Richard Lewis, the beloved comedian and actor who was also known for his role onCurb Your Enthusiasm, has died. He was 76.
Lewis' rep Jeff Abraham confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday.
“Comedian/Actor Richard Lewis passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles last night after suffering a heart attack,” the statement read. “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time.”
A spokesperson for HBO also reacted to the news in a statement to PEOPLE, 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 andCurb Your Enthusiasmfamilies, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.”
Deadlinewas the first to report the news. Lewis had previouslyannounced his Parkinson’s diagnosisin April 2023 after dealing with it privately since 2021, retiring from his comedy career as a result.
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In his later years filmingCurb Your Enthusiasm, Lewis told theChicago Tribunehe soldiered on despite undergoing two back surgeries for excruciating pain. He explained, “After 20 years of being associated with the whole show, it was too much on my mind that I couldn’t let [Larry] down.”
Throughout his career, Lewis openly joked about his personality, appearance and general routines. He even called himself the “Prince of Pain” — fittingly naming some of his comedy toursI’m in Pain,I’m ExhaustedandI’m Doomed.
Lewis, who penned a 2000 memoir titledThe Other Great Depression, toldThe Washington Postin 2020: “No, I’m not a very happy man. I’m thrilled to be alive. I’m grateful for who’s in my life. I’ve got great friends, a great wife, a dog, and I have a great career.”
He continued, “But there’s just a part of me that’s always going to be never totally happy. And I think that has a lot to do with my childhood.”
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source: people.com
