Jerry Lewis Cancels Australia Show Due To Health

First Published: June 24, 2011 1:47 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images

SYDNEY, Australia -- Caption Jerry Lewis jokes around during the 44th annual Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the South Point Hotel & Casino September 6, 2009 in Las Vegas, NevadaJerry Lewis has canceled a show in Australia due to poor health.

The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia said the comedian’s show Friday night in Sydney had been sold out.

Foundation CEO David Jack apologized in a statement, saying the 85-year-old was “not well enough to take the stage.” It didn’t give details.

Lewis was touring the country to raise funds for the Australian foundation. The statement said he arrived in Australia on Monday and had performed Wednesday in Brisbane.

He has in recent years battled a debilitating back condition, heart issues and pulmonary fibrosis.

Lewis is the longtime chairman of the U.S. Muscular Dystrophy Association. He announced last month he was retiring as host of its Labor Day telethon that is synonymous with him.

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