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Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Raises Nearly $60.5 Million

Despite the tough economy, officials with the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon say contributions and pledges from this year’s Labor Day event totaled nearly $60.5 million.

Officials say the funds will allow the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

Nancy O’Dell Joins Up With The MDA & WWE For ‘Betty’s Battle’

Our very own longtime host Nancy O’Dell, author of the book “Full of Life,” and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) have founded Betty’s Battle in honor of O’Dell’s mother who died of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, last year.

Betty’s Battle is a special MDA ALS Division campaign that raises funds supporting services and research to find treatments and a cure for those with ALS.

And on August 23, O’Dell will serve as a Celebrity Backstage Interviewer at the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) SummerSlam pay-per-view event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. O’Dell and several WWE Superstars will help raise awareness for MDA’s Betty’s Battle through media interviews and a VIP Axxess party at h.wood club in Los Angeles on August 21.

Hollywood Remembers Ed McMahon

Following the death of Ed McMahon on Tuesday, stars and friends of the TV legend shared their thoughts and memories of the 86-year-old icon with Access Hollywood.

Ed McMahon Dies At 86

Television legend Ed McMahon has died, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

According to KNBC, McMahon died at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center in California Monday morning.

Complete List: 2009 Oscar Winners

A complete list of winners at the 81st annual Academy Awards, presented Sunday night at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

Now Hear This! Notable Quotes From The 81st Annual Academy Awards

Sean Penn, Penelope Cruz, the Ledger family and Hugh Jackman have made the 81st annual Academy Awards much more memorable thanks to opening their mouths.

Check out some of the many moving and humorous things they had to say!

Oscars Red Carpet: The Bleachers Have A VIP, Too

It takes persistence and a bit of luck to get to sit in the bleachers for the red carpet star-watching party on Oscar Sunday. One fan’s dedication has made her a VIP in her own right.

New Jersey To Jon Bon Jovi: You Give Us A Good Name

A note from New Jersey to Jon Bon Jovi: You may have been snubbed by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, but you’re still wanted in the Garden State.

Bon Jovi and 12 others — including NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and civil rights activist Paul Robeson — were named to the New Jersey Hall of Fame on Monday. The honor is meant to highlight positive contributions made to a state often stereotyped as a land of corrupt politicians, belching refineries and gangsters.

Jimmy Fallon Offers Sneak Peek At ‘Late Night’ Studio; Announces The Roots As House Band

In anticipation of his first show on March 2, 2009, Jimmy Fallon — via his first video blog – has unveiled his new studio, which is currently being built, and his band for NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”

Although there had been murmurs, it wasn’t until Monday night that Fallon officially announced that the Grammy winning hip-hop band, The Roots, will be the show’s house band, when the “SNL” alum takes over for Conan O’Brien in 2009.

Lewis Telethon Raises Record $65 Million For MDA

Jerry Lewis raised a record $65 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in his annual Labor Day telethon, a benefit that also made a pitch for those inconvenienced by Hurricane Gustav.

This year’s 22-hour telethon added a special plea for MDA-registered families forced to leave their homes because of the hurricane, which made landfall Monday in Louisiana. The storm affected nearly 5,000 MDA families needing services in their new location, the organization said.

Jerry Lewis Urges Telethon Viewers To Donate To Gustav Victims

As Hurricane Gustav approaches New Orleans, Jerry Lewis is using the 43rd Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon to help.

The comedian will encourage families registered with MDA and being evacuated from their homes due to Gustav to seek out MDA services wherever they end up. MDA has almost 5,000 registered families in the affected areas.

Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell To Co-Host 43rd Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon

The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon will return for its 43rd year on Sunday, with longtime hosts of the marathon fundraiser like Ed McMahon joined by newer participants including Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell.

A first-time co-host of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s event, Nancy joined MDA’s efforts to find treatments and a cure for ALS after her mother, Betty, was diagnosed with the disease in November.