Comedian Richard Lewis passed away at the age of 76 following a heart attack, as announced by his publicist on Wednesday. Recognized for his recent portrayal of himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Lewis was fondly remembered by his friend and the show’s creator, Larry David, along with other prominent figures.
Richard Lewis died at age 76 after suffering a heart attack, his publicist announced Wednesday
Larry David, who shared a deep connection with Lewis dating back to their childhood, expressed his grief in a statement posted on the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Instagram page. “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,” David reminisced. “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.”
The enduring friendship between Lewis and David traces back to their meeting at the age of 12 during a summer camp. This camaraderie translated into their on-screen collaboration, where they portrayed fictionalized versions of themselves in the long-running HBO comedy series centered around David, the co-creator of “Seinfeld.” Lewis’s legacy is remembered not only for his comedic talent but also for the genuine and enduring connections he forged throughout his life.
Table of Contents
Other cast members from “Curb Your Enthusiasm” joined in remembering Richard Lewis, a comedian with a lengthy stand-up career and a prolific presence in film and TV.
Cheryl Hines, who portrayed Larry David’s ex-wife on the show, shared a heartfelt tribute on X, recalling Lewis’s expressions of love between takes. “In between takes on Curb, he would tell me how special I was to him and how much he loved me. To be loved by Richard Lewis. A true gift. I love you Richard. You will be missed.”
Susie Essman, who played Susie Green on the show, described Lewis as an “original brilliant voice that cannot be replaced” in a statement to Entertainment Tonight. She highlighted his kindness, support, and how fortunate she was to call him a friend.
Jamie Lee Curtis, who co-starred with Lewis on the sitcom “Anything But Love,” reminisced on Instagram about Lewis’s unique approach to acting. She recalled how he secured his role by making her snort laugh during a mispronunciation of the word Bundt cake. Curtis praised Lewis’s talent, depth, and humor, mentioning his love for his wife, Joyce Lapinsky. She concluded with a poignant farewell, “Rest in laughter, Richard.”
The outpouring of memories and tributes reflects the impact Lewis had on his colleagues, both personally and professionally, underscoring the void left by his passing.
I never met a kinder, more empathetic comedy genius. He was so funny. And deep. As a stand up he was really iconic in the 70s. Cool, funny, self deprecating and hip. He was a friend to my parents and the whole Stiller family. As a kid i remember seeing him at the Improv and… https://t.co/0aRA3xLTGR
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 28, 2024
Ben Stiller shared his heartfelt sentiments on social media, remembering Richard Lewis as a “kinder, more empathetic comedy genius.” Stiller praised Lewis’s iconic status in the ’70s stand-up scene, highlighting his cool, self-deprecating, and hip comedic style. Stiller emphasized the personal connection Lewis had with his family, describing him as a friend to his parents and the entire Stiller family.
Director Paul Feig expressed deep sadness, calling Richard Lewis his “hero.” Reflecting on his stand-up days, Feig acknowledged Lewis’s significant influence and described him as a supportive, kind, and exceptionally funny individual. The impact Lewis had on both the comedy world and those who knew him personally is evident in the heartfelt tributes from his peers and admirers.
Absolutely devastated by this news. Richard was my hero when I was a standup. I was lucky enough to get to know him and he was the most wonderful man. So supportive and kind and truly one of the funniest people on the planet. You will be missed, my friend. https://t.co/NX4G9i39xX
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) February 28, 2024
Cary Elwes, who starred alongside Lewis in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” said he and Lewis were recently making plans to get together. “Besides your remarkable talent there was no one sweeter or more generous than you, my friend. I miss you already & forever. Rest in Power, Richard. Our sincere condolences to Joyce, his family & fans,” he wrote on social media.
Noooo….. We were literally just making plans to get together. Besides your remarkable talent there was no one sweeter or more generous than you, my friend. I miss you already & forever. Rest in Power, Richard. Our sincere condolences to Joyce, his family & fans @TheRichardLewis pic.twitter.com/4vqxagwqiw
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) February 28, 2024
HBO, the network behind “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” also shared a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Richard Lewis. The post on social media expressed the network’s deep sadness at learning about his passing, highlighting his unmatched comedic brilliance, wit, and talent. HBO acknowledged Lewis as a cherished member of both the HBO and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” families and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans who found joy in his laughter.
Lewis had disclosed his battle with Parkinson’s disease last year and announced his retirement from stand-up comedy through a video posted on social media. Despite his health challenges, he continued to contribute to the final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” In a poignant episode, he and Larry David engaged in a humorous argument about what Lewis would leave David in his will, emphasizing the deep and enduring friendship portrayed both on and off-screen.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.