Friends and Co-Stars Pay Tribute to Late Actor and Comedian Richard Lewis
The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of beloved actor and comedian Richard Lewis, who passed away on Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home after suffering a heart attack. Lewis, known for his role on the hit show Curb Your Enthusiasm, had been battling Parkinson’s disease and announced his retirement from stand-up comedy in April of last year.
Larry David, the star and creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm, shared a heartfelt statement about his longtime friend and co-star. “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,” David said. “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.”
HBO, the network that produced Curb Your Enthusiasm, also expressed their condolences. “We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away,” a spokesperson for HBO said. “His comedic brilliance, wit, and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm families. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.”
Lewis’ co-star Cheryl Hines, who played Larry’s wife on Curb Your Enthusiasm, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute. “When I was young, I had the biggest crush on Richard Lewis,” Hines wrote. “He was the funniest person on stage and the most handsome comedian. Then when I was cast on Curb Your Enthusiasm, I got to work with him, and it was a dream come true.”
Hines continued, revealing the true nature of Lewis’ character. “Through the years, I learned who Richard really was and the gifts he gave,” she said. “Yes, he was the comedian I fell in love with, but he was also one of the most loving people I know. He would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him – especially in recent years. In between takes on Curb, he would tell me how special I was to him and how much he loved me. To be loved by Richard Lewis. A true gift. I love you Richard. You will be missed.”
Susie Essman, another co-star from Curb Your Enthusiasm, also shared her thoughts on Lewis’ passing. “Richard was an original brilliant voice that cannot be replaced,” Essman said. “I was lucky to call him a friend. He made me laugh, and he was one of the most supportive and kindest people I’ve ever known.”
Lewis’ talent and impact on the comedy world were also recognized by others in the industry. Jamie Lee Curtis, his co-star from the show Anything but Love, remembered the first time she saw Lewis and how he made her laugh during auditions. “He got the part when I snort laughed when he mispronounced the word Bundt cake,” Curtis recalled. “He blew everyone else away.”
Curtis also shared a personal connection with Lewis, revealing that he helped her on her journey to sobriety. “Richard’s last text to me was hoping that I could convince ABC/Disney to put out another boxed set of episodes of the show,” she said. “He also is the reason I am sober. He helped me. I am forever grateful for him for that act of grace alone.”
Journey Gunderson, the executive director of the National Comedy Center, praised Lewis’ contributions to the art form. “Richard Lewis was part of a changing of the guard in stand-up history during the 1970s,” Gunderson said. “His work exemplified and anticipated the deeply personal, raw, introspective, and yes, neurotic, tone that has come to color so much contemporary comedy. His influence on the art form was profound, and we are proud to preserve his enduring contribution to comedy’s heritage.”
The news of Richard Lewis’ passing has left a void in the entertainment industry. His friends and co-stars will always remember him as a comedic genius, a loving friend, and a true talent. As tributes continue to pour in from fans and colleagues alike, it is clear that Richard Lewis’ legacy will live on through his unforgettable performances and the impact he had on those who knew him. Rest in laughter, Richard.