Richard Lewis, the acclaimed stand-up comedian renowned for his neurotic humor and as a regular player on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," alongside Larry David, died Tuesday evening at his home in Los Angeles. A heart attack claimed his life, as confirmed by Variety. He was 76 years old.
Lewis disclosed in April of last year that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and consequently retired from the realm of stand-up comedy. His most recent role was in the twelfth season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," which is presently broadcasting on HBO.
Previously, in 2021, Lewis had stated that he would step back from participating in Season 11 of "Curb" to focus on recuperating after undergoing three separate surgical procedures. Despite this announcement, he defied expectations by showing up for a single episode of that same season. His return inspired an outpouring of affection from the cast and crew; he told Variety at that time that the warm welcome made him feel exceptionally valued. Notably, David – typically averse to physical displays of affection – greeted him with an embrace after filming their scene together.
For twenty-four years on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," Lewis portrayed a version of himself marked by self-effacing and anxiety-ridden comedy. He first gained notoriety as an actor with his 1979 work in "Diary of a Young Comic," before achieving greater fame throughout the '80s and '90s thanks to appearances on both "The Tonight Show" and "Late Show With David Letterman." Captivating audiences with his dark but vibrant comedic style, he released a set of Showtime and HBO specials including titles like “I'm Exhausted” (1988) and “The Magical Misery Tour” (1997).
In addition to television success, Lewis landed significant roles within cinema, including parts in comedies like “Robin Hood: Men In Tights,” dramas such as “Leaving Las Vegas,” and romantic comedies like 1997’s “Hugo Pool.” Within the film “Drunks,” which boasted an ensemble comprising Faye Dunaway and Spalding Gray among others, Lewis played an individual grappling with alcoholism and addiction.
Open about his personal struggles off-screen as well, Lewis talked candidly about his battle with substance abuse over the years — incidents involving cocaine and crystal meth were followed by sobriety influenced partially by John Candy's untimely death in 1994. When reflecting upon returning to work post-health challenges during his more recent endeavors with "Curb Your Enthusiasm," Lewis shared with Variety how nearly three decades of sobriety had filled him with overwhelming joy — despite finding it challenging historically to maintain such feelings.
David released a heartfelt remembrance through HBO expressing how deeply intertwined their lives were since birth — born within days of each other at the same hospital — characterizing Richard not just as comically gifted but also deeply kind-hearted. Yet on this sorrow-filled day where David mourned deeply for Lewis's departure — an occurrence he jokingly anticipated never forgiving Richard for prompting such emotion from him.
HBO issued their own statement expressing profound sadness over losing someone so incredibly talented yet supremely funny as Richard Lewis. The network extended sympathies to Richard's widow Joyce Lapinsky along with all who knew him personally or admired his work; describing how Richard always managed to illuminate even the cloudiest moments with his sheer wit.