Legendary Entertainer Richard Lewis Has Passed Away at 76

Richard Lewis was a funny guy. Nicknamed “The Prince of Pain,” his self-deprecating sense of humor shot him to the top of the entertainment industry. Sadly, the HBO star has now passed away.

Lewis died from a heart attack on February 27. He was 76 years old and died in his Los Angeles, California, home. His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, issued a statement through Lewis’ publicist, Jeff Abraham, and thanked everyone for their “love, friendship, and support.” She asked them for privacy as she mourns her husband of nearly 20 years.

The late comedian began his career in 1971. In his early years, he was a writer for an advertising agency during the day and a stand-up comedian at night. His dark sense of humor won people over and he was soon appearing on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and featured in magazines. He continued appearing on “The Tonight Show” and other programs in the 1980s and 1990s.

From 1989 to 1992, Lewis starred in the sitcom “Anything But Love” alongside Jamie Lee Curtis. He was also in the 1993 film “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” and other movies and television programs.

In recent years, Lewis starred alongside Larry David in the HBO hit show “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He played a semi-autobiographical role on the show. The men were actually born in the same New York City hospital days apart. They attended camp together when they were 12, but hated each other. During a joint interview, Lewis said he and David used to fight each other. They later became close friends on the comedy circuit.

David spoke out after learning his friend was gone, saying that Lewis was “like a brother” and expressing anger that he made him cry.