Larry David has expressed his sadness over his Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Richard Lewis passing away, as many pay tribute to the great comedian.
The sad news of Lewis's death was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham, to Deadline. He was 76 years old.
Lewis, renowned for his portrayal of a fictionalized version of himself on HBO's acclaimed series Curb Your Enthusiasm, passed away in Los Angeles due to a heart attack, following a battle with Parkinson's disease, a condition he disclosed in April 2023.
In a statement, Abraham conveyed the gratitude of Lewis' wife, Joyce Lapinsky, towards everyone for their love, support, and companionship during this challenging time, requesting privacy for the grieving family.
Actor and comedian Richard Lewis has died aged 76. Credit: Imeh Akpanudosen / Getty
Reacting to the loss, Larry David, Lewis' longtime friend, and co-star on Curb Your Enthusiasm, shared heartfelt sentiments to People, saying: "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.
"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."
Cheryl Hines, who portrayed David's onscreen wife on the same show, expressed her sorrow, describing it as "a true gift" to have been loved by Lewis. She reminisced about her admiration for him since her youth and cherished the opportunity to work alongside him.
The news of Lewis' passing also prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry. Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred alongside Lewis in the ABC sitcom Anything But Love, fondly recalled their time together and praised his talent and kindness.
Reflecting on their time together, Curtis expressed how Lewis helped her in her personal life, writing on Instagram: "He also is the reason I am sober. He helped me. I am forever grateful for him for that act of grace alone."
Richard Lewis and Larry David were colleagues on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Credit: FilmMagic/Getty
She continued: "He found love with Joyce and that, of course, besides his sobriety, is what mattered most to him. I'm weeping as I write this. Strange way of saying thank you to a sweet and funny man. Rest in laughter, Richard. My Marty, I love you, Hannah!"
Actor Tim Allen also told People: "So very sad about the loss of my dear friend Richard Lewis. God bless your wife. So much legacy comedy you have left here. So very sad you’re gone."
Mark Hamill wrote on X: "So sad to hear we have lost @TheRichardLewis. He was one-of-a-kind & always hilarious. Thank you for a lifetime of laughter."
Beyond Curb Your Enthusiasm, Lewis graced numerous television shows with his presence, including 7th Heaven, George Lopez, and Rude Awakening, leaving a long-lasting mark with his ability to infuse humor with depth.
Our thoughts remain with Lewis' loved ones during this difficult time.