HE MADE SO MANY OF US LAUGH AND WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR MDA...
Jerry Lewis Has Passed
The entertainment world has lost an icon as Jerry Lewis has died at the age of 91. Over his seven decades in show business, Lewis conquer everything from Las Vegas to Hollywood.
Lewis got his big break when he teamed up with Dean Martin in 1946. The pair worked together for 10 years, starring in films such as "My Friend Irma,” “The Caddy,” and “The Stooge.” The two parted ways in 1956 and it was not exactly amicable. Over the years, however, Lewis and Martin reconciled, including after Dean's son died in 1987.
After going solo, Lewis developed a Las Vegas act that he would perfect throughout the rest of his life. He performed in Sin City until last year. Lewis also took to Hollywood, starring in such comedic classics as “The Nutty Professor” and “The Bellboy" and much later Lewis would appear in "Law & Order: SVU" and lend his voice to an episode of "The Simpsons."
If you didn't know him from the movies, chances are you knew Jerry Lewis thanks to his annual telethon benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. From its creation in 1966 through 2009, the last year Lewis hosted his annual telethon, he raised a whopping $2.5-billion for the organization. Lewis' life did not come without controversy, however. He was known to make racist and misogynistic jokes and was forced to apologize after using a gay slur on camera during the 2007 telethon...and again for using the same word the following year. He also battled numerous illnesses and a prescription drug dependency over the years. Lewis had seven children. He and former band singer Patti Palmer had six sons throughout their 36-year marriage. Lewis is survived by his second wife, SanDee Pitnick, with whom he adopted a daughter.
Source: Variety