We bid farewell to a comedy legend as Richard Lewis, famous for his roles in the hit show “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and his stand-up comedy, has passed away at the age of 76. Lewis battled Parkinson’s disease for a long time, and his passing was confirmed by fellow entertainer Bette Midler, who took to social media to share the sad news.
Survived by his wife Joyce Lapinsky, Lewis leaves behind a lasting legacy of laughter and entertainment that has spanned decades. His contributions as an actor, writer, and comedian in Hollywood have endeared him to fans around the world. Variety has confirmed that his passing was due to a heart attack. His publicist, Jeff Abraham, shared a statement with Deadline expressing Lapinsky’s gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, and has requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Larry David, creator of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and a close friend of Lewis, has paid tribute to him in a heartfelt statement, reminiscing about their lifelong bond. David highlighted Lewis’s unique blend of humor and kindness, emphasizing their deep connection that goes way back to their birth, just three days apart in the same hospital.
This news comes not long after an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” where Lewis humorously joked about his own mortality and will. David had previously hinted at Lewis’s health struggles, expressing sadness that his friend couldn’t attend the season 10 premiere earlier in the year. In response, Lewis expressed his regret at missing the event while expressing his gratitude to HBO and David for making his dreams come true.
In his final social media post, Lewis expressed his admiration for “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” showcasing his enjoyment of a recent episode. Born just three days apart from Larry David in 1947 in Brooklyn, New York, Lewis shared a special connection with his longtime collaborator.
Throughout his career, Lewis showcased his comedic talent in various roles, including his recurring portrayal of a fictionalized version of himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He also appeared in films such as “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” and TV shows like “Daddy Dearest” and “Anything But Love,” where he starred alongside Jamie Lee Curtis.
Starting his comedy career in the late 1970s in New York and Los Angeles, Lewis quickly became a favorite on late-night TV, making memorable appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” His stand-up specials, with titles like “I’m In Pain,” “I’m Exhausted,” and “Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour,” solidified his reputation as one of the best comedians in the industry.
Lewis’s impact on the comedy world earned him recognition as one of Comedy Central’s top 50 stand-up comedians of all time. Additionally, GQ magazine named him one of the 20th Century’s Most Influential Humorists. Described by the Los Angeles Times as a performer whose comedy felt like a “very funny and often dark therapy session,” Lewis’s unique humor resonated with audiences worldwide.
In addition to his comedic prowess, Lewis’s personal journey to sobriety in 1994 served as an inspiration to many. Celebrating nearly three decades of sobriety in August, Lewis shared his milestone with pride, highlighting his resilience and determination.
As fans mourn the loss of this comedic icon, Richard Lewis’s legacy lives on through his timeless humor and unforgettable performances. He will forever be remembered as “The Prince of Pain” in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
