Richard Lewis once revealed 'I’m getting through it fine so far' as he battled Parkinson’s before death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Richard Lewis said he was “doing quite well” during his battle with Parkinson's disease less than three weeks before his death. The stand-up comedian told People in a February 9 interview that he was struggling with mobility issues, but was getting by.
“I have some occasional walking difficulties with Parkinson’s the last couple of years,” he shared with the outlet, adding “It’s not major. I’m getting through it fine so far.”
Richard Lewis on why he failed to attend the 'Curb' series' finale premiere party
Lewis also addressed why he did not attend the 'Curb' series' finale premiere party on January 30. “I didn’t want to go to spend five or six hours mingling with so many people,” he explained, adding “It’s just asking for trouble.” While he was “disappointed” that he had to miss the Season 12 celebration, the comedian said, “All things considered, I’m doing quite well.”
When was Lewis diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?
Lewis first revealed in April 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and body parts controlled by the nerves, approximately two years prior.
The 76-year-old tweeted at the time that he would be retiring from stand-up comedy and was “lucky” he “got it late in life.” “They say you progress very slowly if at all and I’m on the right meds so I’m cool,” he explained. Lewis said he was “so grateful” to be a part of Larry David’s HBO show and teased that the new season was “amazing.”
“But you know the 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?’” he said, adding “Here’s really what happened. Three and half years ago I was in the middle of a tour and I finally ended it with a show."
“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 it, and then just out of the blue, the s**t hit the fan," he added.
Richard Lewis underwent several surgeries
Lewis underwent several surgeries, including hip and shoulder replacements, and practiced physical therapy to help with his pain, but months later his doctor informed him of his condition. “I started walking a little stiffly,” he recalled at the time, adding “I was shuffling my feet, and I went to a neurologist, and they gave me a brain scan, and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”
Lewis died on Tuesday, February 27, at his Los Angeles home after suffering a heart attack. He was 76. “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” publicist Jeff Abraham said in a statement.
