Richard Lewis, the beloved actor and comedian known for his roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and various standup performances, passed away at the age of 76 due to a heart attack. In one of his final interviews, Lewis had mentioned that he was 'doing quite well,' despite battling Parkinson's disease, which he had publicly disclosed last year.
In the interview conducted less than three weeks before his death, Lewis shared insights about his health struggles, mentioning occasional walking difficulties due to Parkinson's. He explained that he had opted out of attending the season 12 premiere party for Curb Your Enthusiasm to avoid potential health risks associated with large gatherings.
Opening up about his Parkinson's diagnosis in an emotional video posted on Twitter last April, Lewis revealed that he had been managing the condition with medication and was grateful for the slow progression of the disease. He also recounted a challenging period in his life where he underwent multiple surgeries back-to-back, leading to a hiatus from his comedy tour.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in New Jersey, Lewis began his career in standup comedy before transitioning to television and film. He collaborated with the late John Candy on projects like Once Upon a Crime and Wagon’s East! Lewis was widely recognized for his self-deprecating humor and made a lasting impact with his appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Howard Stern Show.
Throughout his career, Lewis endeared himself to audiences with his wit and charm, leaving a legacy that will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, as the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented and beloved performer.
