Comedy film icon Jerry Lewis was greeted with a standing ovation when he took the Kodak Theatre stage to accept a special Oscar for his longtime charitable endeavors.Never nominated for an Oscar, the prolific multihyphenate was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Lewis said he was deeply touched by the honor.
"For most of my life, I've thought that doing good for someone didn't mean you would receive any commendation for an act of kindness - until now," said Lewis, who has battled health problems in recent years and spoke in slow but strong voice. "This award touches me in the very depths of my soul."
Eddie Murphy presented the honorary Oscar to Lewis, whom he dubbed a "famous overgrown kid" who has drawn inspiration from children.
In more recent decades, Lewis drew equal acclaim for his televised charity marathons on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. The annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon has raised more than $2 billion since 1966.
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