CELEBRITY
Comedian Richard Lewis Dead At 76
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Comedian and actor Richard Lewis died Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home after having a heart attack. He was 76.
News of his death was shared by his publicist, Jeff Abraham, who said he passed away peacefully after suffering a heart attack.
His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time, Abraham said.
Lewis revealed in 2023 that he was living with Parkinson’s disease, after being diagnosed in 2021. He retired from comedy after the diagnosis.
The longtime standup comedian was known for his self-deprecating humor and was a regular fixture on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Show.
He’s had numerous roles in television and film over the decades, starting with his 1979 acting debut Diary of a Young Comic. He starred alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the sitcom Anything but Love from 1989 to 1992, and in the 1993 film Robin Hood: Men in Tights and the 1995 film Leaving Las Vegas.
In the 21st century, he became known for his 20-year guest role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, in which he played a version of himself, as one of Larry David’s closest friends. The pair had actually known each other since childhood in New York.
Even after stepping away from his work due to his health, he still made appearances in the last two seasons of the show.
After returning to the series in 2021, Lewis told Variety he was overwhelmed with joy.
Ive devoted my life to comedy and my sobriety the last almost 27 years. Im overwhelmed with joy right now. I never learned how to keep joy in my head for more than a minute, but Im breaking all records for my life today.”
Lewis was often candid about his addictions, and depression, titling his 2020 memoir The Other Great Depression.
No, I’m not a very happy man, Lewis told the Washington Post in a 2020 interview.
I’m thrilled to be alive. I’m grateful for who’s in my life. I’ve got great friends, a great wife, a dog, and I have a great career, he said. But there’s just a part of me that’s always going to be never totally happy.
“We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away, HBO said in a statement. 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.”
TMX contributed to this article.
