Jerry Lewis, 81, is a comedian, actor, singer, film producer, screenwriter and director. I should use the past tense, because Lewis hasn’t had any success in any facet of show business for decades.

The only thing that keeps him in the periphery of pop culture awareness is his role as host of the annual Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) telethon.

The only thing more lame than a telethon is Lewis’ kitschy brand of vaudeville humor. Lewis is the perfect ringmaster for the annual MDA circus featuring “Jerry’s Kids” being paraded before the camera for their ability to elicit tears and donations.

Jerry has been hosting the MDA telethon for over four decades; it’s time to give him a gold watch and tell him goodbye.

While Jerry Lewis’ histrionics have raised hundreds of millions of dollars for a worthy cause, he is also adept at causing controversy.

“Asked about those who consider him “patronizing” in a 2001 CBS News interview, Lewis responded, ‘You don’t want to be pitied for being a cripple in a wheelchair? Stay in your house.’”

The small children in wheelchairs who appear on his telethon, don’t have any say in the matter, they are dragged into the spotlight by their parents. And they are welcomed with open arms by Lewis who is eager to exploit them in search of ratings and relevancy.

As the following quote from CNN.Com shows, Lewis is still causing controversy:

“In the 18th hour of the 21 1/2-hour telethon Monday, Lewis — bow tie undone and shirt collar open — stumbled around the set at the South Coast Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, marveling at the cameraman’s ability to keep up with him.

‘Look how good he moves that camera, you son of a gun. Wherever I go, he goes,’ said Lewis, 81 ‘Let’s see what you do with this over here,’ the comedian added. Lewis then gestured toward two other cameras on the set.

‘Oh, your family has come to see you. You remember Bart, your oldest son,’ he said, pointing to one camera.

‘Jessie, the illiterate fag, ‘ Lewis said, pointing to the other.”

Lewis’ advanced age doesn’t give him carte blanche to utter homophobic comments; he should immediately issue an apology. The MDA should choose another entertainer to host their annual telethon and issue Lewis his walking papers.