Richard Lewis, the beloved comedian and actor known for his humor and sharp wit, passed away at the age of 76 after battling health issues. Many have paid tribute to him on social media, including colleagues and fans.
Richard Lewis’s representative, Jeff Abraham, confirmed the death of the entertainer on February 28, 2024, through a heartfelt statement. Abraham shed light on Lewis’s passing at his home, revealing the cause of death.
“Comedian/Actor Richard Lewis passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles last night after suffering a heart attack. His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship, and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Abraham stated.
Richard Lewis guest stars as Stewart in “Code Black.” | Source: Getty Images
In the years leading up to his passing, Lewis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a battle he faced quietly since 2021. It was a diagnosis that led him to step away from his stand-up career, a decision he only made public in April 2023.
Richard Lewis at The Laugh Factory on May 5, 2014, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Through a Twitter video, dated 2023, Lewis revealed his challenging journey of undergoing four surgeries over three years ago for his back, shoulder, and hip, including a shoulder and hip replacement.
Richard Lewis and Joyce Lapinsky during HBO’s Post Emmy Awards Reception at the Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 17, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2021, as he was recovering, the actor noticed stiffness and shuffling in his walk, which eventually led to a brain scan that confirmed he had Parkinson’s disease. Because of the late onset of his illness, Lewis was grateful for the timing.
He had access to the right medication and treatments, which allowed him to focus his energy on writing and acting, stepping away from the stand-up stage that had defined much of his career.
The news of Richard Lewis’s passing has resonated deeply within the entertainment community, prompting an outpouring of tributes and memories. HBO, where Lewis was a cherished member thanks to his role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” expressed their heartbreak, noting his “comedic brilliance, wit, and talent were unmatched.”
Richard Lewis during the premiere of STARZ ‘Blunt Talk’ at DGA Theater on August 10, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jamie Lee Curtis, Lewis’s co-star on “Anything But Love,” shared a tribute on Instagram, reminiscing about their time together on set and the profound impact Lewis had on her life, including his role in her journey to sobriety.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Richard Lewis studio portrait, dated February 2024 | Source: Instagram/JamieLeeCurtis
“He used to hide his lines everywhere on the set, on props, door frames, on my face in a close-up and was always carrying a clipboard with his lines on them […] He also is the reason I am sober. He helped me. I am forever grateful for him for that act of grace alone,” Curtis shared.
Ben Stiller described Lewis as a “kinder, more empathetic comedy genius,” highlighting his iconic status in the 70s and his kindness towards the Stiller family. “Over the years he would always reach out with support and love or a kind word – sometimes out of the blue. It always felt special to hear from him,” Stiller shared.
Christopher Titus also paid homage to Lewis, noting that he was “Brilliant, hilarious, and always a good human being. No one did it how he did it.” Many others also shared their kind words to pay their respect.
Lewis’s career spanned several decades, marked by his self-deprecating humor that endeared him to fans worldwide. He was a staple on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” appearing in more than 40 episodes and bringing laughter to countless viewers.
Lewis was also a familiar face on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Howard Stern Show,” and his filmography includes memorable roles in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “Daddy Dearest,” and “Leaving Las Vegas,” among others.
