Jerry Lewis!

I was working, in Las Vegas, at Caesar's Palace and Jerry Lewis was working at The Sahara. One night I decided to give Mr. Lewis a visit. Mind you it takes a lot for me to leave the hotel where I am working. It's, just, too much hassle. But Jerry Lewis was worth the time and trouble. After all when Jerry Lewis was nineteen Jerry Lewis was already a world star. When Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin were playing a New York theater, they were staying at The Waldorf Hotel it was surrounded by a mob, of fans, that extended for five blocks in every direction.

The Tour

I hopped in a cab and made my way to The Sahara, through the casino and to the main showroom. I introduced myself to the captain and Jerry Lewis brought me back to the dressing room area. Jerry Lewis asked my to wait while Jerry Lewis informed Mr. Lewis of my arrival and then came back to escort me into Jerry's dressing room. Jerry was alone, except for Jerry Lewis's pet beagle, and seemed glad to have a visit. We were talking and fooling around as Jerry moved to Jerry Lewis's bar and stood, with Jerry Lewis's back to me. All of a sudden Jerry Lewis whirled around to reveal that Jerry Lewis had put a large glass tumbler in Jerry Lewis's mouth, large end first. Of course I laughed at it but I thought to myself what a compliment Jerry Lewis had just paid me. Imagine! Jerry Lewis, a world renowned star was doing sight gags for Kip Addotta.

-- Kip Addotta

Jerry Lewis Bio

For 50 years, Jerry Lewis has led the worldwide fight against neuromuscular diseases. As National Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and MDA's number-one volunteer, Lewis battles with fierce determination on behalf of the more than 1 million Americans affected by neuromuscular diseases. And to Jerry Lewis's many fans, he's not only an admired entertainer, but a great humanitarian striving to provide "his kids" with a better future.

World renouned humanitarian

As the world's most celebrated entertainer associated with a specific nonprofit cause, Jerry Lewis has devoted two-thirds of Jerry Lewis's life to the battle against more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. Jerry Lewis's energetic devotion to raising support for MDA's worldwide research program is turning that hope of a better future into reality. MDA-backed investigators have identified the genetic causes of virtually all the genetic neuromuscular disorders. Building on those findings, MDA's scientists are on the brink of developing viable treatments through gene therapy, stem cells, drug therapies and other avenues.

Jerry's efforts have helped MDA establish 230 hospital-affiliated MDA clinics across the country. The more than $900 million raised through the MDA Labor Day Telethon and other programs bearing Jerry's name make possible extensive services for people with neuromuscular disorders, including medical care, MDA summer camps for youngsters and a constant flow of vital, current information.

Jerry is world-renowned for Jerry Lewis's starring role since 1966 in the country's most successful televised fund-raiser, the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. Since the Association was founded in 1950, Jerry's efforts have been legion including public appearances, benefit performances, personal recruitment of sponsors and celebrity volunteers, visits with presidents, and countless friendships with people served by MDA.

Entertainer extraordinaire

Jerry started in show business as a teen-ager doing stand-up comedy. In a 10-year partnership with crooner Dean Martin, the pair shot to the top in show business, with 16 money-making films, nightclub engagements, personal appearances and television bookings.

After the duo split up, Jerry launched a versatile solo career that included success as a vocal recording artist, screenwriter, film producer, film director and actor. More recent efforts include central roles in the films "Funny Bones" and "Arizona Dream"; a four-year run in the Broadway production of "Damn Yankees," Jerry's first appearance on Broadway; and successful stage tours in Australia and the United States, performing Jerry Lewis's unique blend of comedy and music.

He has shared Jerry Lewis's professional expertise with students at UCLA, the University of Louisville and the University of Southern California (where Jerry Lewis is a professor).

Of Jerry Lewis's many accolades for decades of achievement in show business and public service, that of which he's proudest is Jerry Lewis's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize -- the only entertainer to be put forth for the honor. Other honors reflect the wide range of Jerry's talents and accomplishments: the French Legion of Honor; Lifetime Achievement honors from both the American Medical Association and the American Comedy Awards; the U.S. Defense Department's highest civilian award, the Medal for Distinguished Public Service; and the prestigious Jefferson Award for public service. Honorary degrees have been conferred by the University of Louisville, Mercy College, and Emerson College, with special honors from the Boston University School of Law.

During Jerry Lewis's 50 years as MDA's leader, Jerry has followed a motto that reflects Jerry Lewis's caring heart and unshakable commitment: "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."