There are celebrities who entertain us. And by doing so, we become their fans. We buy tickets to see their films...and we contribute to Nielsen ratings by watching their television programs.
There are show business stars who are beloved...admired...and respected... because we discover they did something extraordinary to help a person or persons in need...or because they came to the rescue for one or more people in trouble.
We like famous Hollywood performers for lots of reasons. Some stand out more than others because of awards...because of their good looks...or simply because... they just seem to be nice.
Jerry fit all of the above sentiments.
Throughout this past week, there have been many newspaper articles written... numerous TV and radio news reports that have aired...and countless social media comments that have been posted...that have paid tribute to the life, the comic genius and the warmhearted humanitarianism of Jerry Lewis.
Jerry's enormous talents are to be recognized for his movies...for his television shows...and for his 10-year comedy partnership with Dean Martin. And he deserves much applause for a stellar career. But I'm going to leave Jerry's Hollywood highlights - including his repertoire of films and his many awards and other honors - to be written about by others. However, I would be remiss if I didn't make note of at least a few of Jerry's memorable screen appearances that stand out in my mind and which captured his vast range as an actor.
Jerry Lewis, of course, was brilliant in The King Of Comedy. But of all his motion pictures...my favorite is the 1960 film, Visit To A Small Planet. I can watch it over and over again. And I have. Yet, I fall down with laughter each and every time.
As for television...I will forever remember the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode, "Uncle" from 2006. An NBC promo urged viewers not to miss "an unprecedented performance" by Jerry Lewis. The words I will use to describe Jerry's artistry in SVU: flawless and spellbinding.
But beyond Jerry Lewis on camera...I will always hold a special place in my heart for Jerry's personal kindness to me, back in 1995, when I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. I took my mom to see the smash hit musical production, Damn Yankees on Broadway, which starred Jerry Lewis as The Devil. We laughed so hard that I thought each of us would bust a gut. And I needed to laugh. Although long ago, I still treasure that evening. After all, my doctor had recently crushed me with the words, "You have cancer." Therefore, it was the first time, in many weeks, that I was able to smile, let alone break out in laughter.
After the show, I wrote Jerry Lewis a letter to tell him how special that night was...how for - albeit only a few hours - my mind was void of my health problems... and that he brought bright sunshine to my life that had been plagued by darkness. Jerry made me so happy that I - shortly thereafter - got tickets to see Damn Yankees for a second time. I once again took my mom...and not only did the show free my head of thoughts about cancer...I think both performances gave my mother a couple of peaceful evenings about her son's pending surgery. I was glad to share those two outings with her.
I had obviously hoped that Jerry would somehow receive my letter and read it. But as someone who enjoyed many years of a career working in the entertainment industry, I was well aware that more often than not, show-biz luminaries generally don't have the opportunity to read all their fan mail. But my letter went directly to Jerry's house in Las Vegas, Nevada. And so...a few weeks later...to my great surprise...I was thrilled when I found in my mailbox - that's a postal mailbox not an e-mail box - an envelope, which inside had a personal letter to me from Jerry Lewis.
I was overwhelmed with joy. I had not yet undergone my cancer surgery and getting a letter from Jerry Lewis - especially with the heartfelt words he wrote - was exactly what I needed to get me through another traumatic day.
Jerry thanked me for my kind words to him. Not only did I express my gratitude for lifting up my spirits when I was as low as I ever was in my life...but I saluted him for all his years of altruism by raising money to help people who are afflicted with neuromuscular diseases. I thanked Jerry on behalf of his tens-of-millions of fans... who realize that because of his lifelong dedication...nobody who is diagnosed with any form of muscular dystrophy would ever be alone...and they would "never walk alone."
I can't imagine there are many people throughout the United States who are unaware of Jerry's signature song, which he sang to close each of his Muscular Dystrophy Association telethons. As with the telethon itself...Jerry Lewis singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" was as much a tradition on Labor Day as fireworks on the 4th of July. It was a song that had been requested by muscular dystrophy patients throughout America and it became their anthem.
In his letter to me, Jerry wished me well with my upcoming surgery and he encouraged me to fight hard and to be strong as I struggled to rid my body of cancer. I knew Jerry's thoughts were genuine and his prayers meant a lot to me.
With Jerry Lewis, there was always his hope...always his prayer...always his desire...and always his strength...that "his kids" would indeed walk someday...and sooner rather than later.
The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon was as much a staple in our country as is baseball, hotdogs and apple pie. All or part of the 21-and-a-half-hour broadcast was appointment television for most Americans during its 45-year history between 1966 and 2010. But in 2011, the Muscular Dystrophy Association unfairly forced out - or, if you will...cruelly terminated Jerry Lewis as its national chairman and as the host of an American institution...a telethon that Jerry created...which was instrumental in bringing a focus to neuromuscular diseases...and that brought in to the limelight an overall concentration to MDA. But Jerry's philanthropic efforts with the Muscular Dystrophy Association began long before his Labor Day telethons. Beginning in 1950, Jerry raised funds for the New York City chapter of MDA with The Jerry Lewis Thanksgiving Party. And in May 2015...Jerry told the on-line program, FOX 411..."In 61 years, we raised 2-billion-600-million dollars. So I feel pretty satisfied about the 61 years of...constant looking to make children better." And in more than six decades, Muscular Dystrophy Association officials say that Jerry never accepted one penny for his work with with MDA and the telethon. He was their "number one volunteer." Jerry Lewis brought love...laughter...and tears...to each of us who watched The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon. As I wrote in my tribute to Jerry - over Labor Day weekend in 2014 - a column titled, It's Another Labor Day Weekend...And It's Not The Same Without Jerry Lewis..."Jerry Lewis was the heart and soul that breathed life into the Muscular Dystrophy Association and HIS telethon." There would be no Muscular Dystrophy Association without Jerry Lewis. Yet MDA officials were cold-hearted and insensitive towards him. MDA - as an organization - treated Jerry with a lack of respect when they technically dismissed him from his posts. Jerry Lewis deserved to be honored with dignity. And after 61 years...MDA instead...showed him the door.
The chairman of the board of the Muscular Dystrophy Association - Dr. R. Rodney Howell, M.D. - issued a statement following the death of Jerry Lewis. Part of Dr. Howell's remarks are printed below.
"The Muscular Dystrophy Association is deeply saddened by the death of beloved comedian, performer, humanitarian and former MDA telethon star and national chairman Jerry Lewis. MDA would not be the organization it is today if it were not for Jerry's tireless efforts on behalf of "his kids." His enthusiasm for finding cures for neuromuscular disease was matched only by his unyielding commitment to see the fight through to the end. Jerry's efforts on the annual MDA telethon transformed the broadcast in to an American tradition each Labor Day weekend for 45 years. MDA and the families we serve will always be grateful for the thousands of hours he dedicated through the telethon. Jerry's love, passion and brilliance are woven throughout this organization, which he helped build from the ground up. Though we will miss him beyond measure, we suspect that somewhere in heaven, he's already urging the angels to give 'just one dollar more for my kids.'"
That's a classy sentiment by Dr. Howell. Too bad MDA lacked similar class in 2011 when officials of the organization took away Jerry's lifelong passion from under him.
I'm always amazed when such a tribute is presented after someone dies... especially when - as Time magazine wrote in August 2012 - "Jerry Lewis was dumped by the MDA, the charity he had been identified with since the 1950s. He's still bitter about it." In an interview with Time for that 2012 issue, Jerry was asked what happened. "That's not a place I want to go. Because if I go there, you'll never get me back." Actor and Jerry Lewis friend, Richard Belzer told Time..."This was a hurt man." Belzer called reasons associated with Jerry's departure from the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the telethon..."insulting." Belzer said...they "provoke(d) him to leave. It was a moral outrage." MDA officials have long stated that Jerry retired. One might say he resigned. I insist that because of MDA's poor treatment of him, it was tantamount to being fired.
Although none would ever match or reach the caliber of The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon - on his "Love Network" of television stations - every telethon for any health organization or charity that followed...or that may come to the airwaves in the future...owes a monumental thanks to Jerry Lewis.
I never had the pleasure and the privilege to meet Jerry Lewis, but I did - in a sense - work for him when I was executive producer of a Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon in central New York State. And I was proud to give my time - in even a small way - to helping "Jerry's Kids."
The public - to this day - does not know the reason why Jerry Lewis devoted 61 years to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Some people have reportedly thought that it was because Jerry had a child, a sibling, other relative, or friend who died from a neuromuscular disease. But Jerry would never discuss his reason. I worked with one of Jerry's sons on an ABC television show in Hollywood, back in 1979. His dad's telethon came up in conversation one day with several people in the studio. But when someone asked about the reason his dad did the annual telethon, Jerry's son claimed he had no clue. Whether he does know or not...is not important. And if keeping it private is what Jerry Lewis wanted...then anybody who does know the secret - perhaps his wife or any of his children - then I hope they will never reveal it to anyone. After all...it really doesn't matter why Jerry did it. We should just be grateful that he did.
The sad news came...that Jerry Lewis had died of natural causes...on Sunday, August 20th, 2017...while he was at home in Las Vegas...surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 91.
As I posted on my Facebook page...following Jerry's death..."The world has lost a special, special person." Jerry Lewis will be missed. He was a legend...an international icon...and an American treasure.
Heaven got a little funnier last Sunday. But more importantly...heaven got a whole lot better. If anyone was to receive his wings...at the moment he arrived at The Pearly Gates... it would be Jerry Lewis. But then... Jerry was already an angel...here on Earth.And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Photo Credits: Us Magazine (Jerry Lewis #1), Mansfield Avenue Productions (Jerry Lewis #2) and ABC News by the Associated Press (Jerry Lewis #3)
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Jerry Lewis was a funny guy. I dont know if an angel would characterize him, he was not an easy guy to get along with. I dont know if he was always like that, of if his fame helped him get that way. He was a gruff no nonsense type. Yet he had such a warm side, as in you description of his letter to you. I know that what he did for MDA was unprecedented, although Danny Thomas was close. I can understand why MDA felt the need to change it up, we are in different times, expenses and all. Make no bones about the fact that MDA is a business minded entity. I worked for them for 4 years and was dumped because when I got pregnant I choose not to stay with the father and become a single mother. Even in 1986 that was not a 'wholesome value' they wanted in a representative. Even after I had just been brought on stage to meet Mr Lewis in our training conference in Vegas because of a huge fundraiser I had created, Shamrocks Against Dystrophy. But Jerry Lewis was an icon for not just being funny, but for giving of himself to a cause. He did lots at the time I was there, not just the Telethon. He was edged out of that too, I was told it was because he could be difficult. I don't know, maybe being difficult made him the success he was up until his death. Thanks Gary for recognizing him. Deb!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie, for your thoughts about Jerry Lewis and your words praising my column. I do appreciate. I'm sorry to hear that MDA treated you so unfairly, but after what they did to Jerry, it doesn't surprise me. You describe Jerry as "a gruff, no nonsense type" but with "a warm side." When it comes to their business or something else they are passionate about, many entertainers I worked with over the years fit that same description...especially when they were also the executive producer. It's not uncommon for someone of Jerry Lewis' caliber to not take any crap, but to be a big teddy bear or a pussy cat, as well. Although I never worked with her, I had been told by many people in Hollywood that Lucille Ball could be one tough cookie, but that she would give anyone the shirt off her back too. One person, in particular, who was like that was someone I have idolized all my life...and who I worked for...and that's Dick Clark. On the set, in the studio, and especially during a live broadcast, Dick wouldn't put up with anything that was not 100 percent professional. Anything less was not an acceptable practice. And I learned from the best and his guidance was invaluable. At the same time, Dick was a gem of a guy, but he never would do anything to hurt anyone. And Dick was always willing to help. He treated me with respect and kindness...and he was a first class guy. I don't think Jerry Lewis would have ever fired you because you were pregnant, and I'm sorry to learn that MDA as a company would treat you so horribly. But that was 31 years ago. If something like that happened today, Perry Mason himself wouldn't be able to help a business when the unmarried pregnant woman filed her law suit. But I hope, overall, that your experience working with Jerry Lewis brought you more happy memorable times...than not. GBD
DeleteThe following comment was posted on Gary B. Duglin's Facebook page at 8:28 a.m. on August 26th, 2017. Since the writer included his name on Facebook, it will be published here, as well.
ReplyDelete"Thank you, Gary for such a beautiful tribute. Growing up in the 1950s I was a big fan of 'Martin and Lewis.' The two names went together like Laurel and Hardy. The telethon was a staple in my household as well. His unflagging commitment to that cause was extraordinary." - Michael Koski
The following response to the above reader's comment was posted by Gary B. Duglin on his Facebook page at 4:46 p.m. on August 26th, 2017.
DeleteThank you so very much, Michael for your kind words. I'm sure Jerry Lewis would greatly appreciate your warm sentiments for him. Thanks again for reading my column. GBD
Having grown up through the 70's and 80's as a kid, I always admired what Jerry did for MDA along with everything else he did in the entertainment business. You do not find someone with their style or work ethics in this day and time. We will never see another Jerry Lewus type.....not in this day and time. I work in the radio and tv business...have been doing so for 31 years. Even on a small scale in this entertainment business, I can attest that you strive for perfection and professionalism. Sometimes doing so sends the wrong impression to others that make them say..."gee he is a gruff, he isnt a nice guy" etc etc. Its business. It does not reflect on who the man is. In later years with health issues and probably just wanting to enjoy his personal time and his family...... well it isnt easy to do if you're being bombarded fir interviews, tons of fans wanting his every ounce of attention and then there are just the self serving idiots that have no other interest in Jerry other than just to get a photo or an autograph. Ots a draw back to being in show business, no matter how big or small. Either way, Jerry did things with class....he was human like the rest of us and he wasn't afraid to let the world see him serious, funny, sad, glad and everything else. You had to understand Jerry and understand the business that he worked in. I wish there were more Jerry Lewis types out there. The world would be such a better place. I encourage everyone to take a cue from Jerry and let the kid in you play and be expressive while at the same time work to do good in this world. Gary, this is a fine column you have here and delighted to read another wonderful tribute honoring one of the greatest men that has ever lived in this century. Jerry will be sorely sorely missed but thanks to God we have the chance to hang out with him in heaven for the ages to come.
DeleteBob, thank you very much for the kind words you expressed about my column. I greatly appreciate it. I'm sure that Jerry Lewis would be grateful to read your warm and thoughtful sentiments that you conveyed about his life and his work. He truly was someone who had no problem showing his emotions - whether he was being funny or silly and we saw him laugh or even giggle...when he was sad, we saw him cry and even weep...and when he was angry, we saw him shout. He cared deeply about "his kids" and whatever it took to raise the money needed in an effort to someday see those "kids" walk, he would do it. And I applaud him forever. Many thanks again for your comments and thank you for reading The Controversy. GBD
DeleteI loved Mr. Lewis and I was so so sad to hear he past. I'm still can not believe he is gone, but I'm sure he is in a better place. I was with a heavy heart for days. I grew up watching the Labor day telethon. I believe it was 1967. I could never make it through the whole telethon, but by the time I was in high school I was able to do it. This lovely column made me think about Mr. Lewis and his movies he made. It brought a smile to my face. Mr. Lewis will be truly missed. My God bless him and his family.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Jeannie for your lovely sentiments and for your warm words about Jerry Lewis and my column. I greatly appreciate your kind thoughts and I'm sure Jerry would too. GBD
DeleteThe following comment was posted on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 12:17 a.m. on August 30th, 2017, as Gary B. Duglin's column was posted on the fan page. Since the writers included their names on Facebook, they will be published here, as well.
ReplyDelete"He was a wonderful man with a kind heart. He gave the world laughter and money to our children who needed help. He was the best on TV and movies, and his telethon, with all his children he loved so much, what a great man a legend. Rest in peace Jerry Lewis. Love from Rose and Robert Heise" - Rose and Robert Heise
The following response to the above reader's comment was posted by Gary B. Duglin on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 2:24 p.m. on August 30th, 2017.
DeleteThank you, Rose and Robert for your beautiful comments about Jerry Lewis. I'm sure he would be most grateful for your lovely sentiments. GBD
The following comment was posted on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 1:16 a.m. on August 30th, 2017, as Gary B. Duglin's column was posted on the fan page. Since the writer included her name on Facebook, it will be published here, as well.
ReplyDelete"Beautiful tribute. Heartfelt and moving. Thank you for sharing this with us all. Many blessings to you." - Heather Hill
The following response to the above reader's comment was posted by Gary B. Duglin on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 1:25 a.m. on August 30th, 2017.
DeleteThank you so very much, Heather, for your kind and warmly expressed sentiments about my tribute column on Jerry Lewis. I greatly appreciate it. Blessings to you as well. GBD
The following comment was posted on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 6:29 a.m. on August 30th, 2017, as Gary B. Duglin's column was posted on the fan page. Since the writer included his name on Facebook, it will be published here, as well.
ReplyDelete"Still seems so surreal that he's gone. Sadly missed." - Chris Blias
The following response to the above reader's comment was posted by Gary B. Duglin on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 2:31 p.m. on August 30th, 2017.
DeleteChris, thank you for your kind words. I'm sure Jerry Lewis would appreciate them. GBD
The following comment was posted on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 7:42 a.m. on August 30th, 2017, as Gary B. Duglin's column was posted on the fan page. Since the writer included her name on Facebook, it will be published here, as well.
ReplyDelete"That's a wonderful post!" - Claudia Najhar Raphael
The following response to the above reader's comment was posted by Gary B. Duglin on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 2:39 p.m. on August 30th, 2017.
DeleteThank you, Claudia for your kind words about my tribute column to Jerry Lewis. I appreciate it very much. GBD
The following comment was posted on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 7:49 a.m. on August 30th, 2017, as Gary B. Duglin's column was posted on the fan page. Since the writer included her name on Facebook, it will be published here, as well.
ReplyDelete"So sad. I will love & miss Jerry forever. Jerry will always be the best. I have loved him since I was little (a long time ago). Jerry is our Angel in Heaven & he will always be our shining star. Rest In Peace Jerry. Love you." - Dee Reed-Ely
The following response to the above reader's comment was posted by Gary B. Duglin on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 2:26 p.m. on August 30th, 2017.
DeleteThank you, Dee for your sweet words. I'm certain that Jerry Lewis would appreciate your warm sentiments. GBD
The following comment was posted on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 11:02 a.m. on August 30th, 2017, as Gary B. Duglin's column was posted on the fan page. Since the writer included her name on Facebook, it will be published here, as well.
ReplyDelete"Jerry showed us how to work. He showed us how to love. I hope we learned from his work of labor and love. Always in my prayers." - Marilyn Harley Irick
The following response to the above reader's comment was posted by Gary B. Duglin on a Jerry Lewis fan page on Facebook at 2:28 p.m. on August 30th, 2017.
DeleteThank you, Marilyn for you lovely comments. I'm sure Jerry Lewis would appreciate your warm words. GBD