Tributes from his peers are arriving for Richard Lewis, the beloved comic actor whose death last night (February 28, 2024) at age 76 of a heart attack at his Los Angeles home was announced on Wednesday. Lewis has been appearing in the current (and final season) of Curb Your Enthusiasm, the HBO series in which he has been featured for many years playing himself as Larry David’s pal. He had revealed in April 2023 that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Lewis’ fellow CYE stars were among those sharing their grief and love.
The longtime stand-up comedian, always dressed in black, was known for his self-deprecating humor and for embracing his numerous neuroses, always emphasizing how miserable he was.
David issued a statement about his friend. “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,” he wrote via HBO and shared by Variety. “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.”
He would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him. In between takes on Curb, he would tell me how special I was to him and how much he loved me.
To be loved by Richard Lewis. A true gift.
I love you Richard. You will be missed. #RichardLewis pic.twitter.com/7zJzKVPSfH— Cheryl Hines (@CherylHines) February 28, 2024
Fellow comedic actor, Albert Brooks, called Lewis “a brilliantly funny man who will be missed by all. We needed him now more than ever.”
Curb’s HBO home issued a statement: “We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm families, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.”
RIP Richard Lewis. A brilliantly funny man who will missed by all. The world needed him now more than ever.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) February 28, 2024
Farewell, Richard Lewis. Procol Harum has lost another fan, and the rest of us have lost a very good man.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) February 28, 2024
On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) February 28, 2024
I just heard we have lost the great and wonderful Richard Lewis. We’ve been friends for over 30years. I’ll really miss you my friend. I love you @TheRichardLewis rip
My thoughts are with his dear wife Joyce. ❤️— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) February 28, 2024
In a lengthy Instagram post, Lewis’ former TV co-star, Jamie Lee Curtis, wrote in part, “[Richard] is the reason I am sober. He helped me. I am forever grateful for 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.”
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Ringo Starr wrote, “God bless Richard Lewis we will all miss you man love to Joyce peace and love Ringo.”
I have never had a brother. From the day he came up and said hi in 1989 Richard Lewis and I called each other ‘brother.’ I used to kid him: if people knew how good and kind a person he was, it would ruin his career. He will always be with me.
— Keith Olbermann⌚️ (@KeithOlbermann) February 28, 2024
