Richard Lewis: 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' actor died from cardiopulmonary arrest, his death certificate says

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Richard Lewis’ official cause of death has finally been disclosed. According to his death certificate which was obtained by The Blast on Friday, March 1, the 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' actor and comedian died at 9.22 pm on February 27 from "cardiopulmonary arrest."

Lewis was 76 when he breathed his last and, as per the outlet, Parkinson’s disease was listed as his secondary cause of death.

What leads to cardiopulmonary arrest?

According to the National Library of Medicine, cardiopulmonary arrest is when “adequate heart function and respiration” stop, which often results in death. The NLM noted that the condition can often occur in patients with coronary artery disease.

When was Richard Lewis diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?

Lewis revealed in April 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, "a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves" in 2021. He said he retired from his comedy career as a result and had been privately battling the disease in the years following his diagnosis.

According to The Blast, the late actor's resting place will be the Temple of Aaron Cemetery in Roseville, Minnesota. The news of the comedian's death was confirmed in a statement from Lewis' representative Jeff Abraham on February 28 where he shared that the actor had “passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles” the night before 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," Abraham added.

A spokesperson for HBO, which streams 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', 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…"

Richard Lewis discussed his decision to return to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'

In 2020, Lewis discussed his decision to return to the show in his later years, despite having undergone two back surgeries for excruciating pain, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. He explained, "After 20 years of being associated with the whole show, it was too much on my mind that I couldn't let [Larry David] down."

Less than three weeks before his death, Lewis shared some optimistic words about his health after missing the season 12 premiere party for Curb on January 30. 

“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 to, spend five or six hours mingling with so many people,” he explained of skipping the event, adding “It's just asking for trouble.”

He said he was “disappointed” to have missed the festivities, but added that “all things considered, I'm doing quite well.”