Richard Lewis death: Here's how Larry David, Ben Stiller and other celebs paid tribute to comedy legend
Hollywood mourns comedian Richard Lewis
The entertainment industry is reeling from comedian and actor Richard Lewis' death, with tributes pouring in from his friends, co-stars, and fans alike. Lewis, best known for his role on the hit series 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', died on Tuesday night, February 27, at his Los Angeles home after suffering a heart attack. His publicist confirmed the news, revealing that Lewis had been living with Parkinson’s disease and had announced his retirement from stand-up comedy in April of the previous year.
1. Larry David
One of Lewis' closest friends and collaborators, Larry David, star and creator of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', shared a heartfelt tribute to the late comedian. David expressed his deep bond with Lewis, describing him as "like a brother." "Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me. He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him,” he said. The 'Seinfeld' creator praised Lewis for his unparalleled comedic talent and his genuine kindness, reflecting on the profound impact Lewis had on his life in a statement by HBO.
2. Cheryl Hines
Cheryl Hines, Lewis' co-star on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', shared a touching tribute on Instagram, reminiscing about her admiration for Lewis as a young fan and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. She said, “When I was young I had the biggest crush on Richard Lewis. He was the funniest person on stage and the most handsome comedian. Then when I was cast on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', I got to work with him and it was a dream come true. Through the years I learned who Richard really was and the gifts he gave. Yes, he was the comedian I fell in love with, but he was also one of the most loving people I know. He would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him – especially in recent years. In between takes on Curb, he would tell me how special I was to him and how much he loved me. To be loved by Richard Lewis. A true gift. I love you Richard. You will be missed. Sending my love to Joyce and to all of Richard’s family. Larry, Richard adored you. But you know that.”
3. Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis, co-star of Richard Lewis in the ABC pilot 'Anything But Love', shared a heartfelt message in memory of the late comedian, recalling their time working together and the impact Lewis had on her life and career. "I remember exactly where I was when I saw a billboard of him about a stand up special on Sunset Boulevard when we were casting the ABC pilot 'Anything But Love' and asked the casting people to bring him in to audition to play my best friend/maybe boyfriend, Marty Gold. I thought he was handsome. He made me laugh, which is the one thing that a strong, capable woman, can’t really do for herself. He got the part when I snort laughed when he mispronounced the word Bundt cake. He blew everyone else away It was a love triangle show and they didn’t pick up that pilot but they came back to me and said that the chemistry with Richard was so great and could we revamp the original pilot which is the show we ended up making for a couple years," she said.
4. Jeffrey Ross
American comedian and actor Jeffrey Ross honored the memory of Richard Lewis with a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on their friendship and Lewis's impact on his own comedic journey. Ross reminisced about the first time he witnessed Lewis's comedic brilliance, recalling a memorable performance at Carnegie Hall in December 1989. As an aspiring comedian in the audience, Ross was inspired by Lewis's ability to command the stage and captivate the crowd. Lewis's performance served as a pivotal moment for Ross, reaffirming his belief in the power of stand-up comedy to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Ross celebrated Lewis's legacy as a comedic icon, declaring, "Long Live King Richard!"
5. Paul Feig
Renowned American filmmaker and actor Paul Feig expressed his profound sadness upon learning of Richard Lewis' death, paying tribute to the late comedian with heartfelt words of admiration and affection. "Absolutely devastated by this news. Richard was my hero when I was a standup. I was lucky enough to get to know him and he was the most wonderful man. So supportive and kind and truly one of the funniest people on the planet. You will be missed, my friend," he tweeted.
6. Bill Burr
Renowned American comedian Bill Burr paid tribute to the late Richard Lewis, hailing him as a true original and fearless comedian. In a heartfelt message shared on X, Burr celebrated Lewis's unabashed approach to comedy, "An absolutely fearless comedian who did and said what he wanted."
7. Ben Stiller
Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller recounted Lewis's impact on the comedy scene of the 1970s, describing him as an iconic figure known for his cool demeanor, self-deprecating humor, and undeniable talent. Stiller wrote, "I never met a kinder, more empathetic comedy genius. He was so funny. And deep." He concluded by saying, "We’ll miss him very, very much. A true comedy great. Sending love to all of Richard’s family and friends."
8. Jimmy Kimmel
American television host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel joined the chorus of voices paying tribute to the late Richard Lewis by sharing a touching message on social media. Accompanied by a heartwarming picture capturing a cherished moment between the two, Kimmel wrote, "They don't come any better than Richard."
