Labor Day telethon a success - without Jerry Lewis

September 06, 2011|By Oskar Garcia, Associated Press

Telethon cohost Nigel Lythgoe. (Richard Cartwright/MDA…)

LAS VEGAS - Even without Jerry Lewis, the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon posted its best gain since the recession started, though the program’s longtime host was on the minds of many during the 46th annual fund-raiser.

“American Idol’’ executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said after cohosting Sunday’s program that he’s sorry the famed comedian didn’t participate, but the organization needs to move on to ensure the fund-raiser continues.

The telethon raised nearly $61.5 million Sunday, an increase of about $2.6 million over last year, MDA officials said.

Lythgoe said in an interview minutes after the six-hour live broadcast ended on the East Coast that he thought the 85-year-old actor would show up either at the Las Vegas casino where the telecast took place or earlier to film a taped segment of his signature song “You’ll Never Walk Alone.’’

“I was fully expecting him to turn up at any point and join that six hours - and I’m sorry he didn’t,’’ Lythgoe said. “And hopefully another year he might. I mean, he knows that he is always welcome on the telethon. It’s his baby.’’

Lewis publicist Candi Cazau declined to comment. Earlier, she said Lewis never agreed to any appearance - recorded or live - after the MDA announced in August he wouldn’t take part in the show or be its chairman.

Lythgoe and cohost Jann Carl said during the show that Lewis “retired.’’

Lewis has not publicly said why he is no longer chairman of the MDA, or why he didn’t personally appear in this year’s telethon.

The cohosts’ remarks during the show were the first time the MDA has addressed Lewis’s departure since it was announced, and telethon spokesman Jim Brown declined further comment about the split.

Lewis’s absence ended a 45-year run in which he raised $1.66 billion.