Hollywood icon Jerry Lewis has died at the age of 91. The actor and comedian passed away early Sunday morning at his Las Vegas home from natural causes.
Fans mourn loss of legendary comedian Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis' death has been confirmed via a statement from his family, according to TMZ reports. Best known for bringing the world laughter with his slapstick comedy, stand-up, and films, Lewis will be greatly missed by many. As previously reported, Lewis had been in a state of failing health for some time. In June, Jerry was hospitalized in Las Vegas with a urinary tract infection.
Throughout the years the "Nutty Professor" star endured numerous health issues, including two heart attacks, prostate cancer, chronic lung disease, and Type 1 diabetes. Despite his health status, Lewis remained determined to keep working.
Lewis often said that he wanted to die mid-joke on stage
Lewis once stated that he hoped when his time came that he would die while on stage doing what he loved. He often joked that he would love to go out mid-joke, with people laughing. Besides making people laugh, Lewis had another well-known passion -- helping people. For more than four decades Lewis was the spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Every Labor Day Weekend for 44-years, Jerry Lewis could be found hosting the live broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.
Lewis' career skyrocketed for the comedian in 1946 when he was paired up with legendary crooner and actor Dean Martin. The comedy duo quickly became a household name. The comedy pair made more than a dozen hit comedy films together including " That's My Boy," "The Stooge," "Money From Home, "Scared Stiff," and "The Caddy," to name a few.
The comedy team went their seperate ways after a falling out in 1956. Both Martin and Lewis went on to achieve remarkable and long solo careers. Jerry's solo films were also an instant success, drawing in crowds of dedicated fans with hits including "Rock A Bye Baby," The Delicate Delinquent," Cinderfella," and The Nutty Professor."
Lewis received multiple awards for lifetime achievements from the American Comedy Awards, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Venice Film Festival, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
He was also honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Lewis was married twice in his lifetime, first to singer Patti Palmer from 1944-1980. Jerry married his current wife, SanDee Pitnick in 1983. Lewis has six sons and one daughter. Memorial service details are not available at this time and will be announced at a later date.
Jerry Lewis is survived by his wife SanDee, daughter, Danielle, and sons Gary, Christopher, Anthony, Ronald, and Scott. His youngest son Joseph committed suicide in 2009.
