(NewsReady.com) – Richard Lewis retired from stand-up comedy in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and undergoing multiple surgeries. Unfortunately, his retirement from the stage didn’t last long enough. The comedian has now passed away.
Lewis died at his home in Los Angeles on February 27, according to Jeff Abraham, his publicist. The actor suffered a heart attack in his sleep. The “Prince of Pain,” as he was known, starred on the HBO hit show, “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He played a semi-fictionalized version of himself alongside Larry David.
HBO released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, addressing his death, saying the actor’s “comedic brilliance, wit, and talent were unmatched.” The network sent Lewis’ wife and the rest of his loved ones its “heartfelt condolences.”
We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. 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… pic.twitter.com/tNaQEqzhF1
— HBO (@HBO) February 28, 2024
Lewis was born in Brooklyn in 1947, right after World War II. He grew up in New Jersey, and his mother was an actress in community theater. During his childhood, he was known as being a class clown. After graduating high school, he attended Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.
In 1979, Lewis made his acting debut in “Diary of a Young Comic,” which aired on the “Saturday Night Live” timeslot on NBC. Before that, he’d been on “The Tonight Show,” doing various bits. He was featured on the popular late-night show multiple times throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
The actor became known for his dark sense of humor and the straightforward way he spoke about his various issues. For the next three decades, he starred in multiple television shows and films. While he was acting, Lewis also traveled and did stand-up comedy.
When he retired last year, he said he was going to continue acting and writing. He appeared in season 12 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which is currently airing on HBO.
Joyce Lapinsky, Lewis’ wife, thanked everyone for their support. Larry David called his co-star and friend someone who was “like a brother” to him. He went on to say Lewis was the “funniest person and also the sweetest.” The comedian concluded, with a heartbreaking remark, saying Lewis made him “sob” and for that, David would “never forgive him.”
Copyright 2024, NewsReady.com
