Forever bouncing between comedy and his more dramatic pursuits, Lewis set out to achieve a whole new goal, and that was to actualize a life-long dream and act in a Broadway play.
The actor made his dreams come true in the year 1995 when he was cast as the devil in “Damn Yankees.” Of course, as a big-time star, he got the highest paycheck in Broadway history at the time.
Back in Vegas, Baby
With a box office hit and a Scorsese classic behind him, Lewis got back to what he knew best, comedy in Vegas. In 1987, the veteran entertainer partnered up with another Brat Pack member, this time, Sammy Davis Jr.
The two appeared in a whole new act in The Strip. While Lewis was in a new chapter, his old friend beckoned. But it wasn't good news. The son of Dean Martin had tragically passed, and Lewis went to the funeral to pay his condolences.
His Old Friend
It took no time at all for the two old friends to rekindle their special friendship, and in 1989, they already appeared for what would eventually be Martin's last live performance. The act took place at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Martin's 72nd birthday.
Lewis wheeled out a huge birthday cake and sang "Happy Birthday," he also added the words “Why we broke up, I’ll never know.” Naturally, it made headlines the next day.
Making Change
A comedian, an actor, and a director. While these are all worthy descriptions of the great Jerry Lewis, he was also a philanthropist who dedicated a lot of his life to support the research of muscular dystrophy. The work began in 1951 with Dean Martin. Back then, the two made an appeal to the public about the organization during the finale of the Colgate Comedy Hour.
Thanks to Martin and Lewis, their funding has contributed to major discoveries, treatments, therapies, and methods of care. These milestones have allowed those affected to live longer and happier lives. Over 200 research and treatment centers have been built with the help of Jerry Lewis Telethons.
Chronic Health Issues
Lewis was no stranger to health issues, and not just when it came to his philanthropic work. Sadly the entertainer suffered greatly from a terrible back injury. However, the reason behind it is somewhat contested.
Was it due to a fall or not? Did it happen at the Sands Hotel and Casino on March 20, 1965, or during an appearance on "The Andy Williams Show," it was not clear. Either way, Lewis suffered for years because of it and was reliant on prescription pills to ease the pain.