Renowned comedian Richard Lewis, famous for his stand-up performances and memorable role on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, died on Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home after he suffered a heart attack. He was 76 years old.
The news of Lewis’s death was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham. Lewis had been living with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he revealed in April 2023. In a statement, Lewis’s wife, Joyce Lapinsky, expressed gratitude for the love, friendship and support people had extended, and asked for privacy at this difficult time.
Born as Richard Philip Lewis on June 29, 1947, in Brooklyn and raised in Englewood, NJ, Lewis emerged in the 1970s comedy scenes of New York and Los Angeles. He quickly gained popularity with appearances on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Lewis developed a unique style known for blending comedy and therapy, and his sharp wit and brutal honesty about his struggles resonated with audiences.
Lewis’s work extended beyond stand-up, as he ventured into sitcoms and films, including his role in the acclaimed Robin Hood: Men in Tights. In 2000, Lewis secured his signature role as a fictionalized version of himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Despite his success, Lewis remained humble, addressing his battles with addiction and anxiety in his comedy.
In addition to his on-screen achievements, Lewis authored two memoirs that delved into his personal struggles and journey to sobriety. His impact on the comedy world was profound, with Mel Brooks once likening him to the Franz Kafka of modern-day comedy. Lewis’s ability to find humor in life’s challenges endeared him to audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
