The renowned stand-up comedian Richard Lewis, who costarred with Larry David on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has passed away. He was seventy-six. Lewis had a heart attack on Tuesday night and passed away quietly at home in Los Angeles, according to his publicist Jeff Abraham of Jonas Public Relations.
Abraham said, “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship, and support and asks for privacy at this time.” He mentioned that in April 2023, Lewis declared he had Parkinson’s illness. Lewis is presently costarring with creator and star Larry David in the HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” for its last season.
David released a statement through an HBO representative expressing his grief over the passing of his close friend and co-star. “I’ve thought of Richard as a brother for the majority of my life, even though we were born in the same hospital three days apart. He possessed that uncommon quality of being both the sweetest and the funniest person. But he made me cry today, and I’ll never be able to forgive him for that,” David remarked.
Lewis’s death also broke their “Curb” co-star Cheryl Hines’ heart. “I used to have the biggest crush on Richard Lewis when I was younger. He was the most attractive comedian and the funniest person on stage. Then, it was a dream come true for me to work with him on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Hines said in a statement.
She proceeded, “Over time, I gained insight into Richard’s true nature and the valuables he bestowed. He was not only the comedian with whom I fell in love, but also among the kindest individuals I am acquainted with. He made an effort to express his deepest gratitude to those he cared about, particularly in recent times. “Between renditions of ‘Curb,’ he would lavish me with compliments and declarations of his deep affection.”
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Hines reached the following conclusion: “To be cherished by Richard Lewis. A genuine gift. “I cherish you, Richard.”
HBO also released the following statement: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Richard Lewis. His talent, intellect, and comedic brilliance were unparalleled. Richard was an esteemed and indispensable member of the HBO and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ communities. Our sincere condolences are extended to his family, friends, and all the admirers who relied on him to bring joy and amusement to their days.
Achievements of Richard Lewis
Born in New York City in 1947, Lewis was the youngest of three children and was reared in New Jersey. During the 1970s and 1980s, his stand-up career flourished, and he gained the moniker “The Prince of Pain” due to his melancholic subject matter and his willingness to express his agony and suffering on stage.
Lewis was recognized by Comedy Central as one of the top 50 stand-up performers of all time and by GQ as one of the “Most Influential Humorists of the 20th Century.” Charitable organizations that benefited from his sense of humor included Comic Relief and Comedy Gives Back.
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In 1989, he graced Carnegie Hall with a remarkable performance, commencing a two-and-a-half-hour set amidst yellow legal pad documents that were taped together. The audience responded with two standing ovations.
Also producing comedy specials for HBO and Showtime, the “Howard Stern” regular authored “I’m in Pain,” “I’m Exhausted, I’m Doomed,” and “Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour.”
In his 2008 memoir “The Other Great Depression” and its 2015 follow-up, “Reflections From Hell: Richard Lewis’ Guide on How Not to Live,” Lewis candidly addressed his alcoholism, mental health issues, and addiction in his comedy.
After an overdose of cocaine in 1994, the comedian sought treatment for alcoholism and substance dependency; he has been abstinent ever since. Lewis began appearing on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” a recurring series conceived, written, and starring his friend David, in the year 2000. Lewis portrayed a fictionalized version of himself for the duration of the twelve seasons of the program.