LAS VEGAS — Tributes to Jerry Lewis poured in from Hollywood on Sunday, as comedians, actors and writers remembered « The Nutty Professor » creator and funnyman. « Jerry was a pioneer in comedy and film. And he was a friend, » actor Robert De Niro said in a statement.
LAS VEGAS — Tributes to Jerry Lewis poured in from Hollywood on Sunday, as comedians, actors and writers remembered « The Nutty Professor » creator and funnyman.
« Jerry was a pioneer in comedy and film. And he was a friend, » actor Robert De Niro said in a statement. « Even at 91, he didn’t miss a beat … or a punchline. You’ll be missed. »
Lewis died Sunday after a brief illness, according to his publicist. He was known as an innovative filmmaker and generous fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Fellow comedian and actor Jim Carey tweeted, « That fool was no dummy. »
« Jerry Lewis was an undeniable genius an unfathomable blessing, comedy’s absolute! I am because he was! » he added.
Other comedians — including Patton Oswalt, Dane Cook and Whoopi Goldberg — also posted tributes to Lewis on Twitter.
Cook called Lewis his « mentor » and a « visionary » in entertainment.
Goldberg remarked on the millions of children Lewis helped through his years of charitable works and telethons.
« …losing Dick Gregory & Jerry Lewis is a gain 4 heaven, but big loss for comedy, » she added in a subsequent tweet.
Actress and comedian Sandra Bernhard wrote on Twitter that working with Lewis on the 1982 film « The King of Comedy » was « one of the greatest experiences » of her career.
Late night host Jimmy Kimmel called Lewis a « genius. »
And in a fitting sendoff, he included a link to a video of the late comedian’s annual performance of « You’ll Never Walk Alone » at the MDA Labor Day Telethon he hosted for more than 40 years.
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