Comic Richard Lewis, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ actor, dead at 76
Richard Lewis: The comic, who played a fictionalized version of himself on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," died on Feb. 27. He was 76. (Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Richard Lewis, a beloved stand-up comic who played a fictionalized version of himself on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” died Tuesday. He was 76.
Lewis’ death was confirmed by Variety, Deadline and The Associated Press. He died at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack, his publicist Jeff Abraham, told the AP.
“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Abraham said in a statement, according to Deadline.
He most recently appeared in Season 12 of Larry David’s show, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Variety reported.
Lewis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021, according to The New York Times.
Known for his dark clothes and equally dark humor, Lewis got his start as a standup in New York and Los Angeles during the 1970s, Deadline reported. He was a favorite on late-night talk shows and was a frequent guest of Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show,” according to the entertainment news website.
He also was a staple on talk shows hosted on television by David Letterman and Jay Leno and on radio by Howard Stern, Deadline reported.
Lewis also played Marty Gold on the 1989 television series “Anything But Love” and played Prince John in “Robin Hood: Men In Tights,” according to the AP.
Lewis made his acting debut in the 1979 special, “Diary of a Young Comic,” Deadline reported.
Lewis announced in 2021 that he would not appear in Season 11 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” so he could recover from three surgeries, Variety reported. He made a surprise appearance in one episode.
“When I walked in and they applauded, I felt like a million bucks,” Lewis told Variety at the time. “Larry doesn’t like to hug, and he hugged me and told me how happy he was after we shot our scene.”
Lewis was cast in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in 2000 by David, his childhood friend, according to Deadline. The two met at a summer camp when they were 12 years old.
In a statement, David mourned the loss of his friend, “Today” reported.
“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 said. “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.”
Lewis showcased his persona in his 1985 Showtime comedy special, “I’m in Pain,” according to Variety. He followed it up with three HBO comedy specials: “I’m Exhausted” (1988), “I’m Doomed” (1990) and “Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour” (1997).
Comedy Central dubbed Lewis as one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time, the AP reported. He was also included in GQ magazine’s list of the “20th Century’s Most Influential Humorists.”
Lewis had a long battle with substance abuse and admitted he was high when he performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1989, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Lewis was rushed to a hospital two years later after mixing drugs and alcohol, and the experience forced him to become sober, the entertainment news website reported.
In a statement, HBO said the network was “heartbroken” to hear of Lewis’ death.
“We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away,” the statement read, according to “Today.” “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.”
Hollywood celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Cheryl Hines, Mark Hamill, Tim Allen, Adam Carolla and Jeff Ross, paid tribute to Lewis on social media.
Richard Lewis through the years LAS VEGAS - JULY 27: Comedian/actor Richard Lewis hosts the Video Software Dealers Association's award show at the organization's annual home video convention at the Bellagio July 27, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Comedian Richard Lewis attends the Launch of ELLE Magazines Premiere Green Issue at the Pacific Deisgn Center on April 11, 2006 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images) (Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES - APRIL 11: Comedians Larry David (L) and Richard Lewis attend the Launch of ELLE Magazines Premiere Green Issue at the Pacific Design Center on April 11, 2006 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images) (Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 9: Actor Richard Lewis attends ATAS Presents An Evening With "Curb Your Enthusiasm" at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Theatre on November 9, 2005 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images) (Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 6: Comedian Richard Lewis arrives at "Turn Up The Heat-Fight Global Warming", a benefit to help the Natural Resources Defense Council, featuring a concert performance by the Rolling Stones at the Staples Center on February 6, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 10: Actors Richard Lewis (L) and Patrick Stewart attend the STARZ' "Blunt Talk" series premiere on August 10, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for STARZ) (Michael Kovac)
Richard Lewis through the years BEVERLY HILLS - NOVEMBER 24: Comedian Richard Lewis attends the Annual Norby Walters Holliday Party at the Friars Club on November 24, 2002 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years 399244 68: Actor Richard Lewis and date attend the American Film Institutes AFI Awards 2001 at the Beverly Hills Hotel January 5, 2002 in Beverly Hills, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) (Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 16: Actor/comedian Richard Lewis (left) and actress Jennifer Love Hewitt (right) arrive at the Tourette Syndrome Association Champion Of Children Award at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on February 16, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) (Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Richard Lewis (L) and Joyce Lapinsky attend HBO's Post Emmy Awards Reception at the Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images) (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 31: Comedian Richard Lewis attends Soho Rep's 2014 Spring Fete at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on March 31, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images) (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 06: Actor/comedian Richard Lewis and Larry David attend the 41st AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Mel Brooks after party at Dolby Theatre on June 6, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Special Broadcast will air Saturday, June 15 at 9:00 P.M. ET/PT on TNT and Wednesday, July 24 on TCM as part of an All-Night Tribute to Brooks. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Actors J.B Smoove and Richard Lewis arrive at HBO's "Curb your Enthusiasm" Season 7 on September 15, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images) (Valerie Macon/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 14: Comedian Richard Lewis attends the 27th annual PaleyFest Presents "Curb Your Enthusiasm" event at the Saban Theatre on March 14, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Actor Richard Lewis poses at the Comedy to Benefit The IMF's Peter Boyle Fund held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater and Club on November 10, 2007 in Los Angeles California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images) (Mark Davis/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 30: Actor Richard Lewis attends the private opening of Dennis Hopper's "A Survey" exhibit held at ACE Gallery on March 30, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images) (Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 06: Actor/comedian Richard Lewis attends AFI's 41st Life Achievement Award Tribute to Mel Brooks at Dolby Theatre on June 6, 2013 in Hollywood, California. 23647_006_JK_0006.JPG (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for AFI) (Jason Kempin/Getty Images for AFI)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES - JULY 20: Comedians Billy Crystal (left) and Richard Lewis arrive for the Premiere of HBO's Documentary "My Uncle Berns" on July 20, 2004 at the Museum of Tolerance, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images) (Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 10: Actor Richard Lewis attends the STARZ' "Blunt Talk" series premiere on August 10, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for STARZ) (Michael Kovac)
Richard Lewis through the years NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 06: Comedian Richard Lewis attends "From Stand-up to Sitcom" presented by the Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre on October 6, 2008 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images) (Charley Gallay/Getty Images)