RIP Jerry Lewis: Celebrities react to the comedian’s death
Legendary comedian Jerry Lewis has died at the age of 91. He was known for his prolific career, with copious roles on-stage and in film, as well as for his philanthropic efforts. Lewis served as national chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and hosted the live Labor Day weekend broadcast of the “Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon” for 44 years to raise money for the charity.
Celebrities have taken to social media to share tributes and remembrances of the iconic funny man.
Fellow comedian Jim Carrey credited Lewis with paving the way for his own impressive career:
https://twitter.com/JimCarrey/status/899346214612750336
“Will and Grace” star Sean Hayes also said Lewis was a professional inspiration to him, captioning the following Instagram photo of he and the late star: “We lost one of the great ones today…possibly the greatest. Jerry Lewis was one of my comedy heroes & was a gigantic inspiration to me. I am so grateful to have shared some valuable time with him. RIP #JerryLewis”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYBoV8gAdMB/?taken-by=seanhayes
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis grew up with Lewis as a constant presence in her life, as he starred in several films with her famous mom, Janet Leigh:
Jerry Lewis loomed large in my family. Many movies with my mom & he made home movies with Janet and Tony. He made me and many laugh. #rip pic.twitter.com/4LbEbc9FCT
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) August 20, 2017
Whoopi Goldberg praised his philanthropic endeavors and sent her sympathy to the family:
Jerry Lewis passed today,millions around the world loved him,millions of kids he helped w/his telethons. R.I.P. &condolences 2 his family
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 20, 2017
Nancy Sinatra, whose famous father once reunited Lewis with former partner Dean Martin, also paid her respects:
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
“Transparent” star Jeffrey Tambor praised Lewis as a pioneer in the field of entertainment:
https://twitter.com/jeffreytambor/status/899345915026128896
SNL alum Rob Schneider also noted Lewis’ influence on the field of comedy, calling his partnership with singer Dean Maritn “the Beatles of comedy:”
https://twitter.com/RobSchneider/status/899341014632026112
Late night host Jimmy Kimmel shared a video of Lewis singing at the MDA Telethon in 1987 and heralded him as a “genius comedian, actor, director, inventor, humanitarian:”
Jerry Lewis was a genius comedian, actor, director, inventor, humanitarian and, as a Las Vegan, what I miss most..https://t.co/R0uLkPOwyU
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) August 20, 2017
Comedian Marlon Wayans expressed his sadness at the passing of a childhood role model:
Man… I'm just floored. Growing up all kids have super heroes… #jerrylewis was mine. Such a… https://t.co/6sLt0EYDdO
— marlon wayans (@MarlonWayans) August 20, 2017
Actor Samuel L. Jackson is sure that heaven just gained a hilarious angel:
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
Lewis passed away at his home in Las Vegas on Sunday “surrounded by loved one,” according to his publicist.
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