Richard Lewisof 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' fame, has passed away… TMZ has confirmed.
The comedian and actor – who played the opposite lead role Larry David on his hit HBO show – passed away Tuesday night…with Bette Midler as one of the first people to notice it on Wednesday. She didn't provide many details, but simply wrote: “On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has passed away.”
According to his rep, he died of a heart attack at his LA home
It's a shocking turn of events for fans of the beloved “Curb” star — as he's been publicly battling Parkinson's disease lately … which he announced he was diagnosed with last year.
In his announcement, Richard noted that he actually planned to retire from comedy a few years ago due to a number of health issues – all of which culminated in his diagnosis with Parkinson's. He said at the time that he was doing well and was taking the right medications to deal with it.
Despite his Parkinson's diagnosis, he seemed to be in relatively good health. The disease had not yet reached a point where it visibly hindered him or his ability to perform, including his recurring role as his fictional self in “CYE.” It is unclear whether his diagnosis played a role in his death.
Richard was a fixture on the long-running series from the beginning… playing Larry's best friend, with whom he often feuded. Of course, Richard was also a decorated comedian.
The last time Richard was seen in public was with his wife. Joyce Lapinsky. It looked like she was helping him walk while they were out and about in Beverly Hills.
He is survived by his wife. Richard was 76.
![](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/63/16by9/2024/02/21/63346c372d8443d7835356f70fbcd6b8_md.jpg)
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