Richard Lewis, a beloved and esteemed stand-up comedian and actor, has passed away at the age of 76.
The news of Lewis' death was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham, to Deadline.
Renowned for his role as a version of himself on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, Lewis passed away in Los Angeles due to a heart attack following a battle with Parkinson's disease, a condition he disclosed in April 2023.
"Joyce Lapinsky, his wife, expresses gratitude towards everyone for their love, companionship, and support during this time and requests privacy," Abraham said in a statement.
Emerging from the comedy circuits of New York and Los Angeles in the 1970s, alongside fellow comedians like Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer, and Elayne Boosler, Lewis quickly rose to prominence, becoming a regular favorite on late-night television shows, such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
He was well-known for his unique, somewhat gloomy stage presence, which matched his preference for dressing in all black.
Before his breakthrough in Curb Your Enthusiasm - where he plays a fictionalized version of himself and a close friend of Larry David - Lewis made his mark in the entertainment industry with a variety of roles. He appeared in the sitcom Anything But Love alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, earning praise for his performance as Marty Gold.
This role solidified his position in Hollywood and opened up more opportunities in both television and film.
In the realm of cinema, Lewis' notable film credits include Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), where he hilariously portrayed Prince John, and Leaving Las Vegas (1995), which showcased his ability to handle more serious, dramatic roles.
Other movies include Wagons East! (1994), The Wrong Guys (1988), and Vamps (2012).
Lewis's contributions to television also extend beyond Curb Your Enthusiasm. He has made guest appearances on numerous shows, including 7th Heaven, George Lopez, and Rude Awakening. His knack for blending humor with depth has made him a sought-after guest star, capable of delivering memorable performances across various genres.
Speaking of his battle with Parkinson's last year - following his diagnosis two years prior - Lewis said: "Luckily I got it late in life, and they say you progress very slowly if at all and I'm on the right meds and it's cool [...] I just wanted you to know that that's where it's been at.
"I'm finished with standup, I'm just focusing on writing and acting. I have Parkinson's disease but I'm under a doctor's care and everything is cool and I love my wife, I love my little puppy dog and I love all of my friends and my fans."
Thank you for all the laughs, Richard.
Our thoughts go out to Lewis' family, friends, and fans at this time.
