"The Jerry Lewis Telethon"(Muscular Dystrophy Association)
Network:Date: September 3rd, 1967 The marathon was broadcast live from the Americana Hotel in New York. The marathon aires from 9:00 pm September 3rd to 5:00 pm September 4th.
Other celebrities who appear are; Cliff Robertson, Thelma Ritter, Jackie Gleason and Joe Namath.
Date: September 1st, 1968 Joan appeared on the telethon along with daughter Christina. Joan recites the poem "The Clumsy Falling Down Child" by Irving Gainer Newman.
Date: August 31st, 1969 It is most likely that Joan appears on this marathon via a previously recorded message asking for pledges while on location in England filming "Trog".
Joan quotes John Donne's poem "No Man Is An Island", and says: “Ladies and gentlemen, to quote the words of the poet John Donne, “No man is an island. Any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind”. We’re all involved in mankind, though some of us don’t seem to realize it.
When we see a crippled child we think ‘thank God it’s not mine.’
When we read about the funeral of a youngster of six or seven, a child who has dystrophy, or spinal atrophy, or some other tragic disease, we quickly turn the page and try to forget such things happen. But they do happen all too frequently. And they may happen in families like yours or mind, so let’s never forget that while we’re helping others, we may be helping ourselves and our own loved ones as well
Truly, no man is an island. Any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind.
Go to your phones now. Call in your pledge, please.” Other celebrities that appear are; Jackie Gleason, Joan Rivers, Patty Duke, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis jr., Carl Reiner, David Frost, Rodney Dangerfield, and Johnny Carson. The program runs from the evening of August 31 to 6:00 pm on September 1st.
Date: September 5th, 1971
Joan was publicized as a celebrity appearing at the telethon, however, it is unclear if she appeared in person, or via a previously recorded message.
Date: September 2nd, 1973
According to a September 2, 1973 press release, Joan is among the celebrities who will appear on Jerry Lewis' MDA telethon beginning that evening at
6:30 pm. The telethon is televised from the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas.
Webmaster's Note: I cannot confirm if Joan appeared live in Las Vegas for the telethon, or (most likely) appeared on a previously taped appearance.