Slapstick comedian, filmmaker and fundraiser Jerry Lewis has died at the age of 91.
His publicist Candi Cazau says Lewis died Sunday night after a brief illness and would not elaborate at this time on what the illness was.
Lewis first found his claim to fame for his comedy and music act with Dean Martin.
When that ended, Lewis went on to star in "The Bellboy," "The Nutty Professor" and "The Patsy."
His work to raise money for muscular dystrophy in telethons drew him both love and criticism.
The first was in 1956 and was so successful, and he was so devoted to the cause, that children affected by the disease became known as "Jerry's kids."
The telethon, became known as "The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon," began airing on Labor Day weekend in 1966, and Lewis served as the host until 2011.
Despite the money raised, many who suffered from muscular dystrophy claimed Lewis presented victims as children and pitiful, rather than as normal members of society.
Despite the controversies in his life, Lewis will be missed and beloved by his peers and fans.