Comedy legend Jerry Lewis has died at age 91.
Known for his unique brand of slapstick, controversial political and social viewpoints and his decades of work as the host of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, Lewis has left a mark on American culture that is unlike any other. The Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist John Katsilometes reported that Lewis died in his home. The news was later confirmed by his agent. Lewis’s death is believed to be of natural causes.
Statement: "Legendary entertainer #Jerry Lewis passed away peacefully today of natural causes at 91 at his home w/ family by his side."
— John Katsilometes (@johnnykats) August 20, 2017
Breaking through as part of the comedy team Martin and Lewis, Jerry Lewis would achieve solo fame with movies (like The Nutty Professor and The Ladies Man) concert performances. Career fortunes would rise and fall, but the style he brought to his work had a significant impact on the comedians he influenced.
Responses expressing sadness for the loss and a celebration of Lewis’s life arrived immediately after the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award winner’s death.
https://twitter.com/WhoopiGoldberg/status/899337448425172992
RIP Jerry Lewis, a true comedic genius. pic.twitter.com/BrGiwDjQGO
— Meredith Frost (@MeredithFrost) August 20, 2017
Dick Gregory and Jerry Lewis were two of the funniest, most legendary and prolific entertainers of our generation and I bow to their genius.
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) August 20, 2017
We have lost a great comedian and even greater heart. Thank you for the laughs and the feels, Jerry Lewis. https://t.co/vdYCfd7atJ
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) 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
Watched nutty professor over and over and over again as a kid. Got to meet and hang with clegend who made it. #jerrylewis. Rip
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) August 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/yoda/status/899330807030067206
The French were right about him all along. RIP Jerry Lewis pic.twitter.com/jNLRPQeS4G
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) August 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/thenoahkinsey/status/899329240956452864
Jerry Lewis is survived by his second wife SanDee Pitnick and their adopted daughter. Lewis’s final film, the Daniel Noah written and directed motion picture Max Rose, was screened at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.
(Via Variety)
