American comedian Jerry Lewis – famous for his double-act with Dean Martin and his starring role in slapstick comedy films during the 1950s – has died aged 91.
Lewis was renowned for his ten-year partnership with Dean Martin, entertaining audiences in nightclubs, on TV and the big screen. After their split in 1956, he starred in and directed a number of hit films.
In 1960, Lewis made his movie directorial debut with The Bellboy and starred in the storybook parody Cinderfella.
Lewis starred in more than 45 films in a career spanning five decades.
Later generations knew him primarily as the conductor of weekend telethons to raise funds for victims of muscular dystrophy. His annual telethon raised more than $2bn for the fight against the disease.
