Jerry Lewis

Jerry LEWIS, the comedian, misunderstood director, one-time movie star and crusader for ill children, first came to this city sometime in the late 1940s because he and his new partner, Dean Martin, were booked to perform at the Flamingo. He lost so much money gambling it took him 3 1/2 years to pay it back. Nonetheless, he called Las Vegas "the most joyful city in the world." He's now lived here for 25 years. "I came to get away from the traffic in L.A.," Lewis says. "Now we have it here."

Jerry Lewis is known as one of show business' silliest and most outrageous clowns. But when he was honored Sunday night during the Oscars for his humanitarian work, he played it straight. "This touches my heart and the very depths of my soul, not only because of who this award is from, but who it will benefit," Lewis said in accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. "My humility is staggering."

What do you know, the French were right: Jerry Lewis is a genius after all. At least, a genius of sorts. He wants to be thought of as a great film director, but it's as a performer that he's earned his genius badge. He is also a genius at surviving. Lewis was dismissed for years as a vulgar egomaniac and buffoon, but through the prism of time one can see how inspired much of his buffoonery was. Sight gags in his best movies are worthy of Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin, critics' darlings.

In his 26 years in the House, Jerry Lewis has put together an impressive resume: chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee on defense; onetime No. 3 in the House Republican leadership; former head of his state's Republican delegation; a major Republican fundraiser; the man who saved former House Speaker Jim Wright from drowning. Now, as Lewis seeks one of Congress' most coveted jobs -- chairman of the House Appropriations Committee -- his biggest and perhaps only liability is his home address.

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) used them to stress his opposition to military base closings and support for a constitutional amendment outlawing flag burning. Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Los Angeles) used them to talk about health fairs and long-term medical care. Across the country, lawmakers are using congressional newsletters to tell their constituents about pressing issues, pending legislation and personal concerns--all at taxpayer expense and with minimal public reporting.

On his 40th birthday in 1966, Jerry Lewis gave a lavish party for himself at his Bel-Air estate. Although his films were panned by most critics, they made big money for Paramount, and all the big shots were there. Studio chief Barney Balaban announced grandly: "Just tell us what you want, and we'll give it to you." Without blinking, Lewis replied: "I would like the negatives of all my pictures after 30 years." The executives agreed, and on his 70th birthday, the first negative arrived.

Jerry Lewis is swirling in the vortex of two Dannys. "She has become my total center," said the man who, at one time or another, was the highest-paid nightclub comic, the highest-paid television entertainer and the highest-paid film director in the world. "And that, as you might imagine, is a large change for me." Lewis is talking . . . and talking . . . and talking about his adopted daughter, Danielle, who will be 3 next month.

Rep. Jerry Lewis' car has been stolen from outside his Capitol Hill home for the third time in four years. The Republican from Redlands, Calif., said Monday that he last saw the car Saturday night when he parked behind his house.

What an inspirational movie "Fight for Life" was. While NBC was airing "Nutcracker: Money, Madness and Murder," we were watching how to save a life. Hopefully more quality programs like this will bring to light how to solve such insurmountable problems as epilepsy. Jerry Lewis was excellent! Lori Textor, Fullerton