Tributes pour in for Curb Your Enthusiasm star Richard Lewis who has died aged 76

Virgin Radio

29 Feb 2024, 09:07

Curb Your Enthusiasm star and stand-up comedian Richard Lewis has died at the age of 76.

The actor died peacefully in his Los Angeles home on Tuesday night (27th February) after suffering a heart attack, his publicist, Jeff Abraham of Jonas Public Relations, said in a statement.

Last year, Lewis revealed that he had Parkinson’s disease and was therefore retiring from stand-up comedy. Despite this, he still features in the current series of acclaimed comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm, portraying a semi-fictionalised version of himself.

The statement from his publicist said: “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,”

Curb Your Enthusiasm creator and co-star, Larry David, said in a statement: "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 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."

Another Curb actor, Cheryl Hines, took to X (formerly Twitter) to write: “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."

Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred alongside Lewis in American sitcom Anything But Love, revealed on Instagram that he is “the reason I am sober.” She wrote: “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.”

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr wrote: “God bless, Richard Lewis peace and love to Joyce peace and love. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶🥦🌈🍒☮️”

On their official X account, HBO wrote: "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."

Legendary comedy veteran Mel Brooks wrote: “I was so sorry to hear that we lost Richard Lewis. I will miss him very much. He was so funny, and I was so lucky to have him play Prince John in ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS. But I was even luckier to have him in my life.”

Monty Python star Eric Idle took to X to say: “So saddened to learn of the death of Richard Lewis.  He was such a lovely funny guy. I wasn’t ready for this.”

Better Call Saul and This is Spinal Tap’s Michael McKean wrote: “Farewell, Richard Lewis. Procol Harum has lost another fan, and the rest of us have lost a very good man.”