Labor Day weekend 2011 bought all the familiar events: Family bbqs, relaxing days at the beach, and the annual MDA Telethon. Except this time, the telethon wasn't hosted by Jerry Lewis. For the first time in nearly half a century, the popular telethon did not include the legendary comedian. Would this year's event prove as successful without its long standing host? The answer is a resounding "yes."
The telethon raised $61,491,393, up from the $58,919,838 it bought in the previous year, about $4 million short of the record $65 million raised in 2008. That was when it was still a 21 1/2 hour event: This year's telethon was trimmed to six hours. Although Lewis was not at the show in person, he was very much there in spirit. The show opened with a tribute to him, and he was mentioned at various times throughout the broadcast. Still, the script made it clear that there was no going back.
With Lewis out of the picture, MDA turned to multiple hosts: Nigel Lythgoe of "American Idol" fame, Nancy O'Dell of "Entertainment Tonight," Alison Sweeney of "The Biggest Loser," Jann Carl, an Emmy-winning journalist, and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Ace Young (who replaced the long-time NY area host, Tony Orlando).
It is still not clear what changed between May, when it was announced Lewis would make one last appearance as host, and August, when it was announced he would not be returning as host or chairman. If any news breaks on that subject, we will be sure to bring it to you.
Showing posts with label Jerry Lewis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerry Lewis. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Breaking News: Jerry Lewis Out As MDA Chairman And Host
In a stunning turn of events, The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has announced that legendary comedian Jerry Lewis is out as chairman of the organization. He will also no longer be appearing on the organization's annual Labor Day Telethon. It was announced less than three months ago that Lewis would be making one more appearance on the telethon before retiring as host. He was still to maintain his chairmanship, however.
What changed between now and then is anybody's guess. Speculation has ranged from Lewis's deteriorating health, to a strange recent appearance at the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour last week. Several published reports indicated that he said it was "None of your business" when asked about his involvement with the telethon, and that he went on a rant against reality television.
Regardless of the reason for his departure, it clearly marks the end of an era. Lewis had hosted the annual telethon since it first ran in 1953 (when he co-hosted with Dean Martin). The telethon raised nearly $60 million dollars with Lewis at the helm, about a third of the MDA's $180 million in annual revenue. Although his behavior may have become slightly erratic over the years, it will certainly be strange not seeing Jerry Lewis crooning out "You'll Never Walk Along" at the end of the telethon. To read the full story on his departure, head on over to The NonProfit Times. The story will be updated if we get any further information.
What changed between now and then is anybody's guess. Speculation has ranged from Lewis's deteriorating health, to a strange recent appearance at the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour last week. Several published reports indicated that he said it was "None of your business" when asked about his involvement with the telethon, and that he went on a rant against reality television.
Regardless of the reason for his departure, it clearly marks the end of an era. Lewis had hosted the annual telethon since it first ran in 1953 (when he co-hosted with Dean Martin). The telethon raised nearly $60 million dollars with Lewis at the helm, about a third of the MDA's $180 million in annual revenue. Although his behavior may have become slightly erratic over the years, it will certainly be strange not seeing Jerry Lewis crooning out "You'll Never Walk Along" at the end of the telethon. To read the full story on his departure, head on over to The NonProfit Times. The story will be updated if we get any further information.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Breaking News: Jerry Lewis To Leave MDA Telethon (UPDATE)
UPDATE (2:15): We just put up a full story about Jerry Lewis's last MDA appearance. Below is an excerpt from that article, which includes a statement from Lewis:
Jerry Lewis, the face of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) annual Labor Day telethon for a generation, says this year’s broadcast will be his last as host.
The 85-year-old, who will remain as MDA’s national chairman, said in a statement through MDA that he will perform his signature song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” in his final appearance this year.
Who will replace Lewis, who hosted his first Labor Day telethon in 1966, remains to be seen. A team of co-hosts again will appear this year -- including Nancy O’Dell, Jan Carl, Alison Sweeney and Nigel Lythgoe. MDA Spokesman Jim Brown said MDA expects the team approach to work very well with the telethon’s new, primetime, six-hour format. He stressed that MDA evaluates the show every year to refine and fine tune it and they’ll be keeping a careful eye on the new format, as well.
“It’s time for an all new telethon era. This year’s six-hour prime-time telethon on Sept. 4 will be spectacular, and I'm thrilled to be part of it,” Lewis said in announcing his retirement. “We’re so close to treatments that it’s absolutely vital for everyone to tune in and make a generous donation. America has always found a way each year to give me that just one dollar more to help my kids,” he said.
*****
Earlier...
We just put up a short update on The NonProfit Times website: Jerry Lewis will be stepping down as host of The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Telethon after this year. Lewis, 85, has been hosting the event for over 40 years. Mr. Lewis will still stay on as chairman of the organization.
We will have additional information about this story when it becomes available.
Jerry Lewis, the face of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) annual Labor Day telethon for a generation, says this year’s broadcast will be his last as host.
The 85-year-old, who will remain as MDA’s national chairman, said in a statement through MDA that he will perform his signature song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” in his final appearance this year.
Who will replace Lewis, who hosted his first Labor Day telethon in 1966, remains to be seen. A team of co-hosts again will appear this year -- including Nancy O’Dell, Jan Carl, Alison Sweeney and Nigel Lythgoe. MDA Spokesman Jim Brown said MDA expects the team approach to work very well with the telethon’s new, primetime, six-hour format. He stressed that MDA evaluates the show every year to refine and fine tune it and they’ll be keeping a careful eye on the new format, as well.
“It’s time for an all new telethon era. This year’s six-hour prime-time telethon on Sept. 4 will be spectacular, and I'm thrilled to be part of it,” Lewis said in announcing his retirement. “We’re so close to treatments that it’s absolutely vital for everyone to tune in and make a generous donation. America has always found a way each year to give me that just one dollar more to help my kids,” he said.
*****
Earlier...
We just put up a short update on The NonProfit Times website: Jerry Lewis will be stepping down as host of The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Telethon after this year. Lewis, 85, has been hosting the event for over 40 years. Mr. Lewis will still stay on as chairman of the organization.
We will have additional information about this story when it becomes available.
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