Love for Lewis

I found James Verini’s piece (“In the Kingdom of the Clown,” Jan. 2) about Jerry Lewis almost unbearably cynical, snide and ultimately pointless. I can just hear Jerry after he (presumably) read the article: “What ... do I have to do to catch a break from these guys?”

After 60 years of groundbreaking performances crossing over into virtually all areas of show business, do we really want to wait until Lewis dies to fully realize his enormous contribution? Or should we simply get sworn statements from geniuses such as Jim Carrey and Martin Short, both of whom would barely be able to pratfall were it not for Lewis showing the way?

This, of course, says nothing about Lewis’ philanthropy. Anyone else care to step forward and lay claim to raising almost $2 billion for charity?

Christopher Page

Agoura Hills

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Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated James Verini’s take on Jerry Lewis. Jerry was, and still is a good friend, a good thing, and I am warmed by anything good that is said about him. He deserves it.

Lloyd Thaxton

Studio City

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I enjoyed your article on Jerry Lewis very much. I did want to add an interesting note. My father, Dennis James, actually hosted the first telethon back in 1950 for cerebral palsy. He was credited with coining the term “telethon.” For many years he would fly around the country doing one or two telethons a month, at 20 hours each.

Brad James

Stevenson Ranch