The only entertainer ever to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize was born into showbiz.

His father was all-round New York entertainer Danny Lewis, and his mother was Rae, a talented pianist.

Jerry made his stage debut aged five, singing "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?", and by the age of 15 had perfected a comic routine, miming to records of the time.

He spent some time playing the clubs and in 1946 worked with Dean Martin for the first time. The memorable comic partnership was created by chance, when Martin was suddenly placed on the same bill as Lewis when another act failed to show up.

Their first film was My Friend Irma in 1949, and they worked together, on screen and off, until 1956.

In 1959 Lewis signed what was, at the time, the biggest deal in Hollywood's history - $10million plus 60 per cent of the profits of 14 films.

In 1967 Jerry became a professor of film direction at the University of Southern California, and he has won several directing awards, especially in France where he is considered a comic legend who surpasses Chaplain and Keaton.

Lewis has been associated with America's muscular dystrophy association since the mid-Forties and has hosted more than 30 annual telethons for the cause, raising more than $800million.

It was for this work that he was nominated for the Nobel prize in 1977, the highest of a number of humanitarian honours the comic has received.

Professional awards include the Comic Life Achievement Award in 1991, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Comedy Awards in 1998.

CV

One of the greatest comedians the world has ever produced, Jerry Lewis was one man who truly understood his craft. His films had a childish, cheeky charm which can still be felt in British humor as well. Such classic comic films as "The Disorderly Orderly" are a fine testimony to the wacky genius of this performer and peace-maker.

Imad Jafar, October 2010

Why should this man be so dear to my heart? Reason: my late father who would giggle at this genius 30 years ago. Jerry brought to my family's attention a humour that was before its time and made a mark so deep that even my 14-year-old son is aware of Jerry Lewis and his outstanding talent,through the highs and lows of his career, the impression he made on my life will be with me forever. This man is an icon to me,more so cos I was a Dean Martin fan also,but Jerry's talent stood out as a comic genius, something I have promoted all my life.

Joanne Yeadon, March 2005

As a child... I watched Jerry Lewis with my father any time he was on television. I'm only 18 years old but I can say that I have been a fan for more then a decade. I could never imagine how someone could do so much for the world and have America take him for granted. When I see the things hes gone through I cry because he is such an influence on the world. Thank God for Jerry Lewis.

Kate Allison, December 2004

Jerry, is a genius who has shown through the beauty of comedy what life is all about, it takes someone special to reach out and touch people hearts, to be able to laugh and cry at the same time, to bring a smile to a child's face or tears of laughter and joy, we thank God that he has what he has. And boy do we need some of that to bring a little bit of peace, love and understanding into this world.

Pardip Kumar, November 2003

Mr. Lewis is an American treasure. Our lives have been filled with laughter and joy because of him. His spirit inspires us all. I hope his health improves.

Dianna Bartolomeo, September 2003

Jerry Lewis has brought a smile and tears to my eyes since I watched the Telethon as a child. To date he is my hero... I pray that God bestows upon him peace, health and the always present love.

De Soto, September 2003

He is such a genuinely great person, it worried me to see him as he is now. I hope with all my heart there is some help out there for him, he has helped so many.

Ruth Van Deusen, August 2003

Jerry Lewis is a comic genius he has filled my eyes with tears of laughter. I am only 16 years old but to me Jerry Lewis is a great man. I wish him all the best with his health an family.

Samantha Johnston