Comedy Legend Jerry Lewis Dead at Age 91

Jerry Lewis, comedic partner to 'Rat Pack' member Dean Martin, was pronounced dead at age 91.

Jerry Lewis
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Jerry Lewis

Comedy icon Jerry Lewis, best known for his days as the comedic partner to "Rat Pack" member Dean Martin, has been pronounced dead at age 91.

The news was broken by Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter John Katsilometes, who shared that Lewis' family had confirmed Lewis' passing at his home in Las Vegas. The family released a brief statement on his passing.

"Legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis passed away peacefully today," read the statement, "of natural causes at 91 at his home, with his family by his side."

Though he made his name through appearances alongside Martin in theaters around the country, Lewis had a wildly successful career as a solo comedy star, featuring in movies such as The Bellboy and the original The Nutty Professor, Lewis' over-the-top and outlandish style helped set him apart from more subdued peers. His most recent appearance came in the 2016 film Max Rose, in which Lewis played the title character.

Lewis would become known to later generations as the face of Muscular Dystrophy Association. In addition to serving as the national chairman, he hosted an annual Labor Day telethon for what he would go on to call “Jerry’s Kids.” Lewis reportedly helped raise close to $2.5 billion while hosting from 1955 through 2011, and his work earned him a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 1977.

Lewis had battled a number of health issues over the years; he had open-heart surgery in 1983, battled prostate cancer in the early 1990's, and had a heart attack in 2006. It is unknown at this moment what the exact cause of death is.

This story is developing.

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