Jerry Lewis, Comedian and Humanitarian, Mourned
by Best Classic Bands StaffWith news of the passing of yet another icon, Jerry Lewis, who died today, August 20, at 91 at his Las Vegas home, the star was mourned by many of the entertainment world’s biggest names.
Lewis was known as a brilliant comedic actor in his own movies, most notably as the zany star of 1963’s The Nutty Professor, and famously paired with Dean Martin in nightclubs and for a host of movies. He was also a significant humanitarian, most notably for his 50 years’ fight against Muscular Dystrophy. For generations, he was the face of the neuromuscular disease, with his omnipresent Labor Day weekend telethons.
Robert De Niro, who starred in The King of Comedy with Lewis, said in a statement: “Jerry was a pioneer in comedy and film. And he was a friend. I was fortunate to have seen him a few times over the past couple of years. Even at 91, he didn’t miss a beat… Or a punchline. You’ll be missed.”
The French were right about him all along. RIP Jerry Lewis pic.twitter.com/jNLRPQeS4G
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) August 20, 2017
The King of Comedy Jerry Lewis was a tremendous talent and a good friend. Rest In Peace #jerrylewis. You’ll be sorely missed 💔 pic.twitter.com/KA0TWrvYir
— Joan Collins (@Joancollinsdbe) August 20, 2017
My mentor & friend Jerry Lewis has passed away. A visionary. A pioneer in all forms of entertainment. A charitable human. A father.
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) August 20, 2017
We lost one of the great ones today…possibly the greatest. Jerry Lewis was one of my comedy heroes & was a gigan… https://t.co/Baob4Gn29E pic.twitter.com/dmkjsDlPHi
— Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) August 20, 2017
Jerry Lewis! Oy! Another comic legend gone. What an amazing talent and philanthropist. A long, well lived life!#RIPJerryLewis
— Jon Lovitz (@realjonlovitz) August 20, 2017
I realize I may be late with all this but all know is,losing Dick Gregory & Jerry Lewis is a gain 4 heaven, but big loss for comedy
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 20, 2017
#JerryLewis was one of a kind, my comedy hero when I was growing up. Can’t believe I got to spend so much time with him over the years. RIP pic.twitter.com/uji3DgPPUJ
— Leonard Maltin (@leonardmaltin) August 20, 2017
Goodbye to the real, no irony, king of comedy. pic.twitter.com/t7qEkDo4Sl
— Penn Jillette (@pennjillette) August 20, 2017
It was incredible knowing & laughing with the Amazing Jerry Lewis! He’ll keep’em laffin in the ever after!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 20, 2017
Condolences to the family of Jerry Lewis. The world is a lot less funnier today. ☹️
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 20, 2017
Jerry Lewis was an angel to me. Loved him & will never forget what he did for me during one of the worst times in my life. RIP, Love Roe pic.twitter.com/0OoQV4yaae
— Rose Marie-Official (@RoseMarie4Real) August 20, 2017
That fool was no dummy. Jerry Lewis was an undeniable genius an unfathomable blessing, comedy's absolute! I am because he was! ;^D pic.twitter.com/3Zdq9xhXlE
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) August 20, 2017
Jerry Lewis. You were blessed, and blessed us with the perfect combination of comedy and Tragedy. A perfect clown who could do it all. Rest
— Goldie Hawn (@goldiehawn) August 20, 2017
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, finally back together. You paved the way for us who came along behind your legendary careers. Rest in peace.
— RUTH BUZZI (@Ruth_A_Buzzi) August 20, 2017
So saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry Lewis, a true comic icon. In Boston 1947 I roared at his and Dean's first ever performance
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) August 20, 2017
Lewis was born on March 16, 1926.
Related: We lost Don Rickles earlier this year
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationComedy would be very, very different had there been no Jerry Lewis. We would still have comedy, it just wouldn’t be the same. He was a genius who influenced a lot of the comics of today. What a wonderful giving man. His philanthropy was astounding, raising a little over a billion dollars for Muscular Dystrophy during his lifetime. Amazing, simply amazing. Bless You, Jerry Lewis, have fun, Deano’s been waiting for you! RIP