MDA Telethon Reinstates Jerry Lewis

Comedy king Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association have reconciled according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Lewis was reinstated Saturday to the MDA Labor Day Telethon he has hosted since 1966.

Lewis, 85, was eased out as host about two weeks ago and has remained silent about the decision.
He made no mention of the situation when he accepted a lifetime achievement award Saturday night at the Nevada Broadcasters Association's Hall of Fame gala at Red Rock Resort.

The closest Lewis came to referring to the controversy was when he told the audience "the reason I felt so enamored by this evening is very difficult to get into."

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MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive healthcare and support services, advocacy and education. See the award-winning MDA "Make A Muscle, Make A Difference" PSA.

In addition to funding more than 300 research projects worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of some 200 hospital-affiliated clinics; facilitates hundreds of support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; and provides extraordinary local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters fighting progressive muscle diseases. Known globally for the MDA Labor Day Telethon, the Association is the first nonprofit organization to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity."

Lewis appeared on Broadway as Mr. Applegate in the 1994 revival of Damn Yankees; he also played that role on the road. A comedic star for over half a century and for a decade the performing partner of Dean Martin, his many film credits include My Friend Irma, Scared Stiff, Hollywood or Bust, The Geisha Boy, Cinderfella, The Ladies Man, The Family Jewels, It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, Mr. Saturday Night and Funny Bones.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos