The comedian and actor died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack.
Stand-up comedian Richard Lewis has died, his rep confirmed to ET. He was 76.
Lewis' rep, Jeff Abraham, shared that the actor and comedian died on Tuesday night after suffering 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.
The entertainer -- who was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Englewood, New Jersey -- is perhaps best known for his role on Anything But Love alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, portraying Prince John in Robin Hood: Men in Tights and most recently for playing a version of himself on Larry David's HBO series, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Lewis' self-deprecating, dark stand-up comedy routines earned him notoriety in the 1980s and '90s, when he made numerous appearances on The Tonight Show and other late-night programs.
In April 2023, Lewis revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years prior.
"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."
Lewis is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, whom he married in 2005.
Following the news of his death, famous friends and fellow co-stars of the comedian took to social media to share tributes to the late star.
"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," David shared in a statement to ET. "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."
Curb co-star Cheryl Hines also shared a statement with ET, writing, "When I was young I had the biggest crush on Richard Lewis. He was the funniest person on stage and the most handsome comedian. Then when I was cast on Curb Your Enthusiasm, I got to work with him and it was a dream come true."
"Through the years I learned who Richard really was and the gifts he gave," she continued. "Yes, he was the comedian I fell in love with, but he was also one of the most loving people I know. He would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him - especially in recent years. 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."
Jeff Garlin also took to Instagram and shared he's "heartbroken" over the tragic news.
Another fellow Curb star, Susie Essman, shared this statement with ET: "Richard was an original brilliant voice that cannot be replaced. I was lucky to call him a friend. He made me laugh and he was one of the most supportive and kindest people I’ve ever known."
Curtis shared a throwback picture with her Anything But Love co-star, writing a lengthy tribute to his memory.
"I've just read that my friend Richard Lewis has died. I remember exactly where I was when I saw a billboard of him about a stand up special on Sunset Boulevard when we were casting the ABC pilot Anything But Love and asked the casting people to bring him in to audition to play my best friend/maybe boyfriend, Marty Gold," the actress shared. "I thought he was handsome. He made me laugh, which is the one thing that a strong, capable woman, can't really do for herself. He got the part when I snort laughed when he mispronounced the word Bundt cake. He blew everyone else away."
"We went through the death of our friend and costar, Richard Frank, together and grieved the loss of our producer and friend, John Ritter. Richard's last text to me, was hoping that I could convince ABC/Disney to put out another boxed set of episodes of the show," she also shared. "He also 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. My Marty, I love you, Hannah!"
Lewis' Robin Hood: Men in Tights co-star Cary Elwes, shared a photo of the pair on the set of the 1993 comedy.
"Noooo….. We were literally just making plans to get together," he wrote. "Besides your remarkable talent there was no one sweeter or more generous than you, my friend. I miss you already & forever. Rest in Power, Richard. Our sincere condolences to Joyce, his family & fans."
I never met a kinder, more empathetic comedy genius. He was so funny. And deep. As a stand up he was really iconic in the 70s," Ben Stiller wrote. "Cool, funny, self deprecating and hip. He was a friend to my parents and the whole Stiller family. As a kid i remember seeing him at the Improv and how nice he was to me and my sister. Over the years he would always reach out with support and love or a kind word - sometimes out of the blue. It always felt special to hear from him. I feel very lucky to have known him over all these years. I’m sad I won’t see him again. We’ll miss him very, very much. A true comedy great. Sending love to all of Richard’s family and friends."
"On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died," Bette Midler shared on X (formerly Twitter).
"RIP Richard Lewis," Albert Brooks shared. "A brilliantly funny man who will missed by all. The world needed him now more than ever."
Ringo Starr shared a video tribute, captioned, "God bless Richard Lewis we will all miss you man love to Joyce peace and love Ringo."
Comedy icon Robert Klein, Lewis' longtime friend and colleague, shared a statement with ET, expressing, "Richard was a great talent who made torment hilarious. Too sudden too young."
Tim Allen paid homage to Lewis in a statement to ET, saying, "So very sad about the loss of my dear friend Richard Lewis. God bless your wife. So much legacy comedy you have left here. So very sad you’re gone."
An HBO spokesperson told ET in 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."
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