Renowned comedian Richard Lewis, known for his wit and humor, dies at 76, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and memorable performances. (Getty Images)
Richard Lewis, the renowned stand-up comedian, has passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his representative to ET. Jeff Abraham, Lewis' rep, revealed that the actor and comedian died on Tuesday night due to a heart attack. "His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship, and support and asks for privacy at this time," the statement added.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, Lewis is best known for his role in the '80s sitcom Anything But Love alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, his portrayal of Prince John in the 1993 movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and his recent role as a fictionalized version of himself in Larry David's HBO series, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
HBO expressed their condolences, saying, "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."
Lewis began his comedy career in New York City's Greenwich Village and gained prominence in the '80s and '90s with frequent appearances on The Tonight Show and other late-night programs.
In April 2023, Lewis disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years earlier and would no longer be performing onstage. "I went to a neurologist and they gave me a brain scan and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and that was about two years ago," he said at the time. "But luckily I got it late in life and they say you progress very slowly, if at all, and I'm on the right meds, so I'm cool."
"I guess I just wanted to let you know that's where it’s been at," his 2023 message concluded. "I'm finished with stand-up. I'm just focusing on writing and acting. I have Parkinson’s disease, but I'm under a doctor's care and everything is cool and I love my wife, I love my little puppy dog, and I love all of my friends and my fans, and now you know where it's been at the last three and a half years. God bless you."
Lewis is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, whom he married in 2005.
