On August 20, 2017, legendary comedian Jerry Lewis passed away at the age of 91 at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born as either Jerome or Joseph Levitch in Newark, New Jersey in 1926, Lewis rose to fame with his early mimicking talents which paved the way for a successful career in entertainment. Lewis was born into an entertainment family, with his father Danny Lewis being a musical arranger and his mother Rachel playing the piano. Lewis began performing at the age of five and dropped out of high school to pursue a career in entertainment. He met singer and actor Dean Martin in 1946, forming a successful comedic duo that became popular in theaters, nightclubs, and on television.
Lewis and Martin’s partnership led to successful performances at various venues, including the famous Copacabana nightclub in New York City. They signed a deal with Paramount Pictures and appeared in numerous comedy features that solidified their status as a popular comedic team. However, their partnership came to an end in 1956 after a falling out following their film “Pardners.” Lewis continued his career as a solo performer, becoming a writer and director of his own films. He was known for his slapstick comedy in movies such as “The Nutty Professor,” “The Bellboy,” and “The Ladies Man.”
Apart from his successful career in entertainment, Lewis was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his involvement with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). He served as the national chair of MDA for over five decades, raising money and awareness for neuromuscular diseases. The MDA Telethon, which Lewis hosted for 44 years, raised funds for the organization, and he was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. In addition to his charity work, Lewis is credited with inventing the video assist system in cinematography and has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
In the years leading up to his death, Lewis faced health issues, including a back condition and multiple heart attacks. Despite his health challenges, he continued to work in the entertainment industry and remained dedicated to his philanthropic efforts. Lewis was married twice and had seven children. Known for his unique comedic style and unforgettable characters, Lewis was considered to be one of the last great clowns in entertainment history. His legacy continues to live on through his films, charitable work, and impact on the entertainment industry.
