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The Spectacle Blog
With Labor Day a little over a month away, there comes the shocking news that Jerry Lewis won’t host this year’s Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon. He has hosted the annual event since 1954.
Now I must admit that I dreaded the Jerry Lewis Telethon when I was a kid and I’m sure I’m not the only one. First, it meant it was that the first day of school was less than 24 hours away. Second, in the 13 channel universe I lived in back then it was on every channel. It wasn’t like you could watch a ballgame on ESPN because there was no ESPN. Third, when I did watch I found the acts they had on to be incredibly boring.
Yet with that said I think that Lewis’ abrupt departure is all rather unseemly on the part of the MDA. Obviously, the MDA wants a younger audience. So this year’s telethon will be hosted by American Idol producer Nigel Lythoe and Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney. Who?
I mean if the MDA wanted to replace Jerry Lewis then they should have replaced him with someone of equal stature in the world of comedy. Why not approach Jerry Seinfeld? It could have allowed for a graceful transition from one comic legend to another. Besides, you could still call it Jerry’s Kids.
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More Blog Posts by Aaron Goldstein
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/08/04/no-more-jerrys-kids
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 8.4.11 @ 9:10AM
He raised millions and millions for the Telethon.
Earlier this year he stated he was departing and would appear one more time.
MDA Chairman of the Board R. Rodney Howell said in a statement Wednesday that Lewis "will not be appearing on the telethon."
As nature has proven time and again, no good deed goes unpunished.
Fast Johnny| 8.4.11 @ 9:15AM
"American Idol producer Nigel Lythoe and Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney..."
Are they really thinking about the audience and what demographic will donate money? I would submit, and this is just a supposition, that the new hosts might not attract an audience that would be willing to reach into their pockets. Jerry Lewis, although having his own problems with self love and not unknown to show it in the past, was in my opinion an entertainer, while the new hosts seem to be part of the cult of narcissism and 'me'. Probably not the best choices to attract selfless people who would compassionately give to a decent cause.
Just my opinion, of course I could be wrong...I guess we will see.
JohnD| 8.4.11 @ 11:55AM
The telethon hasn't been the same since Sammy Davis, Jr., died. I used to watch the telethon waiting for Sammy to make one of his appearances to perform, and bring the house down.
Plus, generally, with Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and that whole crowd gone, its not the same. Maybe it was time to make this move.
Kitty | 8.4.11 @ 11:57AM
You had THIRTEEN channels? We had just one -- when the weather was good.
Charlie Martin| 8.4.11 @ 12:50PM
He's 85 years old and his health has been failing for years. it's a lot more likely that he's sick enough he can't do it.
Glen2Gs| 8.5.11 @ 12:55AM
FINALLY!!....The Long, National Nightmare is OVER!
Tom| 9.1.11 @ 12:15AM
Just want to mention that it was a great run for Jerry, it is sad that what would have been his final swan song had been ignored and rejected by the MDA. He had stated last March and had commited himself for a final appearance, and nomatter what has been said or reasons given by the MDA, that they should have allowed him atleast a cameo appearance. That being everyone knows that would have been for the kids, and I know that would been from his heart.