Legendary stand-up comedian Richard Lewis, also known for his work on the hit HBO show “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died after suffering a heart attack. He was 76.
Variety magazine confirmed Lewis’ death on Wednesday following a post on X from superstar actress Bette Midler who wrote, “On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died.”
Richard Lewis, the stand-up comedian who also starred alongside Larry David in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died. He was 76.
Lewis announced last April he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from stand-up comedy.https://t.co/1xbj0xVNRM pic.twitter.com/NmraFADzDr
— Variety (@Variety) February 28, 2024
Shortly after the outlet’s report, People magazine shared a statement from Lewis’ rep Jeff Abraham that “Comedian/Actor Richard Lewis passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles last night after suffering a heart attack.”
“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” the statement added.
HBO also reacted to the news and shared in a statement, “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,” the statement added.
Last April, Lewis announced that he was retiring from stand-up comedy and had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, as previously reported.
“For the last three-and-a-half years, I’ve had sort of a rocky time,” Lewis said in a video he posted on social media at the time.
The “CYE” actor said he “started walking a little stiffly” and “shuffling” his feet about two years ago.
“I went to a neurologist and they gave me a brain scan and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and that was about two years ago,” he said. “But luckily I got it late in life and they say you progress very slowly if at all and I’m on the right meds so I’m cool.”
Lewis said he felt it was important to update fans who had been asking why he hadn’t been posting recently and whether he was still touring.
“I just wanted to let you know that’s where it’s been at,” the comedian said at the end of the video. “I’m just focusing on writing and acting. I have Parkinson’s disease but I’m under a doctor’s care and everything is cool. 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. God bless you.”
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Lewis became famous as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s, gaining a reputation for dark and self-deprecating humor. He is known for co-starring alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the sitcom “Anything but Love” and for his role in the comedy “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” The comedian plays a fictionalized version of himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Lewis is survived by his wife Joyce, whom he married in 2005. The comedian did not have any children.
Amanda Harding contributed to this piece.