Jerry Lee Lewis not dead following 'bullsh-t anonymous tip'

TMZ erroneously reported he died in his Memphis, Tenn., home.

Published: October 26, 2022 5:49pm

Updated: October 26, 2022 9:55pm

Grammy Award-winning rock and roll musician Jerry Lee Lewis is still alive despite reports that he had died at the age of 87.

TMZ initially reported that Lewis had died in his Memphis, Tenn., home on Wednesday, though the outlet later retracted the story it wrote based off an erroneous tip, per the New York Post.

"He's alive. TMZ reported erroneously off of a bulls–t anonymous tip," Lewis's representative told the Post.

Lewis, known for his 1957 smash hits "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Among his other hits were 1958's "Breathless" and "High School Confidential."

He was portrayed by Dennis Quaid in the 1989 film "Great Balls of Fire!"

False reports of Lewis's death follow a similar situation in July during which outlets prematurely reported the death of "Leave It to Beaver" actor Tony Dow following an errant announcement from his family that he had passed. He died the following day.

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