Richard Lewis, the beloved comedian known for his roles in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and his stand-up comedy, has passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The news was confirmed by fellow entertainer Bette Midler, who took to social media to express her sorrow, writing, “On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died.”
Lewis, survived by his wife Joyce Lapinsky, leaves behind a legacy of laughter and entertainment spanning decades. His career in Hollywood as an actor, writer, and comedian earned him a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Variety confirmed his passing, attributing it to a heart attack. His publicist, Jeff Abraham, shared a statement with Deadline, conveying Lapinsky’s gratitude for the outpouring of love and support and requesting privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Larry David, creator of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and a close friend of Lewis, paid tribute to him in a heartfelt statement, reminiscing about their lifelong bond. “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,” David expressed, highlighting Lewis’s unique blend of humor and kindness.
Lewis’s passing comes shortly after an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” featured him joking 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, emphasizing his gratitude to HBO and David for making dreams come true.
In his final social media post, Lewis expressed his admiration for “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” indicating 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,” opposite 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, with memorable appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” His stand-up specials, including “I’m In Pain,” “I’m Exhausted,” and “Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour,” solidified his reputation as a top comedian.
Lewis’s impact on the comedy world earned him recognition as one of Comedy Central’s top 50 stand-up comedians of all time and a place on GQ magazine’s list of 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 humor resonated with audiences worldwide.
In addition to his comedic prowess, Lewis’s 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 a comedic icon, Richard Lewis’s legacy lives on through his timeless humor and unforgettable performances, ensuring that he will always be remembered as “The Prince of Pain” in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.