Ed McMahon will be joining Jerry Lewis once again in his role as Telethon Anchor.

Jerry Lewis, currently gearing up for his 34th stint as star of the MDA Telethon, which airs live for 21 1/2 hours starting at 9 p.m. EDT on Sept. 5, has racked up a remarkable series of achievements and honors over the years.

First and foremost, Lewis is an acclaimed film director and comedian, ranked with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and other cinema greats. He's an inspiration to a contemporary generation of comic stars ranging from Jim Carrey to Robin Williams.

On Sept. 11, shortly after the Telethon, Lewis will fly to Italy to receive the Venice International Film Festival's career Golden Lion Award as "an extraordinary example of the total filmmaker."

As young performers at New York's Paramount Theater and other legendary live venues, Lewis and longtime partner Dean Martin whipped up the kind of hysterical fan frenzy that's usually reserved for musical sensations such as Frank Sinatra or the Beatles. On this year's Telethon, Lewis will evoke treasured memories as he performs some of the classic bits that he's honed in his live solo appearances over the decades.

MUSIC, FILMS, BROADWAY

After Martin and Lewis split up in 1956, Lewis proved that, like his former partner, he could be a hit song stylist. His rendition of "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby" sold nearly 4 million copies.

Serious drama wasn't an area Lewis was initially associated with, but that perception changed in 1981 after his acclaimed performance in Martin Scorcese's "The King of Comedy."

Lewis was told early on by his performer father Danny Lewis that, no matter how many other triumphs he had, he wouldn't know the true meaning of success until he'd made it to Broadway. Lewis' father had played on the Great White Way a number of times, but for Lewis himself the goal seemed elusive.

Finally, in 1995, the right vehicle came along, a smash revival of "Damn Yankees" with Lewis right in his element as the infernal mischief-maker Max Applegate. One of the show's highlights was a dazzling routine with Lewis tossing around canes and one-liners at the same time and with equal aplomb.

Critics proclaimed Lewis' Broadway debut a triumph, and Lewis could honestly say that at last he knew what his dad was talking about.

Add to those achievements such honors as being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and being awarded the American Medical Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. Such accomplishments would seem to be enough for one lifetime, or maybe several. What more could a man want?

"I want to eradicate neuromuscular diseases, to remove them from the face of the Earth," Lewis says.

STRIVING FOR THE GOAL

Bill Maher, host of "Politically Incorrect," will be making his second consecutive Telethon appearance.

That goal has been a constant factor for most of Lewis' life, as evidenced by his longtime service as MDA's national chairman. The most intense period of Lewis' yearly involvement comes in the months just before the Telethon.

This year the mammoth production will originate live from CBS Television City in Hollywood and will include live satellite feeds and special segments from various locales. The Telethon is broadcast by nearly 200 local "Love Network" stations across the country. Check local listings for station and time.

Last year's Telethon raised a record $51.6 million in pledges and contributions, and reached an estimated 75 million viewers in the United States and Canada. In addition, the 1998 Telethon was viewed live on the World Wide Web by people in more than 60 countries.

STARS GALORE

Comedian Carrot Top, who was recently named an MDA national vice president, has become a regular on the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

Besides Lewis, one of the famous names most closely associated with the Telethon is Ed McMahon, serving once again as Telethon anchor.

National Telethon co-hosts Cynthia Garrett, Jann Carl and Walter Anderson will all be returning to contribute their talents and dedication to MDA's cause. They'll help introduce special guests ranging from entertainers to individuals affected by neuromuscular diseases to representatives of MDA national sponsors.

"In addition to a superlative production crew, it's so important to have a great team in front of the cameras," Lewis says. "I've lucked out, having incredible people like Ed, Cynthia, Jann and Walter to help me make this show happen. They're simply the best there is."

While the roster of performers will continue to grow right up to showtime, as of early August, those scheduled to appear included Brendan Fraser, Shania Twain, Sheryl Crow, Martin Short, Max Alexander, LeAnn Rimes, Maureen McGovern, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Norm Crosby, Lorna Luft, Bill Maher, Jean and Casey Kasem, Carrot Top, Pam Tillis, Cathy Rigby, Frank Sinatra Jr., Jason Alexander, Martha Stewart, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Charo, Bart Conner, Nadia Comaneci, Judge Judy, Alex Trebek, Rachel Barton, Bob Zany, Laura Dern, Dave Matthews and Diane Schuur.

MAKING IT THE BEST IT CAN BE

Jerry Lewis & Ed McMahon celebrate last year's record Telethon tote of $51.6 million in pledges and contributions.

Just as important to Lewis as the stars are the special video profiles spotlighting families fighting neuromuscular diseases. Each year, both children and adults affected by these disorders are highlighted on the show.

Also included are informative updates about advances made by MDA-funded researchers seeking ways to stop the muscular dystrophies and related disorders.

"I'm thrilled shaking hands with a researcher or with a corporate leader who's raising funds to help MDA," Lewis says. "These people are heroes to me."

Lewis doesn't stop to ponder the fact that many Americans think of him as a hero for his ceaseless dedication to MDA's cause. He's fully committed to making the 1999 broadcast the best and most successful yet.

"The MDA families are counting on us, looking to us for hope in their daily struggles against neuromuscular diseases," Lewis explains."That's all we need to know to motivate us to try and make it the best show it can possibly be."