Richard Lewis’ tragic passing two days ago has left a huge void in the comedy world. He entertained audiences worldwide with a recurring role as the fictionalized version of himself in the hit sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm, which will end with its 12th season that started premiering this month. He also starred with Jamie Lee Curtis in the 1989 sitcom Anything but Love.
The actor announced that he had Parkinson’s disease last year and constantly updated fans regarding his health. The actor was doing quite well some weeks before his death and even talked about his show. However, he had been struggling for some years before his announcement.
Richard Lewis Tried to Live the Best Life Despite His Failing Health
Almost a year before his tragic passing this Tuesday, comedian Richard Lewis announced on X that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He explained that “the last three and a half years was sort of a rocky time” for him as he had multiple surgeries. He constantly updates his fans regarding his health.
He further claimed that he had finished filming the 12th season of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. Lewis might have unconsciously been aware of his failing health. During one of his standups, he exclaimed (via The Guardian),
“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,”
During one of his appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he talked about facing difficulty sleeping, as he told Jimmy Kimmel,
“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.”
In one of his final interviews on February 9, 2024, he talked to People about being disappointed that he couldn’t be with the cast of Curb Your Enthusiasm for the season 12 premiere party due to his condition. However, he told the outlet that he was doing well. He said,
“I have some occasional walking difficulties with Parkinson’s the last couple of years. It’s not major. I’m getting through it fine so far, but I didn’t want to go to, spend five or six hours mingling with so many people. It’s just asking for trouble. All things considered, I’m doing quite well.”
His tragic death has been mourned by his co-stars over the years, including Larry David and Jamie Lee Curtis. He will be missed, and his legacy will forever remain intact. The world has lost another comic legend, but his works will continue to be celebrated.
Jamie Lee Curtis Credits Richard Lewis For Helping Her Get Sober
Jamie Lee Curtis and Richard Lewis starred in the 1989 sitcom Anything but Love. The two were good friends in real life, and when Lewis passed away recently after a sudden heart attack amidst his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Cutis was incredibly saddened. She gave a heartfelt tribute to his late co-star on Instagram and thanked him for the significant changes she made in her life.
Curtis thanked Lewis for helping her get sober and called him a funny and sweet man. She praised his relationship with his wife Joyce Lapinsky and is forever grateful for changing her life in a big positive way. She wrote,
“I’ve just read that my friend Richard Lewis has died. He made me laugh, which is the one thing that a strong, capable woman, can’t really do for herself… He also is the reason I am sober. He helped me. I am forever grateful to him for that act of grace alone.
He found love with Joyce and that, of course, besides his sobriety, is what mattered most to him. I’m weeping as I write this. Strange way of saying thank you to a sweet and funny man. Rest in laughter, Richard. My Marty, I love you, Hannah!”
It is indeed a sad day for the comic community as they have lost another gem that entertained audiences for many years. Fans can witness Lewis’ last on-screen performance in the episodes of the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, which is now premiering weekly till April 7, 2024, on Max.
