On August 20, 2017, the world lost a comedic legend when 91-year-old Jerry Lewis passed away at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born as either Jerome or Joseph Levitch in Newark, New Jersey in 1926, Lewis grew up in an entertainment family with a musical arranger father named Danny Lewis and a pianist mother named Rachel. From a young age, Lewis showed a talent for mimicking music that he heard, which eventually led him to drop out of high school and pursue a career in entertainment.
At the age of 12, Lewis moved to New York City, where he met singer and actor Dean Martin in 1946. The two formed a successful comedic duo, with Martin providing the songs and playing the straight man to Lewis’ manic comic persona. Together, they performed in theaters and nightclubs, earning fame on radio, TV, and in movies. Their partnership led to a deal with Paramount Pictures and they became a popular comedic team in the mid-1950s.
Despite their initial success, Lewis and Martin’s partnership eventually came to an end after a falling out following the film “Pardners” in 1956. Lewis continued his career as a solo performer, becoming a writer and director of his own films. Known for his slapstick comedy and iconic roles in movies like “The Nutty Professor,” “The Bellboy,” and “Cinderfella,” Lewis became a celebrated comic artist in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his contributions to film and comedy, Lewis was also known for his philanthropic work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). For over five decades, Lewis served as the national chair of MDA, raising money and awareness for those living with neuromuscular diseases. He hosted the MDA Telethon for 44 years and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
Lewis was also credited with inventing the video assist system in cinematography and received numerous awards for his work, including two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2005, he was honored with the Governors Award of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Board of Governors, considered the highest Emmy Award. Despite health issues in his later years, including a back condition and heart attacks, Lewis continued to entertain audiences and inspire generations of comedians.
At the time of his death, Lewis was married twice and had seven children. He left behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest clowns in comedy history, creating unforgettable characters and moments that will be remembered for years to come. Jerry Lewis’s impact on the entertainment industry and his charitable work with MDA have solidified his place in history as a beloved and influential figure.
