Look To The Stars News: Jerry Lewis

Oprah Awarded Honorary Oscar For Charity Work

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award – a special Oscar for her charity work – at a dinner in LA on Saturday night.

The award – which in the past has been presented to Jerry Lewis, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Sherry Lansing, Quincy Jones, Bob Hope, Audrey Hepburn, Charlton Heston and many others – is named after screen actor Jean Hersholt, who served as the president of the Motion Picture Relief Fund for 18 years.

“I never imagined myself receiving an Oscar, especially for what I’m considering my calling,” she said as she accepted the award. “All of us can make a difference through the life we lead. We’re all here to help each other.”

Oprah Winfrey Awarded Humanitarian Award

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey is to be this year’s recipient of the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Since receiving her Oscar nomination for her debut film performance in “The Color Purple,” actress, television host and producer Winfrey has gone on to establish herself as one of the most influential figures in entertainment and philanthropy. She has been especially dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and raising awareness of issues that affect women and children, both in the United States and around the globe. Her philanthropic efforts have included Oprah’s Angel Network, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which opened in 2007.

Jerry Lewis Telethon Exceeds Charity Expectations

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

After 21 ½ hours of great entertainment and powerful appeals, the final timpani rolled and confetti fell on the 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon which raised $58,919,838 in contributions and pledges to advance the research and service programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“I’m heartened by the unique ability of Americans to help others in need, when they themselves are likely struggling financially,” said Jerry Lewis. “People see the progress MDA is making for children and adults living with muscle diseases. I’m truly grateful for their caring enough to brighten the future for ‘my kids’.”

Stars Back Jerry Lewis Telethon With Charity Auction

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

To celebrate Jerry Lewis’ Labor Weekend telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, charity auction site BiddingForGood.com has some fantastically massive celebrity items going under the hammer.

Here is a selection of what is on offer:

Celebrity Signed Harley Gas Tank

Jerry Lewis Announces 2010 Charity Telethon

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has announced that plans for its 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon are almost complete, and the 21 1/2-hour live show is going to be spectacular.

From live remotes to amazing dance and production numbers, to sensational music performances (e.g., David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Lynyrd Skynryd, WAR, John Ondrasik, OneRepublic, Barry Manilow and many more), to side-splitting comedy and dramatic appeals by some of America’s most popular entertainers, the two-day television event is certain to delight viewers Labor Day weekend.

“Yes, the Telethon is consistently big on entertainment value,” said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA president & CEO and Telethon executive producer. “But, unlike other live shows, our unique television program is an outstanding catalyst for the public support needed to advance MDA’s lifesaving mission year-round.”

Simon Cowell Awarded For Charity Work

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Simon Cowell was honored with Variety – The Children’s Charity’s prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Variety World Conference at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa on May 23.

Since 1938, Variety International’s Humanitarian Award has annually been awarded to a person who has shown incredible dedication in the support of humankind.

Variety International recognize Simon Cowell has utilized his position in the entertainment industry, in business and his international profile as a fundraising tool to support many charities and individuals around the world and has helped transform many lives of those in need.

Jerry Lewis Passes Charity Torch To Son

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Comedian Jerry Lewis has passed the philanthropic flame to his son Gary, who wants to tour the Philippines with his band to raise money for people hit by storms last year.

Gary Lewis and the Playboys are a major drawcard in the country, and the devastating storms ripped through Manila just after the band’s last tour.

“Gary likes to get out there once every few years, but we’d really like to get back to the Philippines in 2010,” Lewis’ manager told WENN. "Gary Lewis and The Playboys are like The Beatles over there because they had a lot of local hits with Beatles tunes – because the Beatles were banned from the Philippines.

Obituary: Ed McMahon's Charity Work

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Comedian, game show host, announcer, and television personality Ed McMahon passed away last week, after a long illness.

Known for his work as Johnny Carson’s announcer on The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, McMahon was also host of the talent show Star Search from 1983 to 1995 and co-host with Dick Clark of TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes from 1982 to 1986. He was also well-known for hosting Jerry Lewis’ annual Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

Although he suffered from ill health in his later years, McMahon still found time to carry out charity work. He was honored by the Kayne Eras Center for his work with children and education, and also attended the The California Disabled Veteran Business Alliance’s Annual Salute to Veterans Day Breakfast last year. McMahon also hosted charity golf tournaments over the years.

Jerry Lewis Awarded Oscar For Charity Work

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Actor Jerry Lewis was awarded a very special humanitarian award at last night’s Oscars.

The 82-year-old actor received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his untiring work in hosting the annual telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as an advocate of “Jerry’s Kids” – a role he has taken on every year since 1966.

“For most of my life I thought that doing good for someone didn’t mean you would receive commendation for that act of kindness,” Lewis said in his acceptance speech. “At least until now. This award touches my heart and the very depth of my soul because of who the award is from, and those who will benefit.”

Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Still Going Strong

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:30:00 +0000

If ever there was a main event in the name of charity it would be the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.

Year after year, millions of Americans tune in to watch the all-day event. This year’s line up of celebrity hosts for the telethon included Jann Carl, Tom Bergeron, and Alison Sweeney among other esteemed personalities, with performances by Céline Dion, 3 Doors Down, Kid Rock and Reba McEntire. Running 21-1/2 hours, the MDA telethon began at 9 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 31 and continued through the evening of Labor Day, with about $65 million raised during the run.

A special plea was also made for MDA-registered families forced to leave their homes because of the hurricane, which made landfall Monday in Louisiana.

Jerry Lewis Tops Charity Survey

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:48:18 +0000

A survey has named comedy actor Jerry Lewis as the most effective celebrity for charity causes, with 43% of those surveyed saying he is the best at raising funds and driving change for the issues he supports.

The survey, carried out by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, put the 81 year old veteran of movies including “The Nutty Professor” at the top of a list of ten philanthropic celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Bono, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, and Rosie O’Donnell.
Jerry Lewis helped establish the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1952, and has organized and hosted a Labor Day Telethon every year since 1966. His fundraising efforts have raised over $2 billion for neuromuscular care and research, with last year’s telethon raising $61 million alone. He has also been involved with fundraising for The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. He is the only media celebrity to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.