The comedy world mourns the loss of one of its most distinctive voices, Richard Lewis, who died on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 76. Known for his acerbic wit and a career spanning over five decades, Lewis made an indelible mark on both stand-up comedy and television. His publicist, Jeff Abraham, announced that the cause of death was a heart attack. Lewis had revealed last year that he was battling Parkinson’s disease, according to The Guardian.
Lewis’s journey in comedy began in the 1970s, quickly rising to fame with his unique style of humor, characterized by neurotic, self-deprecating themes. He became a staple on late-night talk shows in the 1980s and achieved further acclaim on television, notably starring alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in “Anything But Love” and making memorable appearances in films such as “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” In recent years, he was best known for his role on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” playing a version of himself as Larry David’s friend, where their on-screen bickering captured the hearts of audiences.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike, highlighting not only his comedic genius but also his personal warmth and kindness. Larry David, a long-time friend, remembered Lewis as the “funniest person and also the sweetest,” while Jamie Lee Curtis credited him with helping her achieve sobriety, describing him as a man of “grace.” Lewis’s wife, Joyce Lapinsky, has asked for privacy during this difficult time but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. Lewis’s legacy as a pioneering figure in comedy and a beloved friend and mentor to many is sure to endure.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
