Richard Lewis, the legendary stand-up comedian and co-star on HBO’s hit comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died at the age of 76. Lewis passed away in his Los Angeles home on Tuesday night from a heart attack, according to Variety.
Over a decades-long career, Lewis built a reputation as one of the most original, neurotic and self-deprecating comedians of his era. He frequently mined his struggles with addiction, depression and anxiety for his dark yet playful comedy. Lewis rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s through stand-up appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “Late Night with David Letterman.”
In 1989, Lewis landed a lead role opposite Jamie Lee Curtis in the ABC sitcom “Anything But Love.” But he became best known for playing a fictionalized version of himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” starring alongside creator Larry David. Lewis appeared in most seasons of the acclaimed HBO comedy over its 24-year run, portraying his eccentric, tightly-wound persona.
Last year, Lewis announced he was retiring from stand-up after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He still managed to film scenes for the current 12th season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” in what became his final acting role. Upon Lewis’ passing, David called him “like a brother to me,” praising his rare blend of hilarity and kindness.
Beyond his comedy fame, Lewis openly discussed his lifelong battles with drug and alcohol addiction. He had been sober for nearly 27 years after getting clean in the mid-1990s. Lewis credited his friend John Candy’s shocking death as an inspiration to embrace sobriety.
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Lewis’ iconoclastic humor and honest humanity endeared him to generations of comedy fans. With his passing, the comedy world loses one of its most original voices and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” bids farewell to a beloved cast member. Lewis is survived by his wife Joyce Lapinsky.
