Actor Richard Lewis has died aged 76.
The comedian died on Tuesday (February 27) at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack and Hollywood legend Bette Midler has led the tributes online.
Deadline report that his sad death was confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham. Lewis had been living with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he revealed in April, 2023. “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Abraham said.
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Lewis got his start in the New York and Los Angeles comedy scenes of the 1970s along with comics such as Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer and Elayne Boosler and quickly became a favourite of late night shows including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
His credits include a long-standing role as a fictionalised version of himself on the smash comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm. He returned for the series’ 12th and final season, which debuted this year. He also appeared in Robin Hood: Men In Tights, Daddy Dearest and more.
In April 2023, Lewis said he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following a brain scan. At the time, he had been battling the disease for the past two years. He explained 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,’ Lewis said. ‘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.”
Following the news of his tragic death, American icon Bette, 78, took to X, formerly know as Twitter, to share a message with fans. She wrote: “On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died.” One fan penned: “Devastating news about Richard Lewis who has passed away at 76. A true great. Adored him in Curb Your Enthusiasm. When he turned up in last week’s episode, I was so happy. Such an incredibly sad loss.”
Another added: “Richard Lewis RIP! Will be dearly missed.” A third person said: “RIP Richard Lewis, obviously most know him nowadays for Curb but f**k his role as the King in Robin Hood: Men In Tights is super under appreciated.” Someone else said: “Rest in Peace, Richard Lewis. One of the funniest people to ever do it. I’ve probably watched this scene with Larry David a hundred times and still kills me. What a gift.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
