How ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Honored Richard Lewis After His Death

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By Laura Sarner

After Richard Lewis died at age 76 on Feb. 27, Sunday’s episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” honored the late comedian.

Lewis was a longtime friend of series creator and star Larry David, 76, and appeared frequently on the show during its 12 seasons, playing a fictional version of himself. The show follows David, playing a fictional version of himself, as he often ignores or misinterprets social conventions, resulting in awkward situations.

On Sunday night’s episode, the HBO comedy had a dedication card that read: “In memory of Richard Lewis. 1947 – 2024”.

Lewis died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, California, after suffering a heart attack.

“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” his publicist, Jeff Abraham, said in a statement.

An HBO spokesperson told The Post in a statement Wednesday: “We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. “Richard will always be a beloved member of the HBO and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ families, our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten his days with laughter.”

The comedian announced last April that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and that he was retiring from stand-up comedy.

in a vanity fair In an interview published last week, Lewis said of his diagnosis: “It changed my perspective because it’s been a combination of forcing myself to look back and being grateful. I have had such a wonderful life. I still do it. I am a lucky man… I came into contact with more gratitude and also acceptance. It is imperative that I accept the fact that I have Parkinson’s. If you don’t accept it, it persists in your brain and you become morbid and depressed. “You lose energy.”

In 2021, Lewis announced that he would only appear in one episode of season 11 of “Curb” due to his illness. She returned for the show’s twelfth and final season, which premiered earlier this month on HBO. The series finale will air on April 7.

Lewis’ wife Lapinsky, whom he married in 2005, thanked his many fans around the world in a post on X three days after his death.

“This is Joyce, Richard’s wife.” she wrote on her page. “Thank you for your loving tributes to him. He would be beyond excited and touched, as would I.

“In response to your many questions, I know Richard would appreciate donations in his memory to the Los Angeles-based charity. comedygivesback.com or the charity of your choice.”

The “Curb” cast and other celebrities took to social media to post tributes to the late comedian.

“Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he has been like a brother to me,” David told People. “He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me cry and for that I will never forgive him.”

Cheryl Hines, who plays David’s on-screen wife in the series, also gushed about Lewis.

“When I was young I had a huge crush on Richard Lewis. He was the funniest person on stage and the most handsome comedian. Then when I got cast in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ I started working with him and it was a dream come true,” Hines said.

He continued: “Over the years, I learned who Richard really was and the gifts he gave me. Yes, he was the comedian I fell in love with, but he was also one of the most loving people I know. He would take the time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him, especially in recent years. In between takes of ‘Curb,’ he told me how special I was to him and how much he loved me. I love you ricardo”.

Jamie Lee Curtis, who co-starred with Lewis in the ABC comedy “Anything But Love,” said in a instagram statement“I remember exactly where I was when I saw a poster of him doing a stand-up special on Sunset Boulevard when we were casting the ABC pilot ‘Anything But Love’ and I asked the casting people to bring him in to audition to play my role.” . best friend/maybe boyfriend, Marty Gold.”

“I thought he was handsome. He made me laugh, which is the one thing a strong, capable woman can’t do for herself,” Curtis continued. “He’s also the reason I’m sober. He helped me. I will be forever grateful to him just for that act of grace. He found love in Joyce and that, of course, along with her sobriety, is what mattered most to him. I’m crying as I write this. Strange way to thank a sweet and fun man. Rest laughing, Richard.”

Lewis’ former “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” co-star Cary Elwes, for his part, called the late actor a “remarkable talent.”

“Noooo… We were literally making plans to meet up. …There was no one sweeter or more generous than you, my friend,” he posted on instagram. “I miss you now and forever.”