Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis, born on March 16, 1926, was a multifaceted American entertainer whose career spanned over seven decades. Renowned as one of the greatest comedians of the twentieth century, he earned the affectionate title of the 'King of Comedy.' His rise to fame began in 1946 alongside singer Dean Martin, forming the iconic duo Martin and Lewis. Together, they captivated audiences with a series of sixteen buddy-comedy films, a successful run on The Colgate Comedy Hour, and numerous live performances until their split in 1956.

After parting ways with Martin, Lewis embarked on a prolific solo career, starring in thirty-five motion pictures from 1957 to 1984. He became a familiar face on television, guest hosting The Tonight Show a record fifty-two times and leading his own nightly series. His collaborations with fellow entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. from 1950 to 1989 further solidified his status in the entertainment industry.

Beyond his comedic talents, Lewis was a dedicated humanitarian. As the honorary national chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), he raised funds through his annual Labor Day telecast, The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. This live event, which began in 1966, raised an astounding two billion four hundred fifty million dollars for the MDA by 2009, showcasing his commitment to charitable causes.

Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis performed on concert stages, in nightclubs, and through audio recordings, appearing in at least one hundred seventeen film and television productions. His contributions to the arts were recognized with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he was honored with the prestigious Legion of Honor by France, reflecting his global impact as an entertainer and humanitarian.