Joyce Lapinsky: Richard Lewis’ wife thanks fans for their loving tributes, says he will be ‘so touched’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Joyce Lapinsky, the widow of the late comedian and actor Richard Lewis, has expressed her gratitude to his fans and friends for their kind words and support.

Lapinsky shared a message on his X page, saying that he would be very happy and moved by their love.

Richard Lewis's wife Joyce Lapinsky asks for donations to Comedy Gives Back

In her message, Lapinsky wrote, “This is Joyce, Richard’s wife. Thank you for your loving tributes. He would be beyond thrilled and so touched, as am I. In response to your many queries, I know Richard would appreciate donations in his memory to the Los Angeles-based charity comedygivesback.com or the charity of your choice.”

'Comedy Gives Back' is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance, mental health care, and community support to comedians in need.

Richard Lewis died of cardiac arrest and Parkinson’s disease

Richard Lewis, the iconic comedian who starred opposite lifelong friend Larry David in HBO’s 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' died at his home in Los Angeles on February 27.

The official cause of his death was “Cardiopulmonary Arrest” with a contributing factor of “Parkinson’s Disease,” according to Blast. 

Lewis' Parkinson's condition, which he had been diagnosed with last year, forced him to retire from standup comedy. Richard Lewis had a long and successful career in comedy.

Lewis was known for his neurotic and self-deprecating humor as well as his roles in the ABC sitcom 'Anything but Love' with Jamie Lee Curtis and the Fox sitcom 'Daddy Dearest'  with Don Rickles.

He also appeared frequently on late-night shows such as 'Late Night with David Letterman,' 'The Late Show with David Letterman,' The Tonight Show' and more.

Richard Lewis was a fan of silent film star Buster Keaton

Richard Lweis was a fan of silent film star Buster Keaton and posted a photo of himself and his wife on his X page shortly before his death with the caption, “Keaton had his Eleanor I have my Joyce.”

His X homepage image is also a picture of Keaton from one of his movies.

That, according to Deadline, is an allusion to famed silent film star Buster Keaton whose wife, Eleanor, kept his memory alive after he died in 1966.

Lewis and Lapinsky met at a party for Ringo Starr’s album in 1988, got engaged in 2004, and married in 2005. They had no children. Lewis will be buried at the Temple of Aaron Cemetery in Roseville, Minnesota, according to The Blast.