Comedian Jerry Lewis dies age 91
Comedian, director and slapstick legend Jerry Lewis has passed away aged 91 surrounded by his family in Las Vegas.
His publicist, Candi Canzau, confirmed Lewis died of natural causes.
He first rose to fame in the early 1950s when he starred in a frenzied comedy-and-music act with Dean Martin.
After his famous split with Martin in 1956, Lewis moved to starring and directing in a slew of films.
Later generations would know Lewis as the tireless conductor of the American Labor Day weekend telethons, which raised funds for victims of muscular dystrophy.
His death has been met with great sadness from Hollywood.
Jerry Lewis was a comic and philanthropic icon. I send love to his family today.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 20, 2017
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
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
