The annual Muscular Dystrophy Telethon has been an institution during Labor Day weekend for as long as most of us can remember. But a familiar face will be missing from this year’s and all future telecasts — Jerry Lewis!
The 85-year-old Lewis has been MDA national chairman since the early 1950s and has hosted the annual Labor Day telethon since 1966. Lewis announced earlier this year that he would be retiring as host of the telethon and planned to make his final appearance on this year’s September 4th show. But Lewis wanted it known that he would continue to serve as MDA’s national chairman. Except MDA Chairman of the Board R. Rodney Howell seems to have a different opinion from Lewis.
In a statement this week, Howell made it clear that Lewis “will not be appearing on the telethon” and “we will not be replacing him as MDA national chairman.” Attempts from various news agencies to find out why Lewis will not make one final appearance or continue to serve as chairman went ignored.
So it’s the end of an era. Jerry Lewis had become the face of the MDA telethon for many decades. But his service has come to an abrupt end. Thanks for the memories!
