PEOPLE

Jerry Lewis: Celebrities remember him in tweets

USA TODAY

When news broke that comedy legend Jerry Lewis had died at 91, stars took to Twitter to remember the comedian, director, actor and philanthropist.

An outpouring of famous fans and friends talked of the "king of comedy" who made the world a funnier place.

"I sincerely hope his afterlife is a warm, peaceful... haven," tweeted Patton Oswalt.

Reports: Jerry Lewis, comedy genius, is dead at 91

William Shatner shared his condolences, and said the world is "a lot less funnier today" without Lewis.

"Watching Jerry Lewis onscreen makes me laugh harder than almost anyone," shared Neil Patrick Harris.

Penn Jillette, of Penn & Teller, said he sobbed when he first met Lewis, "the real, no irony, king of comedy... I guess it's time for that again."

Jerry Lewis will "keep'em laffin in the ever after!" wrote Samuel L. Jackson.

James Gunn said, "I loved your movies as much as France did."

"It was a treat to spend a few Labor Days with you," tweeted Tom Bergeron.

Leonard Maltin called Lewis "my comedy hero when I was growing up."

Richard Lewis (no relation) said, "I cherish how this genius brought comfort to me with laughter and then support and friendship. Rip Jerry."

Jimmy Kimmel shared a clip of Lewis singing at an MDA telethon, and called him a "genius comedian, actor, director, inventor (and) humanitarian."

Ellen DeGeneres sent love to the family of a "comic and philanthropic icon."

Losing both "Dick Gregory & Jerry Lewis (this weekend) is a gain 4 heaven, but big loss for comedy," said Whoopi Goldberg.

Jeffrey Tambor wrote, "You invented the whole thing Thank you doesn't even get close."

Carl Reiner remembered the first performance of a "true comic icon."

Marlon Wayans called Lewis his superhero growing up. "I'm just floored," he tweeted.

"Jerry Lewis was an undeniable genius an unfathomable blessing, comedy's absolute!" wrote Jim Carrey.

Larry King wrote in honor of his "pal": "Jerry lived to make the world laugh, and laugh we did for decades. His talent was surpassed only by his humanitarianism."

"As a kid, I'm pretty sure I was the biggest Jerry Lewis fan in the world," said Kumail Nanjiani.

"Another great one has passed on to the ultimate curtain call," said Cedric the Entertainer.

Kevin Smith declared it "a bad week for classic comedy," with the loss of both men.

Octavia Spencer also tweeted about both comedians. "My thoughts and prayers to your families, talent like yours can never be equalled!"

As did Viola Davis. "Well done, gentlemen. Godspeed," she wrote.

Lewis was "a complicated soul who made the whole world laugh," tweeted Bette Midler.

"The world has lost a true innovator & icon," said Dane Cook.

Tony Hale called Lewis the "master."

David Copperfield tweeted, "Jerry, I will miss your wisdom," and used some choice hashtags.

Sean Hayes called Lewis one of his "comedy heroes."

Nancy Sinatra wrote, "Dad will be as happy to see you as I'm sad to see you go."

"Jerry Lewis was a treasure," said Paula Abdul.

Jamie Lee Curtis tweeted that Lewis "made me and many laugh."