Jerry Lewis, MDA mum on reasons for exit

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS

For decades, Jerry Lewis has played the key role in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual telethon, helping to raise more than $1 billion. Now the two sides are parting ways, but no one is explaining why.

The 85-year-old comedian said last week that he plans to hold a press conference the day after this year’s telethon to talk about what he thinks is important. When pressed by a reporter about his role with the telethon, Lewis said: “It’s none of your business.”

The Tucson, Ariz.-based association announced recently that after 45 years, the comedian was no longer its national chairman and he would not appear on the telethon this year.

Association spokesman Jim Brown declined to say what prompted the decision. And Lewis publicist Candi Cazau also declined to comment, telling The Associated Press that comedian was traveling.

In May, Lewis said in a statement issued through the association that he would make his final appearance on the telethon this year and sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” during a six-hour primetime broadcast scheduled for Sept. 4.

But during a session with reporters last week at a Television Critics Association press tour to promote an upcoming TV documentary, “Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis,” Lewis hinted that his involvement in raising money for muscular dystrophy research wasn’t finished.

“Who told you that?” Lewis asked a reporter who asked him how he felt about this year being his last telethon. “I never read it.”

Lewis also harshly criticized reality television shows that include heavy involvement from telethon co-hosts Nigel Lythgoe and Alison Sweeney. Lythgoe is executive producer of “American Idol,” which Lewis called a singing competition of “McDonald’s wipeouts,” while Sweeney hosts weight-loss show “The Biggest Loser.”

“You just have to be bad. The business is scrounging around for what to do,” Lewis said when asked how comedic actors can become great today.