Jerry Lewis cracks up Hollywood handprint event

On a day he was immortalized in Hollywood cement, 88-year-old Jerry Lewis proved he still has the comic golden touch.

The legendary actor/director/producer turned his hand-and-footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater into a comic showcase on Saturday morning.

He took his own pictures of the assembled guests from the stage, made funny faces, led the crowd in an impromptu version of Silent Night, cracked jokes and even bit Quentin Tarantino in the hand — prompting the fellow director to exclaim happily, "I just got bitten by Jerry Lewis."

Lewis said that the honor was "incredible," especially as it came in a rare public event with his daughter Danielle, whom he adopted in 1992. But he never let his naughty sense of humor rest during the time honored ceremony.

After signing his name, and leaving his handprints, Lewis needed assistance placing his feet in the cement area. But as he was helped away, he cracked, "I was going to make another imprint here, but they said that would not be good."

Most of Lewis' mock-ire was directed at the pool of photographers who kept asking him to move into different positions. Lewis asked for his own camera so that he could direct the photographers right back and they could learn how it felt.

Tarantino, a Hollywood personality not known for his early-morning appearances, introduced Lewis from the stage. Tarantino talked about the impact that Lewis had on his life as a schoolboy.

"I really think this man is a treasure," said Tarantino. "He is one of the great actors/directors in the history of cinema."

The handprint ceremony was part of the "Turner Classic Movie Classic Film Festival." The festival, which comes at the 20th anniversary of TCM, featured Mel Brooks introducing Blazing Saddles on Friday night.

Lewis left the handprint ceremony to introduce a special screening of his classic The Nutty Professor. As he departed, Lewis smiled and waved to the audience.

"It was wonderful to see all of you," Lewis smiled. "I'll see you all later."