Comedian Richard Lewis, 76, talked about his death in last 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' appearance

A beloved American comedian dies
He was born in Brooklyn, New York
The
He was discovered while performing stand-up comedy in Manhattan
Lewis and comedian Larry David were lifelong friends and collaborators
He was known for his dark and self-deprecating style of comedy
He starred in the sitcom 'Anything But Love'
Lewis was also a successful author
Lewis married Joyce Lapinsky in 2005
Lewis struggled with multiple health issues in his later years
In 2023, Lewis stepped away from live performance but continued acting and writing
Lewis revisited his iconic role on the 12th and final season of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
A beloved American comedian dies

Richard Lewis was born on June 29th, 1947. He died of a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles on February 27th, 2024.

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He was born in Brooklyn, New York

Lewis was raised in New Jersey and was the youngest of three siblings born into a Jewish family. His father ran a catering business and his mother acted in community theater productions.

The "class clown"

Despite his natural comedic abilities, he studied marketing at Ohio State University and earned a degree in marketing. Not until the early 1970s did he start pursuing stand-up comedy.

He was discovered while performing stand-up comedy in Manhattan

Comedian David Brenner helped launch Lewis' career by helping him make connections in the New York comedy scene. He also helped Lewis get his first appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.'

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Lewis and comedian Larry David were lifelong friends and collaborators

The comedic duo knew each other as children and went on to share the screen in the long-running series, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' created by David. Lewis is well known for portraying a version of himself since the show began in 2000.

He was known for his dark and self-deprecating style of comedy

Lewis was no stranger to the challenges of addiction and mental illness in his life. His comedy was infused with his personal experiences with alcohol and drug abuse which helped create his signature dark comedy.

He starred in the sitcom 'Anything But Love'

Lewis played the role of magazine columnist Marty Gold alongside Jamie Lee Curtis from 1989 to 1992.

Lewis was also a successful author

Lewis wrote 'The Other Great Depression' in 2000 and 'Reflections from Hell: Richard Lewis' Guide On How Not To Live' in 2015.

Lewis married Joyce Lapinsky in 2005

While Joyce Lapinsky was working in the music industry, the couple met at an album release party for Ringo Starr in 1998. The couple was married until Lewis died.

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Lewis struggled with multiple health issues in his later years

Between 2016 and 2020, Lewis underwent three surgeries. He was also dealing with chronic pain issues.

In 2023, Lewis stepped away from live performance but continued acting and writing

The comedian revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2021.

Lewis revisited his iconic role on the 12th and final season of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'

In his final episode on the show, which aired on February 18th, 2024, Lewis joked about his own death and told Larry David that he was leaving him in his will. Friends and colleagues are sharing their shock and sadness at his passing and are remembering him for his comedic genius.

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