Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis has personified the fight against neuromuscular diseases since 1951. As National Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), this leader battles with fierce determination on behalf of the more than a million Americans affected by these disorders. To his millions of fans, he is not only an admired actor, comedian, director, producer and teacher, but a humanitarian striving to provide "his kids" with a better future. Lewis' determined effort to raise funds for MDA's worldwide research program are turning that hope of a better future into reality. For more than four decades he's served as volunteer National Chairman of the health agency, which seeks treatments and cures for 40 neuromuscular diseases.

One of the most successful performers in show business-box office gross receipts of his films total about $800 million-Lewis has received worldwide acclaim for his unique ability and style with both comedy and drama. Best known for his comedic genius, he is considered among the elite in the history of comedy. In 1991, Lewis received two impressive honors, as the show business industry recognized his lifetime of achievement. He first received the Comic Life Achievement Award during cable television's annual ACE Awards, which was followed by The National Association of Broadcasters paying tribute to him by inducting him into the Broadcast Hall of Fame on. He was later inducted into the International Humor Hall of Fame in 1992.

In July 1946, Lewis began a show business partnership with Dean Martin that skyrocketed them both to fame. For 10 years, Martin and Lewis sandwiched 16 money-making films between nightclub engagements, personal appearances and television bookings. Then, with increased confidence, Lewis plunged into screenwriting, producing and directing, in addition to his acting. In the spring of 1959, a contract between Paramount and Jerry Lewis Productions was signed. At the time, it was the biggest single transaction in film history for the exclusive services of one star. Lewis then moved to Columbia Pictures, where he produced, directed and starred in Three on a Couch. He went on to 20th Century-Fox to write, produce, and star in The Big Mouth and Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River for Columbia release. Since then, he has made nine motion pictures, including Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy. He's also made a number of television dramatic appearances, among them the ABC made-for-TV movie, Fight for Life, and five episodes of the Emmy-nominated series, Wiseguy. In 1990, Lewis completed the film Arizona Dream with Johnny Depp and Faye Dunaway. He starred in Funny Bones in 1994.

More recently, in 1995 he went to Broadway and starred in "Damn Yankees" for six months. The show then toured the US and played in London until August 1997. Lewis' recent projects included preparing as executive producer and writer of The Errand Boy for Disney, The Bellboy for MGM and The Nutty Professor as a television series for Universal. He's also rewriting The Independent, a film in which he'll star, and is also heavily engaged in writing a book about himself and former show business partner, Martin.

Besides his many entertainment, philanthropic and family responsibilities, Lewis is also a full professor
at the University of Southern California, where he teaches a graduate course in film direction.