Renowned American stand-up comedian Richard Lewis passed away on Tuesday night, leaving behind a legacy cherished by many. The 76-year-old comedian succumbed to a heart attack. Lewis first rose to prominence in the 1980s, captivating audiences with his signature dark and self-deprecating humor. His memorable portrayal of a fictionalized version of himself in the acclaimed sitcom “Curb Your Enthusiasm” further endeared him to fans. Last year, Lewis bravely disclosed his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
His demise was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham, who conveyed the heartfelt thanks of Richard Lewis’ wife, Joyce Lapinsky, for the outpouring of love and support, while also requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Born in Brooklyn in 1947, Lewis made his mark on the New York and Los Angeles comedy circuits during the 1970s, earning widespread acclaim. Often clad in black attire, he became synonymous with his brand of dark comedy. A testament to his impact, Lewis was once likened to the modern-day comedy equivalent of Franz Kafka by none other than Mel Brooks, as noted on his official website.
Lewis enjoyed regular appearances on late-night talk shows, endearing himself to audiences with his quick wit and sharp humor. He notably starred alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the ABC TV comedy “Anything But Love” and portrayed Prince John in the 1993 film “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” However, it was his role opposite Larry David in the HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” that solidified his status as a comedic icon, as the duo engaged in their trademark on-screen banter.
The news of Lewis’ passing prompted an outpouring of grief, with HBO expressing their condolences via a tweet shared on their official account. Co-stars such as Jamie Lee Curtis also took to Instagram to mourn the loss of the beloved comedian.