IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Jerry Lewis no longer MDA's national chairman

The Muscular Dystrophy Association says comedian Jerry Lewis is no longer serving as the organization's national chairman.
Image: 2011 Summer TCA Tour - Day 3
Jerry Lewis speaks during 'The Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis' panel during the Encore portion of the 2011 Summer TCA Tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, July 28, in Beverly Hills, Calif.Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images
/ Source: The Associated Press

The Muscular Dystrophy Association says comedian Jerry Lewis is no longer serving as the organization's national chairman.

The 85-year-old Lewis has been the MDA's national chairman since the early 1950s.

He announced in May that he was retiring as host of the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon that has become synonymous with his name.

Lewis had said that he planned to make his final appearance on this year's Sept. 4 telethon.

But MDA Chairman of the Board R. Rodney Howell said in a statement Wednesday that Lewis "will not be appearing on the telethon."

The Tucson-based MDA says Lewis "has completed his run" as its national chairman and won't be replaced.

There was no immediate explanation for the moves, and calls to the non-profit agency weren't immediately returned Wednesday night.