Richard Lewis, Legendary Comedian, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star, Dies at 76

Legendary comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm actor Richard Lewis died on Tuesday at the age of 76.

Lewis, one of the most beloved and revered stand-up comedians in America, who also played a fictionalized version of himself on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm since 2000, died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack, his publicist told the Hollywood Reporter.

Last year, Lewis announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, had undergone several surgeries, and was retiring from stand-up comedy.

In 2021, the comedian said he would not be in Season 11 of Curb Your Enthusiasm, in order to recover from surgeries, but surprised viewers by appearing on set for one episode.

“When I walked in and they applauded, I felt like a million bucks. Larry doesn’t like to hug, and he hugged me and told me how happy he was after we shot our scene,” Lewis told Variety at the time.

Lewis made his acting debut in the 1979 comedy, Diary of a Young Comic, after which he ascended to prominence. He showcased his unforgettable persona in Showtime’s comedy special, I’m in Pain, which was followed up with the HBO specials, I’m Exhausted, I’m Doomed, and Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour.The comedian also appeared on The Tonight Show and the Late Show With David Letterman.

Then in 1989, Lewis starred in ABC’s Anything but Love sitcom, which ran for 56 episodes before concluding in 1992. The comic legend also landed roles in the 90’s sitcoms Daddy Dearest and Hiller and Diller.

Lewis also appeared in the films, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Leaving Las Vegas, Hugo Pool, and Drunks, among many others.The comedian also had a history of drug and alcohol addiction and suffered with anxiety and depression, issues that he was open and candid about, even during his own comedy skits. Lewis said he eventually decided to get sober after fellow comedian John Candy’s death in 1994.

Lewis was known and revered for his dark comedic style, surreal humor, and self-deprecation. Fans loved watching Lewis and fellow comedian Larry David interact on Curb Your Enthusiasm, engaging in continuous banter that seemed to encapsulate their friendship.

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