Curb Your Enthusiasm Star And Comedian Richard Lewis Dead At 76

Comedian and actor Richard Lewis has passed away at the age of 76, according to Deadline. The actor's exact cause of death has not been announced as of press time. However, Lewis was living with Parkinson's disease at the time of his death.

Lewis — who appeared in projects like "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and "Leaving Las Vegas" — revealed his Parkinson's diagnosis in April 2023. He also was quite open about the health issues he endured throughout his life as a result of drug and alcohol abuse early in his career.

Earlier this month, Lewis spoke to Vanity Fair about his disease and the final season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," saying that living with the disease gave him an excuse to find more joy in life. "It changed my outlook in that it's been a combination of forcing myself to look back and be grateful," Lewis said. "I've had such an amazing life. I still do. I'm a lucky man." Tragically, Lewis hoped to continue working, potentially act again, and host speaking engagements before his passing.

Lewis has been a staple of stand-up comedy since he began his career in the '70s in New York City. In 1974, Lewis made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and after that, he appeared in a whopping 22 episodes from then until 1992. Lewis also showed up on major talk shows like David Letterman's — "Late Night" and "Late Show" — "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" while also acting in shows like "Anything But Love" and appearing in small roles on hits like "Two and a Half Men" and "The Simpsons."

As a friend of star Larry David, Lewis has also portrayed a version of himself on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" since the show began in 2000. In the recent premiere of the comedy's final season, Lewis even references his eventual passing — saying he'll leave David money in his will. (David, always the contrarian, says he doesn't need it.) 

In that same Vanity Fair interview, Lewis highlighted how David made accommodations for him while they filmed his series following Lewis' diagnosis. "I've got to tell you how he took care of me this year," Lewis said. "The cast and a crew—just as I'm diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease—made sure that everything was right for me on the set ... Everybody was so lovely on the set."

The world's thoughts are with Lewis' surviving family at this time.