Los Angeles  - Legendary US comedian Jerry Lewis, 82, is to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Oscar ceremony in February 2009.

Actor, director, writer and producer Lewis will receive the award at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony on February 22, Sid Ganis, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday.

The award is an actual Oscar statuette, and is given to a person whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the film industry. Lewis has never been nominated for an Academy Award.

"Jerry is a legendary comedian who has not only brought laughter to millions around the world but has also helped thousands upon thousands by raising funds and awareness for those suffering from muscular dystrophy," Ganis said.

Since the 1950s, Lewis has made televised appeals for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Last year, his annual telethon raised 64 million for muscular dystrophy. He has raised billions of dollars for charity since the telethon started in 1966.

Born in 1926 in Newark, New Jersey, Lewis first became famous for his nightclub act with Dean Martin. They went on to star in 16 films together until 1956.

Lewis' hit films include The Bellboy, The Ladies' Man, The Nutty Professor and The King of Comedy. (dpa)