Renowned comedian and actor Richard Lewis, celebrated for his self-deprecating humor and sharp wit in iconic shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Anything but Love,” passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham. He peacefully succumbed to a heart attack at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday night. In April 2023, Lewis had revealed his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Lewis, often hailed as a comic’s comic, made his mark with a debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1974, becoming a fixture in the late-night comedy scene. He portrayed a fictionalized version of himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” alongside his longtime friend Larry David, delivering humor that resonated with audiences.
As his career flourished with cable specials in the 1980s, Lewis transitioned seamlessly into acting. He starred in the sitcom “Anything but Love” opposite Jamie Lee Curtis, played Prince John in Mel Brooks’ “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” and explored drama with a gripping role as a struggling alcoholic in the 1995 film “Drunks.”
HBO, where Lewis left an indelible mark, expressed condolences, recognizing his unmatched comedic brilliance. The spokesperson mentioned Lewis as a cherished member of the HBO and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ families.
Best known for his role on “Curb,” Lewis recently shared in an interview with Vanity Fair that playing himself on the series was David’s unique idea. He emphasized the special nature of being himself in a scene where others portrayed different characters.
Lewis and David’s friendship, dating back to their 20s, extended beyond the screen. David, in a statement, expressed the deep impact of Lewis’s death, describing him as a brother. Lewis’s death brought David to tears, a testament to their enduring friendship.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, Lewis attended Ohio State University and began his stand-up career, sharing candidly about his battles with alcoholism and addiction. He maintained sobriety since 1994, a journey that profoundly influenced his comedic career.
Lewis retired from stand-up in 2018 after a 50-year career, with his final performance at Chicago’s Zanies. He transformed personal struggles into comedic gold, turning neuroses into the focus of his act. Despite a perpetually unsatisfied aspect, Lewis expressed gratitude for his life, friends, wife Joyce Lapinsky, and his canine companion.
Joyce Lapinsky, Lewis’s wife, conveyed her appreciation for the love and support, urging privacy during this time of mourning. Richard Lewis’s impact on comedy and entertainment will be remembered fondly
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