Lewis will be ready for annual telethon

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1999 | 2:51 a.m.

LAS VEGAS - Comedian Jerry Lewis is "doing fine" following a bout with viral meningitis and will be ready to host his annual Labor Day Telethon next month, an executive assistant said Wednesday.

"He's had a miserable week and will likely be spending some time on his boat for some r and r," said Claudia Stabile.

Lewis, 73, was hospitalized in Darwin, Australia earlier this week after falling ill Sunday during a performance tour.

He had hoped to resume his performances Thursday in Sydney, but the decision was made to cancel the balance of the tour and return home. Lewis was described as feeling fine, but just not well enough to perform.

Lewis lives in Las Vegas with his wife and daughter. He is expected to fly home in the next few days, Stabile said.

The illness will not impact Lewis' role in the annual Los Angeles-based Labor Day Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Stabile said.

"This will just make him stronger," she said.

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