Richard Lewis, the beloved actor and comedian, passed away at the age of 76 due to a heart attack. The news of his death was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham.
Table of Contents
Comedian and Actor Richard Lewis Dies Of Heart Attack
The world of comedy mourns the loss of a true icon today as America’s most revered comedian, Richard Lewis, died due to a heart attack. He was 76. Lewis was known for his role in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where he played a fictionalized version of himself. His self-deprecating humour and satire entertained his fans and viewers for decades.
The tragic news of the actor’s death was confirmed by his publicist and his wife, Joyce Lapinsky.
The statement confirmed, “Comedian/Actor Richard Lewis passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack.”
His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, expressed her gratitude for the love and support she received.
HBO, where Lewis was a member of the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” family, expressed their condolences. Bette Midler, Mark Hamill, and other celebrities also mourned Lewis’ death on social media.
“We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis 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,” the statement read.
Touching Tributes from Larry David, Cheryl Hines, and Jamie Lee Curtis
Richard Lewis and Larry David shared a deep and meaningful relationship both on and off-screen. As co-stars on the hit show “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” their bond extended beyond the camera. David shared his grief, saying, “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.”
Cheryl Hines, who starred alongside Lewis in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” also paid tribute, saying, “He would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him – especially in recent years.” Hines described Lewis as not only the funniest person on stage but also one of the most loving individuals she knew.
Jamie Lee Curtis, another close friend and co-star of Richard Lewis, penned a heartfelt tribute to the late actor. Cutis, 65, took to Instagram and said, “I’ve just read that my friend Richard Lewis has died. I remember exactly where I was when I saw a billboard of him about a stand-up special on Sunset Boulevard when we were casting the ABC pilot Anything But Love and asked the casting people to bring him in to audition to play my best friend/maybe boyfriend, Marty Gold.”
Curtis described Lewis as “handsome” and noted how he made her laugh, a quality she valued greatly. She reminisced about the audition process, highlighting Lewis’ comedic talent and the chemistry they shared on screen.
All About Richard Lewis’s Legacy
Lewis was born in Brooklyn, New York, and began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s. He quickly became known for his observational humour and his ability to make people laugh.
He appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Seinfeld,” and “The Simpsons.” He also had a successful career as a stand-up comedian, performing in clubs and theatres around the world.
Throughout his career, Lewis battled multiple health issues. In 1994, he nearly died from alcoholism but managed to turn his life around and celebrate 27 years of sobriety in 2021. He underwent multiple surgeries, including procedures on his back, rotator cuff, shoulder replacement, and hip replacement.
In April 2023, Lewis publicly revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which he had been fighting with the support of his loved ones.
Despite his health challenges, Lewis maintained a positive attitude and continued to entertain audiences. In one of his final interviews less than three weeks before his passing, he shared that he was “doing quite well” despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis.