Richard Lewis, Comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm Actor, Dies at 76

Stand-up comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm and Robin Hood: Men in Tights actor Richard Lewis has died at 76.

His publicist, Jeff Abraham, confirmed the news to IGN, saying that he passed away in his home yesterday, February 27, after suffering a heart attack. Lewis also revealed his battle with Parkinson’s disease in April 2023.

“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.

Lewis has been a standout comedian for decades, with his acting and writing credits tracing all the way back to the ‘70s with projects like Diary of a Young Comic. Since then, he’s made appearances in notable works like The Simpsons, Two and a Half Men, Tales from the Crypt, Blunt Talk, and more. One of his most recognizable roles, however, saw him performing alongside Larry David throughout much of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

His stand-up career was also wildly successful, including a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall in 1989.

Lewis’ impact on the world of comedy is hard to understate, so it’s not surprise to see many chiming in to share their thoughts and condolences on social media. In a statement obtained by Variety, Lewis’ Curb co-star Larry David said:

“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. 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.”

“R.I.P. to a true original @TheRichardLewis,” comedian Bill Burr said on X/Twitter. “An absolutely fearless comedian who did and said what he wanted.”

R.I.P. to a true original @TheRichardLewis An absolutely fearless comedian who did and said what he wanted. 💪🏻

— Bill Burr (@billburr) February 28, 2024

“Richard Lewis was an amazing man. What a life,” Rex Chapman said. “We became friendly thru Twitter after I had been a fan my whole life. He would send friendly little messages from time to time over the past few years while he battled health issues. What a guy. Rest in peace, Richard.”

Richard Lewis was an amazing man. What a life. We became friendly thru Twitter after I had been a fan my whole life. He would send friendly little messages from time to time over the past few years while he battled health issues. What a guy. Rest in peace, Richard.💔 pic.twitter.com/Ruw8iadty8

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) February 28, 2024

See more condolences below.

RIP Richard Lewis. A brilliantly funny man who will missed by all. The world needed him now more than ever.

— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) February 28, 2024

Aww @TheRichardLewis I love you and will miss you man. You were a champion. RIP

— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) February 28, 2024

I’m really sorry to hear this. Richard Lewis was one of my favorite comics growing up and watching him have a late-career comeback with “Curb Your Enthusiasm” has been a pleasure.

Heaven is a little more neurotic today… https://t.co/SXqRJmFDHc

— Jay Black (@jayblackisfunny) February 28, 2024

Lewis’ role in Curb Your Enthusiasm was so prominent that he managed to make at least one appearance in every season. That includes the series’ 12th and final season, which is currently in the midst of its run. Season 12 began earlier this month and has delivered four episodes with six more yet to air. The final episode will premiere on April 7, 2024.

Thumbnail credit: Tibrina Hobson/FilmMagic

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

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