(LibertySociety.com) – Curb Your Enthusiasm fans are mourning the loss of one of the show’s stars, Richard Lewis, after he died on February 27 from a heart attack. Back in April 2023, Lewis retired from stand-up comedy after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The 76-year-old New Jersey native rose to fame in the stand-up comedy world during the 70s and 80s. He was named by Comedy Central as one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time, as well as making the list for GQ magazine’s “20th Century’s Most Influential Humorists.” He appeared on the “Howard Stern” show quite often and worked as a producer for multiple comedy specials that aired on HBO and Showtime.
He appeared in several television series and films, such as “Leaving Las Vegas.” In 1994, he went to rehab for his addiction to drugs and alcohol following a cocaine overdose. After leaving the rehab, he remained sober for the rest of his life. He spoke about his addiction problems during comedic performances and detailed his struggles in his 2008 memoir. He began his iconic, 12-season role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in 2000. He played a fictional version of himself alongside the show’s creator, Larry David. The 12th season is currently airing on HBO.
David released a statement through his spokesperson at HBO, recalling their life-long relationship. Interestingly, they were born at the same hospital just three days apart. David humorously wrote that Lewis’s death made him “sob and for that I’ll never forgive him.” Actress and wife of Independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cheryl Hines, also co-starred with Lewis on the HBO series. She detailed her childhood crush on Lewis and her disbelief that she had the opportunity to work with him after being cast on the show. HBO also released a statement honoring Lewis and his talents. He leaves behind his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, who thanked his supporters in a statement through his publicist.
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