Richard Lewis, beloved comedian and star of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” passed away at the age of 76. The official cause of his death has been confirmed as cardiopulmonary arrest, also known as cardiac or circulatory arrest. Lewis died at his home in Los Angeles on February 27 at 9:22 p.m., according to his death certificate obtained by The Blast.
The document also notes Parkinson’s disease as a secondary cause of death. Lewis had announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis in April of last year, along with his decision to retire from stand-up comedy. Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and can lead to stiffness and slowing of movement, as explained by The Mayo Clinic.
Born in Brooklyn in 1947, Richard Lewis rose to fame in the early 1970s with his neurotic and self-deprecating style of comedy. He often touched on personal subjects such as his struggles with alcohol abuse and mental health. By 1975, Lewis was recognized as part of the “new breed” of comedians, alongside Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Andy Kaufman, according to publications like the Daily News.
In his later years, Lewis became known to younger generations for his recurring role on the hit HBO sitcom “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” In the show, he played a semi-fictionalized and exaggerated version of himself, alongside his lifelong friend Larry David. Lewis appeared in over 40 episodes of the series spanning 24 years, including the pilot episode in 2000.
Larry David, who stars in and created “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” released a heartfelt tribute to Lewis following his passing. David described Lewis as a brother and praised his unique combination of being both the funniest person and the sweetest. The loss of Lewis brought David to tears, but he expressed gratitude for their lifelong friendship.
Aside from his successful career in comedy, Richard Lewis was also known for his dedication to helping others overcome addiction. He openly shared his own 30-year sobriety journey and was praised for his tireless efforts in supporting others on their path to recovery. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis took to Instagram to honor Lewis, stating that he helped people laugh and heal through his unwavering belief in sobriety. She expressed that while the laughs may stop, the healing never does, thanks to the power of recovery and fellowship.
Richard Lewis is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, whom he married in 2005. His passing leaves a void in the comedy world, but his legacy as a talented comedian and compassionate individual will continue to inspire and bring joy to many.