, it is the only recorded example of Lewis at work as a stand-up comedian.
Guest panelist Hugh O'Brian was about to start rehearsals of Samuel A. Taylor's Broadway play 'First Love'. The production would open on December 25, 1961, at the Morosco Theatre, and run for only 24 performances.