After being booted from his annual labor day telethon pals fear comic legend JERRY LEWIS is nearing the end.
AT the age of 85 and in failing health, getting booted as host of his beloved TV telethon could be the final straw for Jerry Lewis, fear pals.
The comic is said to be devastated at being officially axed from the role fronting the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Labor Day fundraiser – a position he’s held for 45 years.
“Jerry’s being allowed on camera to sing his trademark song You’ll Never Walk Alone, but that’s it,” a friend says. “It’s the end for him. “It’s very sad. He’s shattered. In recent years, the Telethon has been his life.”
Lewis’s health is a major issue, say sources.
The "Nutty Professor" has suffered two heart attacks, prostate cancer and diabetes and has crippling back pain that forced doctors to insert a neurostimulator around his spine to ease his discomfort.
He also has dealt with pulmonary fibrosis, and treating it left him so bloated that for a time he was barely recognizable.
He finally became dependent on the medication, prednisone, and went into rehab
But until now, he never gave up hope.
“Jerry still talks about making movies, doing Broadway and even performing comedy dates. But with his age and health problems, it isn’t happening,” another pal said.
“His wife Sam wishes he would just accept retirement at this point, but I think to Jerry, that’s a death sentence. We’re afraid Jerry’s facing his last days.”
