Comedian and philanthropist Jerry Lewis dies at 91
Over the weekend comedian Jerry Lewis, best known for his comic partnership with legendary crooner Dean Martin, and for his charitable work to fight muscular dystrophy, died at 91.
Lewis’s zany, slapstick antics contrasted well with Martin’s suave, stylish persona—-a classic clown / straight-man scenario. The duo was immensely popular with audiences, appearing in both movies and Las Vegas stage acts, delighting millions over the years.
Every labor-day weekend for decades Lewis hosted a long-running television telethon to raise money for medical research to fight muscular dystrophy, a devastating genetic disease. The popular event featured entertainment, updates on medical research, and moving appeals to the public for financial help.
In his later years Lewis faced a number of serious health challenges, and developed a more reclusive lifestyle.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons public domain
