Richard Lewis, beloved stand-up comedian and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ co-star, died on Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home due to a heart attack. The news of his demise was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham, in a statement. Richard Lewis age was 76.
“He died peacefully in his home in Los Angeles Tuesday night”, Abraham said in a statement. He added that Joyce Lapinsky, Richard Lewis’ wife, “thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time”. Richard Lewis’ cause of death was confirmed as ‘Cardiac Arrest’.
Lewis revealed in April, 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would retire from stand-up comedy. Recently he participated in Season 12 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” currently airing on HBO.
Lewis was best known for his self-deprecating humor and rose to prominence in the 1980s.
In a career spanning over two decades on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Richard Lewis, portraying a semi-fictionalized version of himself, became renowned for his neurotic and self-deprecating brand of comedy. His journey in screen acting commenced with the 1979 film “Diary of a Young Comic,” propelling him to fame through appearances on iconic shows like “The Tonight Show” and the “Late Show With David Letterman” during the 1980s and ’90s. Lewis captivated audiences with his darkly humorous yet energetically animated persona in his 1985 Showtime comedy special “I’m in Pain,” followed by HBO specials such as “I’m Exhausted” (1988), “I’m Doomed” (1990), and “Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour” (1997).
In 1989, Richard Lewis secured a prominent role in the ABC sitcom “Anything but Love,” where he shared the screen with Jamie Lee Curtis as colleagues at a Chicago magazine navigating the complexities of workplace romance. The show, spanning 56 episodes over four seasons, came to an end in 1992. Throughout the 1990s, Lewis continued to grace the small screen with roles in other sitcoms like the short-lived “Daddy Dearest,” alongside Don Rickles, and “Hiller and Diller,” which starred Kevin Nealon.
Richard Lewis left his mark on the silver screen with notable roles in various films. His credits include the 1993 comedy “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” the 1995 drama “Leaving Las Vegas,” and the 1997 romantic comedy “Hugo Pool.” In the ensemble drama “Drunks,” alongside esteemed actors like Faye Dunaway, George Martin, Parker Posey, Howard Rollins, Spalding Gray, and Dianne Wiest, Lewis portrayed a character of a struggling alcoholic and drug addict.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and brought up in Englewood, New Jersey, Richard Lewis initiated his journey into stand-up comedy in the early 1970s in New York City, sharing stages with comedy luminaries like Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer, and Elayne Boosler. It was comedian David Brenner who recognized Lewis’s talent and set him on the path to a successful career in comedy. Known as a comic’s comic, Lewis made his first appearance in 1974 on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” He, however, became a staple of the late-night comedy scene.
Over the course of his career, the comedian has openly shared his personal journey grappling with drug and alcohol addiction, incorporating his experiences of recovery, depression, and anxiety into his comedy. Richard Lewis, who once struggled with cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, has spoken candidly about his decision to embrace sobriety, citing the tragic passing of actor John Candy in 1994 as a pivotal moment that influenced his choice.
In 2021, upon returning to “Curb Your Enthusiasm” after various health struggles, Lewis said in a statement, “I’ve devoted my life to comedy and my sobriety for the last almost 27 years. I’m overwhelmed with joy right now. I never learned how to keep joy in my head for more than a minute, but I’m breaking all records for my life today.”
Arguably best known for his role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, Lewis just recently shared that the decision to play himself on the hit series was creator David’s idea.
Lewis and David’s relationship extended beyond the screen, having been in each other’s lives since their 20s. Their longstanding connection served as the catalyst for David inviting Lewis to join the cast of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” highlighting the depth of their personal and professional relationship.
In a statement shared with US media by HBO, David said of his longtime co-star and friend, “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. 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.”
HBO added in a statement, “We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ families, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.”