‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ star Richard Lewis dies at 76
Richard Lewis, the popular comedian and actor known for his role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died of a heart attack at the age of 76.
Comedian Richard Lewis, who co-starred with Larry David on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died. He was 76 years old.
Lewis “suffered a heart attack and passed away peacefully last night at his home in Los Angeles,” publicist Jeff Abraham confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY on Wednesday.
Last April, Lewis revealed on social media He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had undergone multiple surgeries for other problems in the past three years. “I’ve been going through a rough time in some ways,” he said, revealing that he’s had back surgery, shoulder surgery, shoulder replacement surgery and hip replacement surgery.
“I had four surgeries in quick succession. It was unbelievable…It was unfortunate, but that’s life,” he said.
In his final interview, published in Vanity Fair on February 18, the actor decided to open up about his health issues because he “couldn’t keep staying in the closet.” He said he had decided.
“I thought, no matter how you look at it, I’m a drug addict and I’ve been a recovering alcoholic for almost 30 years, and that’s what helped some people,” he said. Ta. “Maybe if we put this out there, they’ll say, ‘Hey, I didn’t know Lewis was doing this!’ And maybe that would give them some courage.”
He also talked about his battle with Parkinson’s disease, saying, “So far I’m doing well. I go to PT three times a week, but it’s the worst. It’s also a progressive disease that I’m battling, but I’m doing the best I can. I intend to do so,” he said.
“He was like a brother”: Larry David, Jamie Lee Curtis and other stars pay tribute to Richard Lewis
“When I did my last tour, I knew it was the last time. It was the best thing I’ve ever been on stage. I thought, ‘This is it. 50 years. I’m exhausted,'” he told the magazine. Ta. “I’ve been to about six cities. People have shown me how much they care about my work. And I never want to go again. Needless to say, my body has gone through four surgeries. It fell apart.”
The actor detailed in an April 2023 video that his health deteriorated shortly after he finished filming the season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, in which he has portrayed a semi-autobiographical version of himself since 2000. The final season of the HBO comedy stars David and co-stars Ted Danson, Vince Vaughn and Cheryl Hines.
In a statement to USA TODAY on Wednesday, David paid tribute to his longtime friend. “Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital, and for most of my life he was like a brother to me. He had the rare combination of being the funniest person and also the kindest person. ” he said.
“But today he made me sob, so I’ll never forgive him,” David concluded.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Richard Lewis. His comedic talent, wit and talent were unparalleled,” an HBO spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement. .
“Richard will always be a valued member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm family. His family, friends and everyone who could have counted on Richard brightening their days with laughter. We extend our deepest condolences to the fans,” the statement continued.
Lewis called David “the best friend you can imagine” in an interview with Vanity Fair. “This show has given Larry another outlet to express her feelings because we are the oldest of her friends,” he said.
“Tough times”: Richard Lewis reveals he has Parkinson’s disease and undergoes surgery
A regular in clubs and on late-night TV for decades, Lewis played romantic co-lead Marty Gold opposite Jamie Lee Curtis on the ABC series “Anything But Love,” starring ” In “Mel Brooks,” he played the reliably nervous Prince John. Robin Hood: Men in tights. ” He reintroduced himself to a new generation as opposite Larry David on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where he regularly makes sarcastic remarks.
His other big screen work includes “Leaving Las Vegas” and “Vamps.” On television, Lewis appeared on shows such as “7th Heaven,” “George Lopez,” “BoJack Horseman,” and “Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist.”
Lewis was the youngest of three children. His brother was six years older than him and his sister was nine years older than him. His father died at a young age and his mother had mental health problems, it has been said in previous interviews.
“My mother never understood me. I owe my career to her. I should have given her the agent job,” he told The Washington Post in 2020.
After graduating from Ohio State University in 1969, the New York-born Lewis began a stand-up career, honing his skills on the circuit alongside fellow fledgling contemporaries such as Jay Leno, Freddie Prinze, and Billy Crystal. .
In his early 20s, Lewis found his family while performing in New York improvisation.
“When I was 23, all kinds of people were coming in and out and watching me, like Steve Allen and Bette Midler. David Brenner definitely took me under his wing.” he told the Los Angeles Times in 2014. My little trash can in New Jersey knew very well that Steve Allen said, “I got it,” and it helped me make great strides. ”
After getting sober from drugs and alcohol in 1994, Lewis published his memoirs The Other Great Depression (a collection of fearless essays) and Reflections from Hell in 2008.
“Looking back now, as fully-fledged middle-aged and functioning anxiety collectors, I can unflinchingly admit that my parents had their fair share of admirable qualities, but they still “I spent so much time as a human being that I was more than that, with some flaws,” he wrote in his memoirs.
Comedy Central named Lewis one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time, and he was included in GQ’s list of the “Most Influential Humorists of the 20th Century.” He used his humor to benefit charities such as “Comic Relief” and “Comedy Gives Back.”
Unlike his modern-day Robin Williams, Lewis immersed his audience in his world and melancholy, pouring his suffering and pain onto the stage. Fans compared him favorably to the groundbreaking comedian Lenny Bruce.
“I’m very careful not to be mean,” Lewis told the Palm Beach Post in 2007. “It’s not funny to me. Tragedy is funny to other humorists, but not to me. Unless you can make a useful point.”
Contributor: Charles Trepany, USA TODAY.Mark Kennedy, Associated Press
