Jerry Lewis home after rehab stint for steroid medication

Tuesday, January 27th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LAS VEGAS (AP) _ Comedian Jerry Lewis has returned home from a rehabilitation center several weeks early, after overcoming a steroid dependence and shedding more than 50 pounds, his publicist said Tuesday.

``He looks fabulous. His face is back to being the regular Jerry Lewis,'' said Candi Cazau, spokeswoman for Lewis and The Orleans hotel-casino in Las Vegas. ``When you see the before and after pictures, it's incredible.''

Lewis, who turns 78 in March, was focusing on a strict diet and exercise program and was planning a March 3 performance at The Orleans, Cazau said.

The comedian signed a 20-year contract with the off-Strip hotel-casino shortly before being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. He last appeared on stage at The Orleans in April 2001.

In September, Lewis appeared bloated and puffy during the 38th annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, which raised a record $60.5 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

He checked in Oct. 6 at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center for a managed withdrawal from prednisone, a steroid he was taking for the chronic lung ailment. He was discharged Jan. 16.

He still hopes to lose 20 more pounds, Cazau said.