The figure of entertainment, Jerry Lewis passed away on Sunday Morning at his home, in Las Vegas. His publicist, Candi Cazau has confirmed his natural death. His death has been revealed via a statement from his family, according to website TMZ.
The King of laughter, Jerry Lewis was discovered with innumerable health problems including two heart attacks, prostate cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. In July, he was hospitalized with a urinary tract infection. Lewis had been suffering from all these diseases over the years. Despite all of these health issues, he remained determined to succeed.
Partnership with Martin
The great Comedian was born on March 16, 1926, in Newark. He was known for his slapstick humor in film and radio. His career was defined by one most significant relationship and split of his life: his partnership with Dean Martin. Lewis' career was skyrocketed when he paired up with Martin.
The comedy pair brought out one hit comedy film after the next, starting with “My Friend Irma” and including “The Caddy”, “The Stooge” and “The Pardners” to name a few. By the time of their separation, Martin had a prosperous career as a recording artist and actor and soon, Lewis went on to a successful solo career eventually writing, producing and directing films. One of his biggest success was “The Nutty Professor”, which grossed $19 million.
Lewis: Great comedian with a greater heart
Throughout his entire career, Jerry Lewis was an eminent humanitarian, who was not only known for bringing the world laughter but had another notorious passion - helping people. Besides making people laugh, he had a heart with full of emotions for people. He served as a spokesman and national chairman of Muscular Dystrophy Association and supported fundraising.
The Hollywood icon also hosted the live Labor Day weekend broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for 44 years, in order to benefit the company. Over almost half a century, he brought over $2.6 billion donations for the association.
Jerry Lewis was also a controversial figure
Despite his success, Lewis was a controversial figure for his work for Muscular Dystrophy.
A large number of people claimed Lewis never presented victims as equal members of society. He also lost many of his fans, when he criticized women doing comedy. “I think of (a female comedian) as a producing machine that brings babies in the world,” he once said. Later, he apologized for his statement.
Jerry Lewis was married twice in his life, first to a former singer Patti Palme, that was ended in divorce. After that, he married current wife Sandee Pitnick. He has six sons and one daughter. The legendary actor was adored by many, but now, he will be momentously missed by many. We have lost a great comedian and even a greater heart.
