Mourning for Richard Lewis (1947-2024). The legendary stand-up comedian and actor died yesterday, February 27th, at his home in Los Angeles, as reported by the industry newspaper “Deadline”, among others. The cause of death is given as a heart attack. He was 76 years old.
In recent years, Lewis has gained attention primarily through his appearances in the HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which won two Emmy Awards. In the show devised by “Seinfeld” co-series creator Larry David (76), he played a fictionalized version of himself – and can also be seen in the currently running final twelfth season of the comedy series.
Lewis was known for his caustic, self-deprecating and dark humor. After starting out in the stand-up scene in the 1970s and 80s, he increasingly appeared on US television and in Hollywood films. Between 1988 and 1997 he appeared in three comedy specials on the premium cable channel HBO, played in Mel Brooks’ (97) film parody “Robin Hood – Heroes in Tights” and in the dark alcoholic drama “Leaving Las Vegas”. with.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, he said he had been sober for nearly 30 years after a lifelong battle with alcoholism and drug problems. Almost a year ago, Lewis announced that he had Parkinson’s disease. He then ended his stand-up career.
