Stand-up comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star, Richard Lewis, passed away at the age of 76. The news of his death was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham, who stated that Lewis died peacefully in his Los Angeles home after suffering a heart attack. Lewis had announced last April that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would be retiring from stand-up comedy.
Lewis rose to prominence in the 1980s with his self-deprecating humor and became well-known for his neurotic and hypochondriac persona. He gained widespread recognition through his role alongside Larry David in the hit HBO show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he played a semi-fictionalized version of himself. Lewis had most recently appeared in Season 12 of the show, which is currently airing on HBO. The network expressed its sadness over his passing, describing him as a comedic genius with unmatched talent.
In a statement shared by Lewis’ publicist, his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, expressed her gratitude for the love, friendship, and support they had received and requested privacy during this difficult time. Larry David, Lewis’ co-star and longtime friend, also paid tribute to him, stating that they were born just three days apart in the same hospital and had been like brothers throughout their lives. David described Lewis as both the funniest person and the sweetest, but also mentioned how Lewis had made him sob with his passing.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, Lewis made a name for himself in the 1970s through performances in New York City clubs and appearances on late-night TV. His act, often dressed in black, revolved around his anxieties and hypochondria. He once humorously referred to himself as the “Descartes of anxiety; I panic, therefore I am.” Lewis was also open about his struggles with addiction and depression, having been sober for many years.
Lewis gained recognition from talk show hosts, particularly David Letterman and Jay Leno, and was considered one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time by Comedy Central. GQ Magazine also included him in its list of the 20th Century’s Most Influential Humorists. In addition to his stand-up career, Lewis made his acting debut in 1979 in the NBC special Diary of a Young Comic. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he starred in various TV shows, including the sitcom Anything but Love, where he played opposite Jamie Lee Curtis.
However, it was his role on Curb Your Enthusiasm that solidified Lewis’ place in television history. Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Lewis received critical acclaim for his performance. He had to take a break from starring in Season 11 of the show due to a series of surgeries, including back surgery, shoulder surgery, shoulder replacement surgery, and hip replacement surgery. Despite his health challenges, Lewis remained resilient and continued to entertain audiences with his unique brand of comedy.
News of Richard Lewis’ death sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow comedians and celebrities. Jon Stewart, Ringo Starr, Cheryl Hines, and Bill Burr were among those who shared their condolences and fond memories of Lewis. Jamie Lee Curtis, in particular, expressed her gratitude towards Lewis for helping her achieve sobriety, calling him “deep and so freaking funny.”
Richard Lewis leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a lasting impact on the world of comedy. His ability to find humor in his own struggles endeared him to audiences worldwide. As fans mourn his loss, they will forever remember him as a true original who fearlessly pushed boundaries and brought joy to countless lives through his comedic brilliance.
