Comedian Jerry Lewis Dies At 91; R.I.P.

The popular comedian of the 60s and 70s, Jerry Lewis, died Sunday in Las Vegas, Nevada, after a brief illness. He was 91.

Born as Joseph Levitch in Newark on 16 March 1926, the entertainer, innovative filmmaker and generous fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association became a top draw in movies during her days like “The Nutty Professor,” “The Patsy” and “The Bellboy.”

Jerry Lewis pioneered videotape use and closed-circuit monitors in moviemaking and was one of America’s leading box office attractions. In 1984 he was awarded Lewis the Legion of Honor by France.

Jerry’s father was a vaudeville performer and mother was a piano player. He sometimes performed with them and developed his own act by reaching at teenage.

He changed his professional name from Joey Lewis to Jerry Lewis to avoid confusion with comedian Joe E. Lewis and also with heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis.

The actor married twice. First he wedded former singer Patti Palmer on 3rd October 1944 and divorced in September 1980. On 13th February 1983 Jerry married Las Vegas dancer SanDee Pitnich. The couple has six sons and one daughter. One son and one daughter have been adopted.

Some of his awards and honors include Golden Apple Award, British Academy Film Awards, American Comedy Awards Lifetime Achievement, Golden Lion Honorary award, Ellis Island Medal of Honor and Academy Awards.