I saw Jerry Lewis perform at the old Cherry Hill NJ “Latin Casino theater about 1963 or so. It was during the early “Freedom Rides” protests (which I’ll expound upon in a minute).
Our family friends had gotten a front row table to the stage for their daughter who was turning 16 or 18. Lewis was fantastic, a ball of fire, a fury of life and fun. We could see that he was perspiring a lot as he mopped his head with a handkerchief quite often.
After the show was over, we were supposed to go back stage to meet him and get his autograph. His aides told us that only one person would be able to meet him and get autographs for all of us since Lewis was actually running a very high fever and had a cold.
Nobody knew these during the show except his crew. Lewis told them that he had to go on because the people came to see him.
This man was a real stage “trooper” and an even greater humanitarian. Shalom, Jerry. You’ve earned your rest and those whose lives you helped to save will never forget you.