Richard Lewis has died aged 76 after a years-long battle with Parkinson's disease, it has been confirmed.
Bette Midler was the first to announce the news of the comedian's death on X, writing, “On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has passed away.”
The Curb Your Enthusiasm star Lewis – who is survived by his wife Joyce Lapinsky – had an illustrious career in Hollywood as an actor, writer and comedian.
Variety confirmed that Lewis had died as a result of a heart attack.
His publicist Jeff Abraham confirmed his death in a statement shared with Deadline: “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time.”
Curb Your Enthusiasm star and creator Larry David paid tribute to his co-star in a statement shared by HBO.
“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 said in the statement, according to Variety.
Actor Richard Lewis has died at the age of 76; pictured 2015
“He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and I will never forgive him.”
David had recently alluded to Richard's health problems, saying he was sad his “friend, my great friend” couldn't attend the season 10 premiere of the hit show earlier this year on January 31.
Richard then confirmed in a tweet that he had no intention of being there that same night, writing, “I really wish I would make the premiere.” I would have loved to share all the love in the room with my wife. @HBO and LD have made a dream come true for countless dreamers.”
In what would be his final post on X, Richard was full of praise for the show, saying: 'What a night! I loved episode 3 of #curbyourenthusiasm'. The tweet was posted on February 18.
Lewis was born three days before Curb Your Enthusiasm creator David. They were born in the same city – Brooklyn – and year – 1947.
Lewis' credits include a long-standing role as a fictionalized version of himself in the smash comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm. He returned for the series' twelfth and final season, which debuted this year.
Lewis also had roles in Robin Hood: Men In Tights, Daddy Dearest and more.
Richard began his comedy career in the late 1970s in New York and Los Angeles and quickly became a late-night TV favorite on shows like “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
He has had numerous comedy specials, including 1985's I'm In Pain, 1988's I'm Exhausted and 1997's Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour.
Last year he announced his retirement from stand-up after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. At the time, he had been battling the disease for two years.
He told fans he had been through a “rocky time” over the past three and a half years, including four consecutive surgeries on his back, shoulder and hip, and was diagnosed with the progressive condition two years ago. after seeking help when he “started walking a bit stiff” and “shuffling” his feet.
Lewis played a fictionalized version of himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm; pictured with Larry David (L)
As a comedian, Lewis has had numerous comedy specials
Lewis pictured with David in the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode The Bracelet
He said in a video shared with top of the tour.” my playing, after 15 years I'm about to quit,” and I felt great about that and then out of nowhere the fan struck. I had four operations back to back to back to back, it was unbelievable, I couldn't believe it, it was bad luck, but such is life…
“I went to a neurologist and they gave me a brain scan and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and that was about two years ago.
'I got it later in life, and they say you progress very slowly, if at all.
“I just wanted to let you know it's going on there.
He returned for the series' 12th and final season, which debuted this year; pictured with David in season 10
Lewis pictured on Curb Your Enthusiasm
Lewis is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky; in the photo 2018
His illustrious career includes the role of Prince John in Robin Hood: Men in Tights
Bette Midler was the first to announce the news of the comedian's death on X, writing: 'On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has passed away'
“I'm done with stand-up, I'm just focusing on writing and acting. I have Parkinson's disease, but I'm under a doctor's care and everything is cool.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson's disease is “a progressive condition that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. The symptoms start slowly.
“Tremors are common, but the condition can also cause stiffness or slowing of movement,” the site said.
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