Richard Lewis, a cherished figure in American comedy and renowned for his roles, including a fictionalized version of himself on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, passed away last night at his Los Angeles residence following a heart attack. He was 76.His publicist, Jeff Abraham, confirmed his demise. Lewis had been battling Parkinson’s disease, a condition he disclosed in April 2023."His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, expresses gratitude for the outpouring of love, companionship, and support, and requests privacy during this period," Abraham stated.Richard Philip Lewis, born in Brooklyn on June 29, 1947, emerged onto the comedy scenes of New York and Los Angeles in the 1970s alongside future luminaries like Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer, and Elayne Boosler. Rapidly gaining traction, he became a regular on late-night programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, crafting a distinctive onstage persona as somber as his trademark all-black attire. His stand-up routines were often likened to a blend of comedy and therapy.
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