For years, actor Richard Lewis fought valiantly against various health challenges, but on February 28, 2024, the world lost a comedic legend. The beloved star of Curb Your Enthusiasm passed away, and his publicist, Jeff Abraham, revealed the details surrounding his death to Closer. Let’s take a closer look at the life and legacy of this incredible man who brought laughter and joy to so many.
How Did Richard Lewis Die?
It was a tragic but peaceful passing. On February 27, 2024, Richard Lewis suffered a heart attack at his Los Angeles home, as confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham. The news broke like a storm, leaving fans and friends heartbroken. In a touching statement, Lewis’s wife, Joyce Lapinsky, expressed her gratitude for the love and support they had received over the years. She also kindly requested privacy during this difficult time.
Just days later, the official death certificate revealed cardiopulmonary arrest as the official cause of death, as reported by The Blast. Secondary causes included Parkinson’s disease, a condition Lewis had battled for years. Cardiopulmonary arrest refers to the cessation of both heart function and respiration, often associated with underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, according to the National Library of Medicine.
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Richard Lewis leaves behind his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, whom he married in 2005. The couple did not have children, but their love and partnership defined their lives together. Tributes poured in from across the globe, honoring the life of this extraordinary man.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
Among the many voices paying tribute to Richard Lewis was his close friend and collaborator, Larry David. In a deeply personal statement, Larry shared, “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 I’ve ever known and also one of the sweetest. But today, he made me sob, and for that, I’ll never forgive him.”
HBO also released a heartfelt statement, 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 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.”
Parkinson’s Disease: A Courageous Battle
In April 2023, Lewis bravely announced his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in a video posted on X. He opened up about the journey, saying, “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. But luckily, I got it late in life, and they say you progress very slowly if at all. I’m on the right meds, so I’m cool.”
In the same video, Lewis spoke about wrapping up season 12 of Curb Your Enthusiasm, calling it an “amazing season” and expressing gratitude for being part of such a groundbreaking show. However, he also acknowledged the challenges he faced in recent years, explaining, “People said, ‘I haven’t heard from you, are you still touring?’”
Just three weeks before his passing, Lewis provided an update on his health. The star of Blunt Talk explained why he skipped the Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12 premiere party. “I have some occasional walking difficulties with Parkinson’s the last couple of years. It’s not major. I’m getting through it fine so far, but I didn’t want to spend five or six hours mingling with so many people. It’s just asking for trouble,” Lewis told People on February 9, 2024.
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Why Did Richard Lewis Go Public with His Diagnosis?
Lewis decided to share his diagnosis publicly because he believed it could inspire others. In an interview with Vanity Fair published on February 18, 2024, he said, “I decided that I couldn’t stay in the closet with this. And I thought for what it’s worth, I’m a drug addict and an alcoholic in recovery almost 30 years. That helped some people. Maybe I could go public on this and they’ll say, ‘Gee, I didn’t know Lewis had this!’ And maybe it’ll give them some encouragement.”
