Jerry Lewis: Celebrity Admirers React to Comedy Legend’s Death

Comedy icon and philanthropist Jerry Lewis died on Sunday morning, and the entertainment community has been sharing their thoughts on the late star.

Lewis provided millions millions with laughs over the years in such films as The Nutty Professor, Cinderfella and The King of Comedy. He also touched with lives of thousands through his work for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

All these amazing aspects won him adoring fans, especially in Hollywood. Some of the finest entertainers of the screen and stage have reached out with their condolences on social media.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson was one of the first to chime in with his thoughts on the comedy icon. The Pulp Fiction actor said he had gotten to know Lewis, and that his laughs will carry on with him.

“It was incredible knowing & laughing with the Amazing Jerry Lewis!” Jackson wrote. “He’ll keep’em laffin in the ever after!”

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg shared a couple message about the late comic. She opened up about her admiration for his philanthropic efforts.

“Jerry Lewis passed today,” she wrote. “Millions around the world loved him, millions of kids he helped with his telethons. R.I.P. and condolences to his family.”

She also paired Lewis up with another renowned comedic mind, Dick Gregory. Gregory died on Saturday, the day before Lewis did.

“I realize I may be late with all this but all know is, losing Dick Gregory and Jerry Lewis is a gain for heaven, but big loss for comedy,” she said.
 

Jamie Lee Curtis

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis had a particularly special tribute for Lewis.

Her father, Tony Curtis, co-starred in Lewis’ 1965 movie Boeing Boeing. Curtis’ mother, Janet Leigh, co-starred in Lewis’ 1966 film Three on a Couch. Jamie shared her family’s personal connection with the late actor and shared a photo of him with her mother.

“Jerry Lewis loomed large in my family,” Curtis wrote. “Many movies with my mom, and he made home movies with Janet and Tony. He made me and many laugh.”

 

 

 

Penn Jillette

Penn Jillette was the first famous voice to speak out about the icon’s passing. He shared several thoughts on Lewis, paired with several photos of them together.

“Jerry Lewis just died. When I met him, I feel apart, just sobbed. I guess it’s time for that again,” he wrote. “We will miss Jerry so much. I can’t believe I got to meet him and spend time with him. How did my life get good enough that Jerry Lewis would smile at me? And how sad to lose him.”

He added, “Goodbye to the real, no irony, king of comedy.”

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey took a second to share with feelings about Lewis, who was a huge influence on him. Along with his thoughts, he also shared a classic shot of the icon.

“That fool was no dummy. Jerry Lewis was an undeniable genius an unfathomable blessing, comedy’s absolute!” Carrey wrote. “I am because he was!”

Others

Several others in the entertainment world also chimed in with thoughts.

Bette Midler broke to news by saying “Jerry Lewis, a complicated soul who made the whole world laugh has died.”

“Jerry Lewis has passed on,” wrote comedian Patton Oswalt. “I sincerely hope his afterlife is a warm, peaceful……haven”

“We have lost a great comedian and even greater heart,” wrote George Takei. “Thank you for the laughs and the feels, Jerry Lewis.”

​

“Bad week for classic comedy: first Dick Gregory passes now Jerry Lewis dies,” wrote director Kevin Smith. “Both spent life making millions laugh. Fare the well, Legends.”

“As a kid, I’m pretty sure I was the biggest Jerry Lewis fan in the world,” wrote comedian Kumail Nanjiani. “Truly. R.I.P. Jerry Lewis.”

Lewis died of natural causes on Sunday morning at his Las Vegas home. His family has by his side at the time of the passing.

No funeral or memorial arrangements have been announced at this time.