Last year, Lewis revealed his battle with Parkinson’s disease, announcing his retirement from stand-up comedy. Despite this, he continued to charm audiences in the current Season 12 of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ on HBO.
The news of Lewis’s demise, attributed to a heart attack, was confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham from Jonas Public Relations. Lewis passed away at his Los Angeles residence, surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement, Larry David, Lewis’s longtime friend and co-star, expressed his deep sorrow. “Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital, and for most of my life, he’s been like a brother to me,” said David. “He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob, and for that, I’ll never forgive him.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, who shared the screen with Lewis in the ABC series ‘Anything But Love,’ paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, acknowledging Lewis’s role in her journey to sobriety. She described him as a “sweet and funny man” and expressed gratitude for his impact on her life.
Known as The Prince of Pain for his frantic, stream-of-consciousness diatribes, Lewis made his mark in the comedy world. His performances, often in all-black attire, delved into the depths of his neurotic thoughts. In Mel Brooks’s ‘Robin Hood: Men In Tights,’ he played the reliably neurotic Prince John.
Lewis’s collaboration with Larry David in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ reintroduced him to a new generation, showcasing his unique comedic style. His on-screen kvetching became a trademark of the show.
“I’m paranoid about everything in my life. Even at home. On my stationary bike, I have a rear-view mirror, which I’m not thrilled about,” joked Lewis during one of his stand-up performances.
Fellow comedian Jimmy Kimmel shared a humorous anecdote from Lewis: “This morning, I tried to go to bed. I couldn’t sleep. I counted sheep but I only had six of them and they all had hip replacements.”
Acknowledging his influence, Comedy Central named Lewis one of the top 50 standup comedians of all time, and GQ magazine included him in the list of the “20th Century’s Most Influential Humorists.” Lewis also devoted his humor to charitable causes, supporting initiatives like Comic Relief and Comedy Gives Back.
Described by the Los Angeles Times as a session akin to “a very funny and often dark therapy session,” Lewis’s stand-up was acclaimed for its unique blend of humor. Philadelphia’s City Paper hailed him as “the Jimi Hendrix of monologists,” and Mel Brooks likened him to the “Franz Kafka of modern-day comedy.”
Richard Lewis leaves behind a legacy of laughter, touching the hearts of audiences across generations with his wit and humor. His impact on the world of comedy is immeasurable, and he will be remembered fondly by fans and peers alike.
