Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis' representatives have dismissed reports the veteran comic is ill after he took a tumble at the Cannes Film Festival in France on Friday (15May09).

Lewis, 83, is in France to promote his new independent movie Max Rose.

He arrived at the festival in a wheelchair, looking frail, and left organisers and aides concerned when he stumbled and fell on the red carpet.

But Lewis' publicists insist he just tripped, adding, "Stories of a collapse are completely erroneous. Jerry is in good health and spirits in Cannes."

Lewis has struggled with poor health for many years - he was almost paralysed following a fall during a Las Vegas show in the early 1960s.

He has battled prostate cancer, diabetes, and pulmonary fibrosis, and has had two heart attacks - the latest in 2006.

He also suffered from viral meningitis a decade ago.