Jimmy Kimmel, Jim Carrey and More Stars React to the Death of Jerry Lewis

Hollywood honors the legendary comedian.

Actors and comedians everywhere are remembering Jerry Lewis. Friends and fans of the actor and humanitarian took to social media to pay their respects to the legendary comedian, who died Sunday at the age of 91. 

Robert De Niro, who starred in 1982's The King of Comedy, told ET in a statement, "Jerry was a pioneer in comedy and film. And he was a friend. I was fortunate to have seem him a few times over the past couple of years. Even at 91, he didn't miss a beat… Or a punchline. You'll be missed."

Martin Scorsese, who directed De Niro and Lewis in The King of Comedy, praised the icon in a statement to ET. "Jerry Lewis was a master. He was a giant. He was an innovator. He was a great entertainer. He was a great artist. And he was a remarkable man," Scorsese shared. "I had the honor of working with him, and it was an experience I'll always treasure. He was, truly, one of our greats."

Sean Hayes, who portrayed Lewis in the 2002 TV movie Martin and Lewis, shared a photo with the icon on Instagram, writing, "We lost one of the great ones today...possibly the greatest. Jerry Lewis was one of my comedy heroes & was a gigantic inspiration to me. I am so grateful to have shared some valuable time with him."

Jamie Lee Curtis tweeted a throwback photo of Lewis with her mom, actress Janet Leigh, who worked with him in films like Three on a Couch and Living It Up

"Jerry Lewis loomed large in my family," she wrote. "Many movies with my mom & he made home movies with Janet and Tony. He made me and many laugh."

Deana Martin, daughter of Dean Martin, Lewis' long-time co-star, shared a photo with the man she often called "uncle," writing, "I'm heartbroken at the loss of our life-long friend (Uncle) Jerry Lewis. I've loved him all my life and will miss him greatly."

Carl Burnett said in a statement to ET, "One of my greatest joys was performing with Jerry and getting to know him as a friend. Generations to come will have the happy privilege of laughing at his genius by seeing the many films and TV shows he did. He gave us out and out belly laughs that will never be old."

"My deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Lewis family," Tony Orlando also said in a statement to ET. "The world lost a great man today. He dedicated his life to making us all laugh and healing the children of the world from the dreaded disease of muscular dystrophy. I was honored to know him and call him my friend. Rest In Peace, Jerry."
 

Singer and Las Vegas icon Wayne Newton -- who had been a friend to Lewis for years and had performed in several of his charity telethons, released a statement to ET paying tribute to the comic's life, legacy and tireless dedication to his charitable causes.

"Another Great has changed places. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to Sandy and the entire Lewis family. Jerry spent his entire life making us laugh and working tirelessly for Jerry's Kids with muscular dystrophy. I shall miss his love and friendship but I know he is joining true friends who have gone before him," Newton shared. "As long as he is in our minds and hearts, he will be with us forever." 

See more reactions to Lewis' death below.

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