US comedian Jerry Lewis dies aged 91
Jim Carrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Nancy Sinatra have shared tributes to Dean Martin's former comedic partner
Published:
Multi-talented US comedy legend Jerry Lewis – who shot to fame in the 1950s as the comedic partner of Dean Martin – has passed away at the age of 91.
A family statement has confirmed that the star died of natural causes in his home in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.
Lewis had an illustrious career in film that stems back to the late 1940s, when he first partnered up with the rat pack member. The duo enjoyed major success over the course of a ten-year partnership which produced 16 films.
But Lewis’ work extends far beyond his early films. A multi-hyphenate entertainer, he wrote, directed and starred in massive hits such as The Nutty Professor, The Bell Boy and The Ladies Man.
Tributes for the star, who was hailed as one of the greatest comedic actors of the 20th century, have poured in on Twitter.
That fool was no dummy. Jerry Lewis was an undeniable genius an unfathomable blessing, comedy's absolute! I am because he was! ;^D pic.twitter.com/3Zdq9xhXlE
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) August 20, 2017
Jerry Lewis was a comic and philanthropic icon. I send love to his family today.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 20, 2017
Mourning the loss of a dear family friend (& comedy genius) My Pops & #JerryLewis were super close for decades. https://t.co/HgefVrfz80 pic.twitter.com/jG0VmmWfmI
— James Tormé (@jamestorme) August 20, 2017
Jerry Lewis was an angel to me. Loved him & will never forget what he did for me during one of the worst times in my life. RIP, Love Roe pic.twitter.com/0OoQV4yaae
— Rose Marie-Official (@RoseMarie4Real) August 20, 2017
Dear Jerry?
Dad will be as happy to see you as I'm sad to see you go.
Give him one of your bear hugs for me. I'll always love you. pic.twitter.com/iImROGLKnl— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 20, 2017
#JerryLewis the true king of comedy, the champion of children's causes-RIP my friend. You'll forever be in my heart. Love you #TrueLegend ? pic.twitter.com/DmLwvFX0Y0
— Criss Angel (@CrissAngel) August 20, 2017
Bad week for classic comedy: first #DickGregory passes now #JerryLewis dies. Both spent life making millions laugh. Fare the well, Legends.
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 20, 2017
The King of Comedy Jerry Lewis was a tremendous talent and a good friend. Rest In Peace #jerrylewis. You'll be sorely missed ? pic.twitter.com/KA0TWrvYir
— Joan Collins (@Joancollinsdbe) August 20, 2017
