Richard Lewis, the iconic stand-up comedian and co-star of the hit series Curb Your Enthusiasm, has passed away at the age of 76.
According to his publicist, Jeff Abraham, Lewis peacefully departed in his Los Angeles home on Tuesday night following a heart attack.
Last April, Lewis had revealed his battle with Parkinson’s disease and his decision to retire from stand-up comedy.
Famous for his self-deprecating humor, Lewis gained fame in the 1980s and became a fixture in the entertainment industry.
For years, he shared the screen with Larry David in the acclaimed HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, portraying a semi-fictionalized version of himself.
His presence was notable in the ongoing Season 12 of the show, currently airing on HBO. The network expressed profound sadness at the news of his passing, highlighting Lewis’s unmatched comedic brilliance.
Joyce Lapinsky, Lewis’s wife, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Larry David, Lewis’s longtime friend and co-star, shared a heartfelt tribute, reminiscing about their deep bond and Lewis’s unique blend of humor and kindness.
Lewis, a Brooklyn native raised in New Jersey, made a name for himself in the 1970s comedy scene of New York City and late-night television.
Fond Farewell: Remembering Richard Lewis
Known affectionately as “The Prince of Pain,” Lewis’s comedy often revolved around his own neuroses and hypochondria. He famously quipped about being the “Descartes of anxiety.”
Despite his struggles with addiction and depression, Lewis remained sober for decades, earning praise from peers and critics alike.
His acting career took off in the late 1970s, notably with his debut in the NBC special Diary of a Young Comic, followed by numerous TV appearances throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
However, it was his role on Curb Your Enthusiasm that solidified his place in pop culture. Premiering in 2000, Lewis’s portrayal of himself garnered widespread acclaim.
Health issues forced Lewis to step back during Season 11, revealing his diagnosis and the string of surgeries he endured.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow comedians, actors, and fans, all celebrating his unique talent and profound impact on comedy.
Jamie Lee Curtis, his co-star on Anything but Love, credited Lewis for his support in her journey to sobriety, expressing eternal gratitude for his kindness.
Bill Burr, another prominent comedian, hailed Lewis as a “true original,” highlighting his fearless approach to comedy and unwavering authenticity.
Richard Lewis leaves behind a legacy of laughter and warmth, remembered fondly by those whose lives he touched with his unparalleled humor and humanity.
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