Kevin Hart is set to host the relaunch of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Telethon long run by the late comedian and actor Jerry Lewis as the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. The MDA announced the news Wednesday. Along with Hart as the new face, the event name will change to MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon.

A significant change will be the telethon’s running time from an all-night event to a streaming broadcast of two-hours. The original telecast became a staple Labor Day tradition, but Hart’s relaunch will “air globally on Saturday, October 24 at 8 PM ET, and with streaming, partners to be announced.”

“This is an incredible opportunity to bring the work of Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association forward,” Hart said. “I’m honored to collaborate with MDA and my organization, to educate and entertain the public about the need to support people with disabilities and disadvantages, because we are all in this together. I can’t wait to have an incredible night for two critically important causes that are in urgent need of funding and hope.”

Among the celebrity guests slated to join Hart are Jack Black, Usain Bolt, Josh Gad, Michael B. Jordan, Eva Longoria, Jullian Mercado, etc.

Jerry Lewis brought the MDA to television screens from the 1960s to 2010 to bring awareness to the public to help support people with disabilities, and now Hart “will raise funds for the MDA and Hart’s Help From the Hart Charity.”

By BSM Team

Photo credit: Getty Images