Stand-up comedian Richard Lewis dies at 76 - celeb reactions

Stand-up comedian Richard Lewis has passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his representative, Jeff Abraham. Lewis died on Tuesday night after experiencing a heart attack. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, he is widely recognized for his role on Anything But Love alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, his portrayal of Prince John in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and most notably, for playing a fictionalized version of himself on Larry David's HBO series, Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Lewis gained prominence in the 1980s and '90s for his self-deprecating and dark stand-up comedy routines, which garnered him recognition through frequent appearances on The Tonight Show and various other late-night programs.

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Tributes to a Comedy Legend

In April 2023, Lewis disclosed that he had received a Parkinson's disease diagnosis two years earlier. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, whom he married in 2005. After his passing, notable friends and fellow co-stars of the comedian expressed their condolences and shared tributes to the late star on social media.

Larry David and Cheryl Hines, Richard's co-stars on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," shared heartfelt statements, highlighting Richard's significance to them, his kindness, humor, and expressing their collective sense of heartbreak.

Heartfelt Tributes Pour In for the Late Comedian

Former co-stars and friends such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Stiller, Jeff Garlin, Bill Burr, Jason Alexander, and many others shared tributes to the late comedian across social media platforms.

I never met a kinder, more empathetic comedy genius. He was so funny. And deep. As a stand up he was really iconic in the 70s. Cool, funny, self deprecating and hip. He was a friend to my parents and the whole Stiller family. As a kid i remember seeing him at the Improv and… https://t.co/0aRA3xLTGR

— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 28, 2024

Noooo….. We were literally just making plans to get together. Besides your remarkable talent there was no one sweeter or more generous than you, my friend. I miss you already & forever. Rest in Power, Richard. Our sincere condolences to Joyce, his family & fans @TheRichardLewis pic.twitter.com/4vqxagwqiw

— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) February 28, 2024

pic.twitter.com/zqzju9Pb0W

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 28, 2024

R.I.P. to a true original @TheRichardLewis An absolutely fearless comedian who did and said what he wanted. 💪🏻

— Bill Burr (@billburr) February 28, 2024

So sad to hear we have lost @TheRichardLewis. He was one-of-a-kind & always hilarious. Thank you for a lifetime of laughter. 🙏#RIP_Richard 💔 pic.twitter.com/iUdQfU275q

— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) February 28, 2024

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