Comedian and actor Richard Lewis, whose last role was in the current and final season of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, has died from a heart attack. He was 76 years old.
Lewis, who was diagnosed last April with Parkinson’s disease, said at the time that the last 3 1/2 years had been “a rocky time”, during which he had undergone four surgeries back to back and found out he had Parkinson’s disease.
“But luckily, I got it late in life, and they say it progresses very slowly if at all, and I’m on the right meds, so I’m cool,” Lewis said. “So, I guess I just wanted to know that that’s where it’s been at.”
The comedian, who is also known for appearances on the 1993 sitcom Daddy Dearest and the series 7th Heaven, added he was finished doing standup comedy and that he would be using his remaining time to focus on writing and acting.
Lewis’s most recent role is playing a fictional version of himself in Curb Your Enthusiasm, which stars fellow comedian Larry David. The show’s executive producer, Jeff Schaffer, said recently that Lewis was “doing fantastic right now,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
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“We are heartbroken,” an HBO spokesperson said in a statement. “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.”
Curb Your Enthusiasm aired its first episode in 2000 and is on its 12th season. In December, it was revealed that this season would be the show’s final one.
