Jerry Lewis with Phil Donahue '77

[@lordcron]

I have been a huge fan of Jerry my entire life and after seeing his compassion and fight for the common man I'm an EVEN BIGGER fan now! It's the year 2022 and I don't think America is capable of producing this kind of compassion anymore... Long live this wonderful man's memories.

[@keonmedina3873]

I’m 26. I found him during the pandemic & I’m a huge fan now

[@threeicys]

It's 2022 and this is the first time I have seen Jerry as Jerry. Boy!, I would love to get more of his heart and wisdom. Thank you for uploading this video!

[@givethechanceakid]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pepez5263]

Not only was he a very funny comedian he was also a very clever knowledgeable man.

[@omalone1169]

i assumed this guy did music. i am so confused

[@michaelhensley9037]

Jerry Lewis was a rare individual as he was able to make you bust a gut or cry your eyes out, no one like him.

[@caroltaylor9853]

Jerry Lewis was a very special man, period. He made his mark and he will be missed.

[@daniellebourgade8701]

He was still a handsome man.....😍

[@saschacunliffe7383]

He was, very much so. But sadly, I think you can see around his eyes that he was already in the grip of the Percodan addiction that ravaged his life for so long. It must have been terrible because he couldn't recall very much at all about the period he took it. Amazing that he could work so well.

[@givethechanceakid]

@@niavvaran What is your issue? Their comment is positive. Jealousy? lmao Jerry was on percodan and other drugs at this time. It's a known fact! He said this many times that he was not in a good place during this time. Chill out or shake your head some more.

[@TuesdayWells27]

I grew up watching all of his movies. I am very sad he is gone. It is the end of an Era....

[@deborahhoffman7394]

A great philanthropist and compassionate person.

[@chrisbennett606]

Really interesting interview

[@annek1226]

I was so impressed by his devotion to The MD telethon every year that I volunteered to work every year! I was up for the whole thing every year anyway, I might just as well do my share. I never regretted it.

[@michaelcorreira8125]

The greatest talent in the history of the world lined up to be on the Telethon. The Telethon connected the highest and privileged with the lowest and needy. For the good of the needy. That is honorable.

[@jasonstewart650]

Looking at number of Jerry's interviews and came across this upload from an old KTVU broadcast. As a life long SF Bay Area guy, a real walk down memory lane.

[@rosemarieward1738]

Wish Phil Donahue is still on the air. The best interviewer ever!

[@StukInBuf]

@Rosemarie Ward(open): I'm no fan of Donahue myself, but a lot of today's "interviewers" in the varying "talk" shows today could learn loads upon loads of things from him such as treating one's interviewees with class.

[@opencurtin]

I find Jerry Lewis a fascinating enigma as a man, very interesting funny intriguing man ...

[@venganzamujer354]

Yes how interesting about what he’s talking about in 1977 and yet so many things have not changed for the better

[@bluecollarguy67]

Wow, this program aired 41 years ago today! Things have radically changed in terms of daytime TV interview programs and also the type and caliber of individuals like Phil Donahue and Jerry Lewis. I'm a big fan of Donahue and was a so-so fan of Lewis. Putting that aside, a viewer watching this could learn so much about Jerry that would be impossible today because of how TV chases after anything salacious and the very brief attention span of hosts and programs.

[@hildaovalle5916]

Jerry was an incredibly intelligent and smart man that worked very hard for what he had. His personality at times used to turn people off but I believe that he was a kind man that might have been misunderstood. His frankness and at times bluntness did not always go well with some people and to be frank, he didn't care because he knew what he wanted in life and he did it well. I think that he was an exceptional American more recognized as such in Europe than in his own country.

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

Truthfully so

[@keithsingleton6653]

@@mstwelvedeadlycyns Out of jealousy, Americans take him for granted. Jesus didn't raise billions for handicapped children. Only one man did. JERRY LEWIS.

[@DucksDeLucks]

God Bless Jerry Lewis. I wish we had seen more of him over the last 30 years. Amazing that he's still alive after having one foot in the grave so long ago.

[@christinelynch7685]

Great interview! I finally saw this whole thing and I am just wowed by how on top of his game Jerry was. He really knew his stuff, and was all of himself, as in funny, passionate, serious, intelligent. ❤

[@kristannharrigan5806]

God Bless you, Jerry, we will miss you so much. Make the Angels laugh.

[@AntoninaRivituso]

I agree with him 100 percent

[@laurastone6578]

Why is Phil badgering him on his telethon? For God’s sake, the man was doing something worthy!

[@jenipeachy]

I still adore him .... he made my belly ache with laughter , loved by many the world over . He did so much good . Proud to stand a cheer for a man who put smiles the world over . 143 ❤️❤️❤️

[@mmcg2007]

I find it so pleasing that Jerry Lewis is NOT the character that he plays on stage but a really great private man and family man.

[@barbaraperry2595]

BEST COMEDY MOVIE EVER MADE.. Nutty Professor...

[@vikings844]

Hard to argue with you on that! Great film! Jerry's genius and masterpiece!

[@RedcoatsReturn]

He was actually a very cool quite macho guy, very street smart and savvy with money too in addition to his comic and entertainment genius. Good hearted in addition. Much to respect and learn from.

[@marym5037]

Red Coat, well said! :)

[@voiceguy3635]

Jerry was EVERYWHERE!

[@CrystalClearNews]

The reason he focused so much on the MDA and corporate sponsorship is that Donahue was very critical of this aspect so Jerry challenges him and responds on that. Good for Jerry, because Phil sounded like a fool in his criticisms

[@marym5037]

well said!

[@hildaovalle5916]

I totally agree. The animosity towards Jerry was in every question but Jerry was cool.

[@dougdaffey7965]

Wow God is in his heart look closely you can see I’m impressed Lord you truly are wonderful and loving

[@donnaduncan4221]

I never really seen the serious side of Jerry Lewis as on this show. He shows such compassion & very solid with his family & confidence about his communication with his marriage & children. He makes crucial points about different issues. I admire Mr Lewis even more after listening to this interview. His strong belief in humanity & his thoughtfulness toward his devotion in helping "his kids' as he calls them

[@tomeditz9192]

What a smart with a beautiful soul man, genuinely lovely, classy ,clever! absolute idol.

[@cathyknight7981]

He really made people laugh. Miss him

[@barbaraperry2595]

An American ICON ...Gerry Lewis......Best in everything he did.......Genius beyond explanation

[@tonystewart9767]

One of the worlds best comedians and Humanitarian. This show was shown back in 1977 and it hold true for today for whats going on. A brilliant interview on Jerry Lewis part.

[@dinahleeloo]

So handsome!

[@marym5037]

I know...so sexy!

[@MuhammadAli-eg7vd]

Rest In Love Jerry, My Favourite Comedian, Love You & Miss You💚 This Man Was A Genius! Period!

[@denisdoran354]

Jerry suffered his whole /w serious back pain from an accident on stage! He came sooo close to being paralyzed!!

[@joeschmoe373]

You have to realize something....this guy suffered, HORRIBLY with chronic pain himself for over 30 years, until he finally found some relief with a neurostim device....but all those years suffering, and yet he gave himself over and over again. I applaud him just for that fact alone.

[@venganzamujer354]

How did you find that out that he was suffering in pain and from what?

[@gates69]

@@venganzamujer354 Jerry had talked about it over the years

[@Truginger666]

I’m so impressed with him. I only knew him as a comedian. Now I really know him as a intelligent, passionate, interesting man

[@blinkzone1]

America has sure came along way since 1977

[@faith5940]

Yes it has, and downhill all the way... it's so sad to see how evil America has become over such a short time. People don't even know what sex they are or bathroom to use for God's sake!!

[@marym5037]

@@faith5940 Well I think people have the right to choose who they want to be in their life included their gender and sexual orientation. America went downhill because there are people that actually have a problem with others expressing themselves and who they are...Practically the opposite of what you wrote, which you called EVIL! Wow!

[@jgarrison1309]

Burl Ives !!!! 40:13 Silver and Gold! Representing the Salvation Army. :-)

[@caroltaylor9853]

What a magnificent career and legacy he left. RIP, my Jerry. 💗 In Patti Lewis' book, I Laffed Till I Cried, she discussed the telethon and the nay sayers. The Lewis family was involved wholeheartedly alongside Jerry. MDA was ran without discrepancy according to Patti. If you're looking for dirt on Jerry in her book, it's not there. The marriage ended in 1980. It happens. I always enjoyed Jerry Lewis always. He was a very, very talented, intelligent confident, empathetic, handsome man. He is the King of Comedy. May he rest in peace.

[@StukInBuf]

I turned 7 that day; if my mom watched it that day, it likely would've been on WNBC, Channel 4, in the New York market.

[@helanesolomon1724]

Saw him in the Catskills in the 1980s. He purposely stood where it was really dark so my sister and I couldn't get a photo of him. We were devastated but still love him.

[@EdWeibe]

He's in Buddy Love mode

[@mikestevenson576]

Perfectly said!

[@StevieStitches]

He's in Jerry Langford mode (see The King of Comedy (1983) Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis film).

[@CrystalClearNews]

no, not Buddy nor Langford mode -- this is Serious Jerry mode or Telethon Jerry mode. really, he was serious always since the 1950s, but this was 1970s Jerry Mode

[@joeschmoe373]

ahh HAA....love it.

[@adrianmartinelli9799]

Spot on Ed

[@puppydog12000]

look at his beautiful eyebrows I love those dark eyebrows

[@faith5940]

We love our Jerry Lewis so very much!

[@denismurray868]

very interesting man, and wholesome great interview

[@wldwon]

Phil Donahue rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...all the other talk show host's owe him their paycheck

[@SJUCityBoy]

A day before this interview, 12/12/77, was the release of Saturday Night Fever. Unbeknownst that it would become the monster phenomenon it did, catapulting John Travolta to mega stardom.

[@lightshadow44]

One of a kind

[@laurastone6578]

Jerry has sort of a lecturing tone when he responds.

[@dominicmassaconi6160]

When will they cure MD for Jerry Lewis

[@Danimal77]

I was less than 2 months old when this aired.

[@Jimfrenchde]

I wonder if these 40 year old advertisements bring any money in.

[@TotalSinging]

think about this - he was doing up to 15 Percocets a day at this time. heavy drug addict

[@venganzamujer354]

I didn’t know that

[@denisdoran354]

People don't know Jerry had a very serious accident on stage where he was sooo close to being paralyzed for life! He did a flip in a comedy routine & fell on a steel hook protruding from from the stage! He fell his lower spine was cracked!! Doctors got him on strong medication!So use the word "drug addict" very softly! The percocet 💊🏥💊 were prescription drugs by doctors!!👍🙏🙏R.I.P.& God Bless 🙏 Jerry Lewis

[@rtward9]

Hey Lady!

[@norelcopc2431]

With all the smoking it's amazing that Jerry is still alive at 90.

[@StukInBuf]

He must've been doing SOMETHING right to make it that far!

[@sherri419]

I just saw a rerun of him on the Johnny Carson Tonight show a couple days ago it was from 1984 and he said he had just had a double bypass& surgery and so he quit smoking (he had been smoking 4 packs a day) and he gave up eating red meat too.

[@DucksDeLucks]

He's been a real inspiration to Keith Richards.

[@CrystalClearNews]

when he had a heart attack and other issues in the early 1980s he quit smoking.

[@billybassman21]

I quit smoking almost 10 years ago, but would have loved smoking when you could lite up a cig on a TV talk show.

[@adiconstantin4598]

Very interesting and with depth of feelings and thinking, thank you! As example, 36:00

[@CrystalClearNews]

27:46 Lauren Hutton for cosmetic commercial -- she started as a model

[@stevejames5863]

is this buddy love or jerry?god bless you jer, for all your work, but his speech actions are like buddy love, which is great .

[@charlesheck6812]

Extremely intelligent

[@colinwerner8974]

- God, he was handsome!

[@johnbrinkman2172]

very good looking man. trying to figure out what he could be using on his face but i think he has really really healthy and strong skin.

[@kristeninthedirtysouth]

Colin Werner, agreed! Jerry was a gorgeous man. And not only that but he was super intelligent. I could stare at him and listen to his views on things forever.

[@marym5037]

His sexiness and personality are overwhelming ( in a positive way of course) and a little intimidating. He is a teddy bear though!

[@SirTibzy]

he's smooth talking too

[@debrabader6206]

@@johnbrinkman2172 I was so in Love with him...very sexy, hot hot hot!

[@StukInBuf]

55:29 or so... If you put that fish, slaw, and fries inside of a hoagy roll, with some cheese and maybe a fried egg, it would be a Pittsburgh-style fish sammich!

[@felixthelmocevallosmorales7218]

Phillip John Donahue (21 de diciembre de 1935, Cleveland, Ohio) es un presentador de televisión y productor estadounidense, principalmente reconocido por haber creado y conducido el programa televisivo The Phil Donahue Show, también conocido simplemente como Donahue, el primer programa de variedades televisivo con entrevistas e invitados. El programa estuvo 26 años en antena en todo Estados Unidos, y fue precedido por tres años en la televisión local de Dayton, Ohio, antes de su desaparición en 1996.

[@StukInBuf]

I'm paused over 16 minutes in; Jerry nails it about those who merely wish to be in the shoes of the famous(or otherwise "better") person... they seek it, but then COMMITMENT comes into the equation, and some aren't able to latch onto that aspect of it.

[@opencurtin]

its hilarious using a live cigarette as entertainment you got to love the 70s ...

[@JB-wh3we]

I think Jerry Lewis is the most successful person with an untreated case of the milder form of bipolar disorder. The manic is very apparent and the depression takes the form of sharp anger/pointed commentary. There's some OCD tendencies as well...(see the rant on the first ammendment).

[@givethechanceakid]

Frank Sinatra was likely bipolar as well, but you are correct about Jerry.

[@robindelany3990]

Who The Hell Is Anyone To Judge Someone Like That That Is Just Wrong Shame On You

[@robindelany3990]

Like are you A Doctor If Not Then Step Back Opinions Are Like ASSWHOLE S EVERY BODY GOT ONE

[@givethechanceakid]

@@BlackAbe007 Jerry recognized his faults and tried to fix them, but he was unsuccessful at it. If you read his letters and listen to some interviews where he bares his soul, you can see how much he wanted to be different, and was ashamed to hurt the ones he loved.

[@bohemem2798]

dommage qu'il n'y ait pas de sous-titres ? I do not understand everything ... Please ?

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Jerry Lewis is a big giving man. There shouldn't be charities, the government should pay for the children in need, but, there is a large shortfall. People like Jerry try and fill this shortfall because a lot of people care for the poor little mights. Why shouldn't the large companies that sponsored Jerry have their logos in large, advertising popularises them brings in more money and some goes to wortwhile causes such as Jery Lewis'. So everyone benefits.

[@allanjohnson1854]

Jerry is spot on...being guilty should mean loss of rights, no cell with TV, Internet, access to drugs etc...'my thoughts not his'.

[@gutenbird]

People can knock Lewis for his personal life and his arrogance and I get that but the guy was extremely talented. Kind of like Jim Carey. Even if you don’t like everything JC does, you know the guy is a mega talent.

[@micmac99]

Aircheck off KTVU-2 Oakland/San Francisco which is now Fox.

[@patmischel6883]

I wondering what Dean thought about this interview?

[@StukInBuf]

23:25... You can't do that in any kind of building today.

[@JC-xc8rx]

Jerry Lewis did not take shit from anyone. Hate him or like him, you will never accomplish 1% of what he did. Period.

[@marym5037]

This guy is absolutely intelligent and sexy , overwhelming mix of intelligence, brilliance, spontaneity, a little arrogance (which I find sweet, lol), honesty, and sexiness! He was also a VERY emotional individual. He was a force of nature. A lovable, crazy, impulsive, unpredictable guy. He was too much!

[@liverneck2001]

jerry langford.....

[@jv-ep2tc]

we call the camera man Helen Keller. his favorite color is plaid.

[@jv-ep2tc]

1981 from NYT: Jerry Lewis will pay the Hellzapoppin Company, in which Alexander H. Cohen, the theater producer, is a general partner, $39,000 to settle a claim arising out of losses incurred when Mr. Lewis allegedly refused to rehearse adequately for Mr. Cohen's 1977 Broadway-bound play, ''Hellzapoppin.'' The producer closed the updated version of the pre-World War II Olsen and Johnson musical after its Boston run at a loss of more than $1.2 million. Mr. Lewis's attorney, Gideon Cashman, said that the reason for the settlement was that an arbitration had been going on for three years, involved heavy legal expenses and it was less costly to end the matter now. However, Mr. Cashman added that Mr. Lewis continued to deny any breach of contract and any liability for the fate of the musical. Under the terms of the settlement between the production company and the actor, the $39,000 could increase to $78,000 if payment is not made within 18 months. Mr. Lewis is now in the midst of a bankruptcy proceeding in Las Vegas. According to John R. Fernbach, attorney for the Helzapoppin Company, such a recovery for lack of cooperation by a star during a rehearsal period is the first of its kind. The show was to have marked a comeback for Mr. Lewis as a performer. Mr. Lewis will appear in a film released by 20th Century-Fox, ''Hardly Working,'' in April, and he is due to begin working soon in ''King of Comedy,'' a Martin Scorsese film.

[@2_Trillion_galaxies]

When you give something back to society through kindness it's called good karma ,Jerry gave so much back that it wasn't surprising when he had a close call with death God said no it's not his time he must stay on earth a little longer as the children need him, in this regard I think God really did bless Jerrys life,

[@AntoninaRivituso]

Jerry was a nice very smart man family and people orientated... a legend.. I can tell he is Pisces, shame didn't believe in astrology he said.

[@marym5037]

Oh yeah! I agree! He was definitely a pisces!!! Highly emotional, giving, arrogant (at times) , creative, intelligent, witty...and then he had the typical pisces eyes, large, soulful, and inspiring!

[@StukInBuf]

I'll make one admission... earlier that same year, we lived in SanFran; we moved east to NYC that summer... just in time for the Blackout of 77. Yet, living in SanFran, I was very fond of KTVU Channel 2; it seemed to have a flavor all its own.

[@theflorgeormix]

His best work was with Dean - his ego got a little out of control outside of that but deep down sweet caring person mostly and did use his potential for a great cause here - wonderful

[@vikings844]

Disagree, his best work was on his own!

[@marym5037]

Jerry was very gifted and had soooo much talent! He did amazing both with Dean and by himself because he was brilliant!

[@MrAitraining]

6:35 Phil doing his "Al Gore" approach there.

[@pennymiller3842]

not as threatening as Gore or as creepy.

[@hunterbaywolf577]

Phil Donahue got Owned by Jerry Lewis.after Phil tried to call Jerry a Con artist.

[@hardlines4]

A true legend

[@iloveanimals6361]

Jerry Lewis having a cigarette on stage....🤣 Wouldn’t see that these days.. imagine the horror...😁😁🤣

[@denisdoran354]

Those days are gone forever ☹️🧐☹️

[@justgivemethetruth]

Wow, Jerry Lewis so calm ... wow.

[@texasandy1963]

Te queremos desde santiago de chile🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭

[@katherinesage]

J’Adore Le Roy du Crazy (le) Sage Valois -D’Anjou ❤

[@robertward8130]

Come on Phil, Jerry isnt the defendant and you aren't the D.A.

[@venganzamujer354]

You know I saw that too. He was being kind of an asshole to Jerry and I think deep down he’s jealous of Jerry and all his success as well as his philanthropy

[@johnf3113]

He would've done very well in politics!

[@faith5940]

He sure would have, good observation! He was brilliant!

[@marym5037]

@@faith5940 Yes he was!

[@corinavalher7904]

He was brilliant but in his deep personality, which he showed constantly, he didn't let space for comments but his own. So in politics he would've been quite rough.

[@lakeerie5857]

Wonder what he would think now? What a mess

[@ryancrain9434]

Great movie a. Movie after World War Two

[@minecraft_shortsmc]

When talk show interviewers threw fastballs not setup softballs

[@StukInBuf]

RIP, Jerry; he left us today at 91 years of age. The "Rat Pack" is now all together again.

[@henileereis4939]

SuperPat88 other than Jerry Lewis being friends with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior he was never part of the Rat Pack I can tell you from what I know of him through my husband who worked with him to describe Jerry Lewis one word comes to mind and that's impeccable he was always impeccable in his dress with his hair with his movements and with his speech a marvelous human being that could play on any level with any person in the world God bless him he is with the King alright p

[@lindashelley3635]

Mark Johnson ‘By law??’ Does that mean that any other show business performer (or even JFK, who they campaigned for in 1960) that Frank, Dean and Sammy were friends with were also officially part of the Rat Pack?🤦‍♀️

[@apolonioramon7089]

Jerry is Jerry but his wrong about the Miranda Right's.However his work should be praised no one took the task only Jerry a true hero of the sick n poor.

[@StukInBuf]

Paused at 20:28... AMEN, Jerry!

[@cosom666]

Unfortunate that madness attack at 19:00. I guess he was talking about the fifth amendment.

[@roman14032]

ive just realized jerry lewis was a genius and a saint i never liked him much never thought he was really super funny thought he was kinda cynical or jaded in mean kinda way but when he was talking about the need to assume responsibility for the world. he was kind of inarticulately presaging the things jordan peterson is now saying which is VERY remarkable

[@opencurtin]

when he says to Phil and I never liked you anyway it was a tense moment , he's obviously joking but it could be picked up the wrong way , Phil is playing devils advocate and Jerry doesn't like it .

[@patrickmccarron5059]

5:07 - Corporations are people too.

[@VONNISTWOCENTS]

No doubt about it he was so attractive

[@jhondoe5147]

A very intelligent, charismatic, powerful man! A very funny man, but I would hate to be on his $hit list.