Richard Lewis claimed that he was “doing quite well” during his last-ever interview before the news of his death was announced.
The comedy star’s death was revealed yesterday by American TV channel HBO which said: “We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away.
“His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm families, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.”
During an interview with People Magazine on February 9, Lewis admitted he was “disappointed” to have skipped a season 12 premiere party for Curb Your Enthusiasm back in January as he continued to live with Parkinson's.
Discussing how he was coping with the disease, Lewis admitted: “I have some occasional walking difficulties with Parkinson’s the last couple of years.
“It’s not major. I’m getting through it fine so far, but I didn’t want to go (and) spend five or six hours mingling with so many people. It’s just asking for trouble.”
He continued: “All things considered, I’m doing quite well. I just wrapped a couple of weeks ago of season 12 and it was just an amazing season and I’m so grateful to be a part of that show.
“But you know that last three-and-a-half-years, I’ve had sort of a rocky time and people said, ‘I haven’t heard from you, are you still touring?’
“I said, ‘You know, I’m at the top of my game – after 50 years almost, I’m just going to call it quits,’ and I felt great about that. And then out of the blue, the s*** hit the fan.”
Lewis, who played a fictionalised version of himself on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm since 2000, had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2021.
He also starred in films such as Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Wagons East, Once Upon a Crime, Leaving Las Vegas and the series Anything But Love opposite Jamie Lee Curtis.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson's following a brain scan, where the star noted: “Luckily I got it late in life, and they say you progress very slowly if at all and I’m on the right meds and it's cool.”
After his death with announced, fans quickly took to their X accounts to express their sadness, including one user who said: “The entire cast of Curb Your Enthusiasm are improvisational comedic geniuses, but Richard Lewis was in a league of his own.
“His on-screen chemistry with Larry David was unrivalled. I’ll miss him. Thank you for the laughs.”
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“RIP Richard Lewis. His appearances on Curb were always hilarious,” another added before a third echoed: “Absolutely no way anyone will ever make me think that Richard Lewis didn’t legitimately make Larry David laugh here,” before sharing a clip of them together.
A fourth commented: “Richard Lewis forever. Rest in peace to a comedy icon.”
“Richard Lewis and Larry’s friendship was always one of the best parts of Curb. RIP,” another said.
While a sixth penned: “RIP Richard Lewis, obviously most know him nowadays for Curb but f*** his role as the King in Robin Hood men in tights is super under-appreciated.” (sic)
