Richard Lewis, the legendary stand-up comedian who also starred alongside Larry David on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died. He was 76.
According to his publicist, Jeff Abraham of Jonas Public Relations, Lewis died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack.
Abraham stated, “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time.”
He noted that Lewis announced he was living with Parkinson’s disease in April 2023, and can currently be seen co-starring in the final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on HBO with creator and star Larry David.
Richard Lewis, the legendary stand-up comedian who also starred alongside Larry David on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died. He was 76. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
David, in a statement via an HBO spokesperson, expressed his sadness at the loss of his dear friend and co-star.
“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. He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him,” David said.
In a statement, Larry David, right, said, “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. He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him.” (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI)
Their “Curb” co-star Cheryl Hines also expressed her heartbreak over Lewis’ death.
“When I was young I had the biggest crush on Richard Lewis. He was the funniest person on stage and the most handsome comedian. Then when I was cast on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ I got to work with him and it was a dream come true,” Hines said in a statement.
CHERYL HINES ON ‘CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM’: IT’S ‘NOT TOO FAR OFF FROM REAL LIFE’
She continued, “Through the years I learned who Richard really was and the gifts he gave. Yes, he was the comedian I fell in love with, but he was also one of the most loving people I know. He would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him — especially in recent years. In between takes on ‘Curb,’ he would tell me how special I was to him and how much he loved me.”
Hines concluded, “To be loved by Richard Lewis. A true gift. I love you Richard.”
From left: Lewis and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” co-stars Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman. Hines said in a statement Lewis “would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him — especially in recent years. In between takes on ‘Curb,’ he would tell me how special I was to him and how much he loved me.” (Lee Celano/WireImage)
HBO also issued a statement, saying, “We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has 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.”
Lewis was born in New York City in 1947 and raised in New Jersey, the youngest of three children.
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His stand-up career took off in the 1970s and ’80s, and he earned the nickname “The Prince of Pain” for his melancholy topics and pouring his anguish and torment on stage.
Comedy Central named Lewis one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time, and he earned a place on GQ magazine’s list of the “20th Century’s Most Influential Humorists.” He also lent his humor for charity causes, including Comic Relief and Comedy Gives Back.
Lewis was known for his often melancholy stand-up comedy, earning the nickname “The Prince of Pain” in his early career. (Michael Schwartz/WireImage)
In 1989, he delivered a memorable performance at Carnegie Hall, appearing on stage with taped-together yellow legal pad papers for a two and a half hour set that led to two standing ovations.
The “Howard Stern” regular also produced comedy specials for HBO and Showtime, including “I’m in Pain,” “I’m Exhausted, I’m Doomed,” and “Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour.”
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In addition to stand-up, Lewis acted regularly. He co-starred on the ABC series “Anything But Love” with Jamie Lee Curtis, and appeared in films like Mel Brooks’ “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” as a deeply neurotic Prince John. Lewis also dabbled in dramatic roles, with a cameo in the Nicolas Cage drama “Leaving Las Vegas,” which led to his own indie film, “Drunks,” a picture that dealt with alcoholism.
Lewis was also open in his comedy about his addiction, alcohol and mental health struggles, something he detailed in his 2008 memoir “The Other Great Depression” and a follow-up, “Reflections From Hell: Richard Lewis’ Guide on How Not to Live,” released in 2015.
Lewis wrote two memoirs that dealt with his mental health and addiction struggles, as well as his comedic style. (Timothy Norris)
The comedian sought treatment in 1994 for drugs and alcohol after a cocaine overdose and had been sober since.
In 2000, Lewis joined the recurring cast of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” created and written by and starring his friend David. Lewis played a fictionalized version of himself across the show’s 12 seasons.
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Last year, Lewis confirmed he would appear in the show’s 12th season, after having had to miss out most of the previous season to recover from surgery, and had recently completed filming.
Lewis announced in 2023 that he was dealing with Parkinson’s disease and would be retiring from stand-up, though he would make an appearance in season 12 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” (Emily Berl for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
He also addressed his Parkinson’s diagnosis and decision to retire from stand-up on X, saying in a video, “I’m finished with stand-up, I’m focusing on writing and acting.”
Lewis added, “I have Parkinson’s disease, but I’m under a doctor’s care and everything is cool, and I love my wife, I love my little puppy dog, and I love all my friends and my fans, and now you know where it’s been at the last three and a half years.”
Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink and The Associated Press contributed to this report
