Comedian Richard Lewis Passes Away

A cherished comedian, renowned for his portrayal of a fictionalized persona on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died. Richard Lewis, as confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham, passed away at his residence in Los Angeles on February 28, following a heart attack.

At 76 years old, Lewis had been battling various health issues for some years, including Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, and a multitude of close friends from both within and beyond the entertainment industry.

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Richard Lewis was born in 1947 to actor William Lewis and caterer Blanche Lewis. Even in his youth, he displayed a strong affinity for comedy and the arts. Although he pursued studies in marketing and communication at Ohio State University during his early twenties, his passion for comedy persisted, ultimately guiding his career path.

As he neared the age of 30, Lewis resided in New York City, where he graced the stages of renowned comedy clubs such as The Improv and Catch a Rising Star. It was within these establishments that he started to establish the groundwork for what would evolve into a thriving five-decade-long journey in television, film, and literature.

Lewis’ fame soared throughout the 1980s, leading to regular appearances on Late Night With David Letterman. His endearingly neurotic persona endeared him to audiences, ultimately cementing his status as a household name.

However, Lewis experienced his initial breakthrough in acting during the early 1990s when he co-starred with Jamie Lee Curtis in the ABC sitcom Anything But Love. Despite the show’s cancellation in 1992, it showcased the breadth of his skills.

A mere eight years later, Lewis accepted a role in Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” portraying David’s fictional best friend. Lewis’s comedic prowess proved instrumental in the show’s success across 24 seasons.