Laughing through the pain

Couldn't let the day go by without wishing a happy birthday to a comedic genius, an underrated talent in this country, a true philanthropist with a heart of gold, and one hell of a funny man, Mr. Jerry Lewis.

In fact, if I can get rid of this migraine, I'm going to watch "The Nutty Professor" at some point today. It will help me laugh through the pain.

I don't know why Jer hasn't received his just due in the United States. Part of it may be that critics see a one-dimensional character. If so, they are myopic. The French love him. They know good cinema when they see it. I am glad to see that he's being honored at this year's TCM Film Festival in L.A.

Growing up, I never did like Jerry Lewis as much as I liked Dean Martin. That's still the truth today. But it has nothing to do with talent. I wanted to be Dino. Heck, let me take that out of the past tense. I still want to be Dino.

But Jerry was hilarious. His Buddy Love persona in "The Nutty Professor" sends me into hysterics. Every. Single. Time.

And you know about the great work he did for so many years with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. His telethons were a Labor Day staple on my TV set if I weren't on vacation. Usually, that's where all my favorite singers and personalities would appear.

I'll never forget one of Sammy Davis Jr.'s last appearances. It's my recollection that he sang "Mr. Bojangles," but you know memory. It's notoriously unreliable.

I still can't believe he was so unceremoniously dumped by the MDA. They should be ashamed. Ashamed, I tell ya!

Well, I have to make this one short, y'all. I have a migraine -- a big one. Have been lying in the dark since yesterday about 8 p.m. I don't mind tell you that these migraines are starting to get to me. It's tough y'all, although, again, I'm glad it isn't terminal. So many have it so much worse than I.

Here's to all of my loved ones who made the 2014 edition of my birthday extra special this year -- right when I needed it.

I love you all.

See you tomorrow.

Unforgettable Labor Day reunion

Happy Labor Day!

I hope you don't have to work today, but if you do, my hat is off to you. I know this ol' world keeps spinning around, and here's to the working people who make it happen.

Hey, remember the Jerry Lewis MDA telethons? I used to watch at least pieces of them every Labor Day.

Yeah, yeah. I know. Jerry Lewis is kind of annoying. (There are some truly bizarre, yet fascinating clips on YouTube of him talking to Dick Cavett.) But, I like him, and about one thing there is no doubt: Jerry Lewis did more for the Muscular Dystrophy Association than any 50 other people combined. I still can't get over how the MDA unceremoniously dumped him after all those years. And, no, I've not watched the telethon since, nor will I give a cent to the MDA.

Jerry's telethons were fascinating. Live TV. Hours and hours of it. You never knew who might show up. Johnny Carson! Frank Sinatra! Wayne Newton! Sammy Davis Jr.! Some random act you've never heard of!

This is my favorite clip. Francis Albert Sinatra, who could get away with nearly everything, reunited Jerry with his former sidekick, Dean Martin, in 1976, 20 years after they had worked together or seen one another. And I think this is the ONLY time they ever saw each other until Dino's death. (Correct me on that if I'm wrong.)

Update: My friend Michael Henderson reminded me that Jerry talked to Dino by phone for about 15 minutes when Dean Martin Jr. died. 

Oh, and here's my second favorite clip. 

Have a great, relaxing, rejuvenating day.

And here's to ya, Jer. We miss ya, pal.