Jerry Lewis, a comedy legend known for roles in "The Nutty Professor," "The Bellboy" and "The King of Comedy," died Sunday at 91, and the comedians and actors he inspired immediately took to social media to mourn the loss.
"As a kid, I'm pretty sure I was the biggest Jerry Lewis fan in the world. Truly. R.I.P. Jerry Lewis," Kumail Nanjiani, the star of "The Big Sick" and "Silicon Valley," tweeted.
Lewis passed away in his home in Las Vegas on Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m., according to Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter John Katsilometes, who obtained a statement from the comedian's family.
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View Story"Famed comedian, actor and legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis passed away peacefully today of natural causes at 91 at his home in Las Vegas with his family by his side," they said in a statement.
Famous for his partnership with Dean Martin in the 1950s, his movies and hosting the Labor Day telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Lewis was Paramount's biggest star through the 1960s and inspired a generation of actors and comedians.
See how his many admirers are paying their respects below.
Jerry Lewis was a genius comedian, actor, director, inventor, humanitarian and, as a Las Vegan, what I miss most..https://t.co/R0uLkPOwyU
@jimmykimmel
Jerry Lewis has passed on. I sincerely hope his afterlife is a warm, peaceful...
@pattonoswalt
...haven.
It was incredible knowing & laughing with the Amazing Jerry Lewis! He'll keep'em laffin in the ever after!
@SamuelLJackson
Jerry Lewis as typewriter https://t.co/ib3ljKX7dt via @YouTube Met Jerry twice - A true pioneer of comedy - thanks for the joy! RIP Jerry!
@HarlandWilliams
Jerry Lewis passed today,millions around the world loved him,millions of kids he helped w/his telethons. R.I.P. &condolences 2 his family
@WhoopiGoldberg
Jerry Lewis did a lot of good in this world. He also said shitty things about female comedians. People are complicated. Watch King Of Comedy pic.twitter.com/BrU71qB28D
@ChaseMit
How did my life get good enough that Jerry Lewis would smile at me? And how sad to lose him. pic.twitter.com/taPhl1utzO
@pennjillette
We have lost a great comedian and even greater heart. Thank you for the laughs and the feels, Jerry Lewis. https://t.co/vdYCfd7atJ
@GeorgeTakei
As a kid, I'm pretty sure I was the biggest Jerry Lewis fan in the world. Truly. R.I.P. Jerry Lewis.
@kumailn
Dick Gregory and Jerry Lewis were two of the funniest, most legendary and prolific entertainers of our generation and I bow to their genius.
@margaretcho
Jerry Lewis loomed large in my family. Many movies with my mom & he made home movies with Janet and Tony. He made me and many laugh. #rip pic.twitter.com/4LbEbc9FCT
@jamieleecurtis
The French were right about him all along. RIP Jerry Lewis pic.twitter.com/jNLRPQeS4G
@RealGilbert
I grew up with Jerry Lewis. He let me know it was ok to be goofy.
@WhoseRyanStiles
Back with Dean. Rest In Peace.
Lady!!!
The State was at Jerry Lewis' birthday, 1993. He came over to us and yelled "I got shorts older than you!" Like a blessing from the pope.
@thomaslennon
Few years ago Jerry Lewis came& watched me perform at @TheLaughFactory. I remember him telling us it was his 1st time in a comedy club at89.
@DaneCook
Jerry Lewis thanks for years of laughter and raising money for your charity. Your comic brilliance continues to inspire me!
@gates_mcfadden
Jerry Lewis was a treasure. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family & friends. I am so very, very sorry for your loss.
@PaulaAbdul
Jerry Lewis! Oy! Another comic legend gone. What an amazing talent and philanthropist. A long, well lived life!#RIPJerryLewis
@realjonlovitz
RIP jerry lewis... he was always so nice to me - the greatest of all time.
@HarryConnickJR
It was one of the great experiences of my career he was tough but one of a kind #JerryLewis https://t.co/ohGUzlYPYB
@SandraBernhard
Condolences to the family of Jerry Lewis. The world is a lot less funnier today. ☹️
@WilliamShatner
As a child I LIVED for his movies. NOBODY could match his on-screen hilarity! As an adult I learned he was just as funny backstage. #Genius pic.twitter.com/4YuuXpRT0p
@HamillHimself
One of the greatest of all time. A legend. A showman. A comedic icon. A movie star. An activist. A one of a kind. RIP #jerrylewis pic.twitter.com/h3ODZgZjAa
@joshgad
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