Jerry Lewis leaves MDA chairmanship behind

Jerry Lewis speaks at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 29, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. / Getty

TUCSON, Ariz. - The Muscular Dystrophy Association says comedian Jerry Lewis is no long serving as the organization's national chairman.

The 85-year-old Lewis has been the MDA's national chairman since the early 1950s.

He announced in May that he was retiring host of the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon that has become synonymous with his name.

Photos: Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis hospitalized in Australia
Jerry Lewis retiring from telethon after 45 years

Lewis had said that he planned to make his final appearance on this year's Sept. 4 telethon.

But MDA Chairman of the Board R. Rodney Howell said in a statement Wednesday that Lewis "will not be appearing on the telethon."

The Tucson-based MDA says Lewis "has completed his run" as its national chairman and won't be replaced.

There was no immediate explanation for the moves, and calls to the non-profit agency weren't immediately returned Wednesday night.

[kelso1111]

THIS IS WHY YHIS COUNTRY IS GOING DOWNHILL. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATLEY IS ALL THAT COUNTS.YOUR RECORD IN THE PAST MEANS NOTHING.THE IDEA OF TEAM WORK HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER TAKE CARE OF NUMBER 1. WHAT EVER THE REASON JERRY LEWIS WAS TAKEN OFF THE TELETHON IS IS A CRIME. THE MDA KIDS/ADULTS ARE THE MAIN ONES GETTING THE NEEDED HELP. I HOPE THE MDA BIG WIGS WHO MADE THE CALL, CAN RAISE THE NEEDED FUNDS SO NOT ONE MDA SUFFERER IS HURT. I WISH THEY CAN SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT.

[nor-one]

Will he still get his $1,000,000.00 for this years telethon? Maybe that's why they won't let him host this one, that darn bottom line.

[jechaucer]

Do you have any supporting documentation or reliable reference stating Lewis receives money for the telethon. The MDA's annual report, which, is public, indicates that all the performers, including Lewis, receive no pay. I am not a big fan of Jerry Lewis, but I do not believe he receives compensation, unless of course it is all under the table. I still would like to know where you read this.

[Paul_M_Price]

Jerry Lewis takes nothing from the telethon or MDA. For 45 years
he has donated his time and effort. Take your foot out of your mouth when you are finished chewing on it.

[peacefulperson]

Oh thank God! It was WAAAAY past time for him to go. Now MDA has the opportunity to reinvent its PR and fundraising methods. This couldn't happen soon enough for me. He was a black eye on the MDA cause.

[lharrispjuncaj]

I totally disagree with you. Jerry Lewis dedicated over 51 years to MDA and helped raise over 2 billion dollars. I raised money as a child and continue to donate. I will wait to hear the entire story and then decide if I will continue to support MDA or choose a different charity. Thank you Jerry for your dedication to the kids.

[Paul_M_Price]

A totally idiotic and worthless statement, peacefulperson. Any man who dedicates his life to helping others, bringing hope to millions of people afflicted, deserves more appreciation. You totally lack in class and character.

[skeezix06]

We loved watching you on tv, Mr. Lewis, and are very sorry to see you go.