Jerry Lewis Collapses, Rushed To Hospital During Friar’s Club Awards

Jerry Lewis was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday night after he collapsed just before he took the stage at the Friars Club.

The 86-year-old entertainer was set to be honored with the Applause Award, and also to present Tom Cruise with the Friar’s Club Entertainment Icon Award, but instead spent the evening at a nearby hospital, according to The New York Post.

A representative for the Friars Club told The Chicago Tribune that:

“Jerry Lewis was so sorry to miss the Icon Award presentation to Tom Cruise last night, but is feeling much better today, and is back at his hotel and thanks everyone for their good wishes.”

The New York Post notes that Lewis collapsed due to low blood sugar as he was getting ready to take the stage. Chairman of the Friars Foundation Ambassador Joseph Zappala explained Jerry Lewis’ absence to the crowd, saying that he had fallen ill, but was expected to recover.

Tom Cruise who accepted his award on stage, attended with son Connor and daughter Suri. He also stated that he was honored to receive the Friars Club Entertainment Icon Award, which has only been awarded to three other participants–Douglas Fairbanks, Cary Grant, and Frank Sinatra. It is considered the club’s highest honor.

The New York Post reports that during his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the absence of comedian Lewis by saying, “I am sorry Jerry couldn’t be here tonight, but I know he is going to be fine.”

Jerry Lewis was also rushed to the hospital in June, in Sydney, Australia, forcing him to cancel a sold-out show.

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