Renowned comedian Richard Lewis passed away at the age of 76 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and wit.
Lewis, also known for his roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, retired from stand-up last after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
According to Deadline, his death was confirmed by publicist Jeff Abraham: “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Abraham said in a statement.
Lewis rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s and 80s. He was known for his neurotic and self-deprecating humor, and for his frank discussions about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction.
Bette Midler was among the first to share the news of Lewis’ passing, taking to X to express her sorrow: “On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died.”
Variety confirmed Lewis’ death, revealing it had been a heart attack.
Larry David, Lewis’ longtime friend and co-star on Curb Your Enthusiasm, paid tribute to him in a statement obtained by USA Today. “Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me,” David said in the statement. “He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him.”
The timing of Lewis’ death, just a week after an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm aired featuring his jokes about death and wills, added another layer to the loss. David had previously expressed sadness over Lewis’ absence at the season 10 premiere of the show, hinting at his friend’s health struggles.
Born just days apart from Larry David in Brooklyn in 1947, Lewis enjoyed a prolific career in television and film. He delighted audiences with his portrayal of a fictionalized version of himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm and graced screens in movies like Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Daddy Dearest.
Lewis’s journey in comedy began in New York and Los Angeles in the late 1970s, quickly earning him a spot on late-night TV shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lewis’ personal journey was marked by triumphs and challenges. He achieved sobriety in 1994 after battling substance abuse.
In recent years, Lewis faced health setbacks, culminating in his retirement from stand-up comedy due to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Despite the challenges, he remained resilient, finding joy in his enduring passion for comedy.
Richard Lewis leaves behind a legacy of laughter and warmth, forever cherished by his family, friends, and countless fans whose days he brightened with his humor.