HBO
Stand-up comedian Richard Lewis has passed away at the age of 76-years-old, according to reports. Lewis was perhaps best known for playing a fictionalized version of himself on the long-running HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm.
“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Lewis’ publicist Jeff Abraham said in a statement confirming the actor and comedian’s passing.
Lewis, who was long open about his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021. He announced the diagnosis in April 2023.
I loved these three guys. They’re gone.
I’m battling Parkinson’s but I’m still in the game. To all of you still alive, disheartened over one thing or another, take a moment to try and be grateful for the chance to still have a life with some joy. ❤️🙏🌈 pic.twitter.com/Y8FjnJwfSe— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) June 14, 2023
In addition to his career as a stand-up comedian and role in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Lewis also appeared in the films Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Leaving Las Vegas.
Just last week, Vanity Fair published an interview with Lewis in which he called Curb creator and co-star Larry David “the best friend you could ever imagine.”
“I can’t tell you how loving he is—the best friend you could ever imagine,” Lewis said. “The show gives me another vehicle to express my feelings to Larry, because we are the oldest of friends.”
Lewis does appear in the current and final season of Curb, as he shot his scenes last year before going public with his diagnosis.
“Larry knew, and I’m sure Jeff Shaffer and other executive producers knew. I’ve got to tell you how he took care of me this year,” Lewis said of the Curb crew handling his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
“The cast and a crew—just as I’m diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease—made sure that everything was right for me on the set. They assigned a third AD to me [to clear the path]. ‘Richard is coming!’ Everybody was so lovely on the set. It was all really heartwarming.”
The 12th and final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, which first aired on HBO in 2000, premiered back on February 4.
His most recent appearance came in the third episode of Season 12, which was titled “Vertical Drop, Horizon Tug” and just aired on Sunday, February 18.
Our thoughts are with Lewis’ family, friends, and various loved ones during this difficult time.