Curb Your Enthusiasm star Richard Lewis dies of heart attack aged 76

Curb Your Enthusiasm star Richard Lewis dies of heart attack aged 76
Richard Lewis in Curb Your Enthusiasm
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 28/02/2024

- 21:23

Updated: 28/02/2024

- 22:51

The comedy actor had been battling Parkinson's ahead of his death

Curb Your Enthusiasm star Richard Lewis had died, with fellow actors issuing tributes to the 76-year-old.

The actor, writer and comedian enjoyed a distinguished Hollywood career and is best-known for his long-standing role in the US comedy.


He starred as a fictionalised version of himself in Curb Your Enthusiasm, which debuted back in 2000.

The actor returned for the show's 12th and final season, which began airing this year. He also starred in Robin Hood: Man in Tights, Daddy Dearest, Leaving Las Vegas and more.

His death comes soon after he announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which he confirmed in April 2023.

He stated at the time: "Luckily I got it late in life, and they say you progress very slowly if at all and I'm on the right meds and it's cool."


Richard Lewis

Richard Lewis was best-known for Curb Your Enthusiasm

Getty

During a video he posted on X, formerly Twitter, he continued: "I just wanted you to know that that's where it's been at.

"I'm finished with standup, 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."

It's been reported the actor suffered a heart attack and died on Tuesday, February 27. His publicist Jeff Abraham announced the news, with Deadline reporting that he stated: "His [Lewis'] wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time."

HBO, which aired Curb Your Enthusiasm, have led tributes to the popular American actor.

JB Smoove and Richard Lewis

Fans have paid tribute tot he much-loved actor and comedian

Getty


In a statement to the publication, it was announced by the television company: "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."

Hollywood legend Bette Midler has also paid tribute to the late star. Taking to X, the 78-year-old actress wrote: "On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died."

Fans quickly took to the comment section to express their shock and sadness over the unexpected news.

Richard Lewis

Lewis' publicist confirmed the news on Wednesday

Getty

Also taking to X, one fan shared: "The entire cast of Curb Your Enthusiasm are improvisational comedic geniuses, but Richard Lewis was in a league of his own. His on-screen chemistry with Larry David was unrivalled. I’ll miss him. Thank you for the laughs."

"RIP richard lewis. His appearances on Curb were always hilarious," another added.

"Absolutely no way anyone will ever make me think that Richard Lewis didn't legitimately make Larry David laugh here," a third penned, sharing a clip from the series.

A fourth commented: "Richard Lewis forever. Rest in peace to a comedy icon," while someone else chimed: "Richard Lewis and Larry's friendship was always one of the best parts of Curb. RIP."

"Rip richard lewis, obviously most know him nowadays for curb but f*** his role as the king in robin hood men in tights is super under appreciated," a sixth remarked. (sic)

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