Beloved Comedian Richard Lewis, Known For ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ Dies At 76

Richard Lewis, the renowned comedian and actor famous for his role on the hit show Curb Your Enthusiasm, passed away at the age of 76 this week.

Richard’s representative, Jeff Abraham, confirmed the sad news in a statement released to PEOPLE on Wednesday.

“Comedian/Actor Richard Lewis passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles last night 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,” he stated.

HBO, where Richard made a significant impact with his talent, also expressed their condolences. A spokesperson stated to PEOPLE, “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.”

The news was initially reported by Deadline. Richard had publicly disclosed his battle with Parkinson’s disease in April 2023, leading to his retirement from comedy.

Richard is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, whom he married in 2005. The couple did not have any children.

Richard was widely recognized for his trademark self-deprecating humor, showcased in numerous stand-up acts and roles on television and in movies. His notable stint on Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm spanned over two decades, with appearances in more than 40 episodes from 2000 to 2021. Additionally, he was a frequent guest on popular talk shows like The Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Show.

Beyond Curb Your Enthusiasm, Richard made waves in television, starring alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the sitcom Anything but Love from 1989 to 1992. He made later television appearances on shows like 7th Heaven, Rude Awakening, Bojack Horseman, and Blunt Talk, and appeared in films such as Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) and Leaving Las Vegas (1995).

In his later years, despite facing health challenges, Richard remained committed to his craft. He once shared his challenges with the Chicago Tribune, saying, “After 20 years of being associated with the whole show, it was too much on my mind that I couldn’t let [Larry] down.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Richard humorously embraced his quirks and struggles. He famously referred to himself as the “Prince of Pain” and named some of his comedy tours “I’m in Pain,” “I’m Exhausted,” and “I’m Doomed.”

Reflecting on his life in a 2020 interview with The Washington Post, Richard candidly admitted, “No, I’m not a very happy man. I’m thrilled to be alive. I’m grateful for who’s in my life. I’ve got great friends, a great wife, a dog, and I have a great career.”

He added, “But there’s just a part of me that’s always going to be never totally happy. And I think that has a lot to do with my childhood.”