Story by Guy Atchley, guy.atchley@kgun9.com
His friends and fans called him, "The King of Comedy." Jerry Lewis died today at the age of 91.
Even though he was the star of screen and stage, Jerry Lewis may be remembered most for his work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
It all began in 1966 in black and white with only one station in New York.
But the MDA's Love Network would eventually stretch to virtually every city across the United States, and it became more than clear that Jerry Lewis would do anything to raise money for his kids.
Jerry would go on to host 45 telethons with innumerable highlights, but it would be tough to beat that night in 1976 when Frank Sinatra surprised Jerry with his old comedy partner Dean Martin.
Telethon work was tough, keeping Jerry up for days without sleep, but everybody knew his work for each year was over when he sang one song.
And because of Jerry Lewis, millions of people who faced terrible diseases did not have to face them alone.
William Shatner tweeted:
Condolences to the family of Jerry Lewis. The world is a lot less funnier today. ??
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 20, 2017
Samuel L. Jackson tweeted:
It was incredible knowing & laughing with the Amazing Jerry Lewis! He'll keep'em laffin in the ever after!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 20, 2017
And Whoopi Goldberg tweeted:
I realize I may be late with all this but all know is,losing Dick Gregory & Jerry Lewis is a gain 4 heaven, but big loss for comedy
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 20, 2017
A big loss for all of us who knew him, worked with him and were helped by him.
There was a time when hundreds of telethon hosts from all over the U.S. would fly to Las Vegas to meet with Jerry and take a promotional picture with him.
The men were all dressed in tuxedos, the women in evening dresses, and Jerry would usually show up wearing his tennis shorts.
