Jerry Lewis, born as "Jerome Levitch", (March 16, 1926 – August 20, 2017) was an American comedian, screenwriter, singer, humanitarian, producer, director, philanthropist and actor. He was of Jewish descent. He was best known for acting in comedy movies in the 1950s and 1960s such as "The Nutty Professor". He also helped to raise money for people with muscular dystrophy, through the Muscular Dystrophy Association.