How ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ honored Richard Lewis after his death

Richard Lewis.
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" had a tribute for the late comedian-actor Richard Lewis.

After Richard Lewis died at age 76 on Feb. 27, Sunday’s episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” honored the late comedian.

Lewis was a longtime friend of series creator-star Larry David, 76, and frequently appeared on the show during its 12-season run, playing a fictional version of himself. The show follows David, playing a fictional version of himself as he often disregards or misreads social conventions, resulting in awkward situations.

On Sunday night’s episode, the HBO comedy had a dedication card reading, “In memory of Richard Lewis. 1947 – 2024.”

Lewis died peacefully at his Los Angeles, California, home 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,” his publicist, Jeff Abraham, said in a statement.

Larry David (left) and Richard Lewis in a scene from the series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” HBO/Sky Comedy/Kobal/Shutterstock
Larry David (left) and Richard Lewis in a scene from the series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” HBO/Sky Comedy/Kobal/Shutterstock
Richard Lewis played a fictionalized version of himself, along with Larry David, on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” HBO
Richard Lewis played a fictionalized version of himself, along with Larry David, on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” HBO

An HBO spokesperson told The Post in a statement Wednesday: “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 comedian announced last April that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from stand-up comedy.

In a Vanity Fair interview published last week, Lewis said about his diagnosis, “It changed my outlook in that it’s been a combination of forcing myself to look back and be grateful. I’ve had such an amazing life. I still do. I’m a lucky man…I got in touch with more gratitude and also acceptance. It’s imperative that I accept the fact that I have Parkinson’s. If you don’t accept it, then it lingers around your brain and you get morbid and depressed. You lose energy.”

“Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me,” Larry David said of their Brooklyn beginnings. HBO
“Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me,” Larry David said of their Brooklyn beginnings. HBO
Richard Lewis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year. WireImage
Richard Lewis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year. WireImage

In 2021, Lewis announced that he would only appear in one episode of “Curb” Season 11 because of his illness. He returned for the show’s 12th and final season, which premiered earlier this month on HBO. The series finale will air April 7.

Lewis’ wife, Lapinsky — who he married in 2005 — thanked his many fans worldwide in a post on X three days after his death.

“This is Joyce, Richard’s wife,” she wrote on his X page. “Thank you for your loving tributes. He would be beyond thrilled and so touched, as am I.

“In response to your many queries, I know Richard would appreciate donations in his memory to the Los Angeles based charity comedygivesback.com or the charity of your choice.”

“He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest,” Larry David (right) said about Richard Lewis. FilmMagic
“He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest,” Larry David (right) said about Richard Lewis. FilmMagic
“Today he made me sob and for that, I’ll never forgive him,” Larry David said after Richard Lewis died. FilmMagic for HBO
“Today he made me sob and for that, I’ll never forgive him,” Larry David said after Richard Lewis died. FilmMagic for HBO
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” had a tribute for Richard Lewis in its final season. FilmMagic
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” had a tribute for Richard Lewis in its final season. FilmMagic

The “Curb” cast and other celebrities took to social media to post tributes to the late comedian.

“Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me,” David told People. “He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that, I’ll never forgive him.”

Cheryl Hines, who plays David’s on-screen wife in the series, also gushed to the outlet about Lewis.

“When I was young I had the biggest crush on Richard Lewis. He was the funniest person on stage and the most handsome comedian. Then when I was cast on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ I got to work with him and it was a dream come true,” said Hines.

She continued, “Through the years I learned who Richard really was and the gifts he gave. Yes, he was the comedian I fell in love with, but he was also one of the most loving people I know. He would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him — especially in recent years. In between takes on ‘Curb,’ he would tell me how special I was to him and how much he loved me. I love you Richard.”

Richard Lewis with his wife, Joyce Lapinsky. WireImage
Richard Lewis with his wife, Joyce Lapinsky. WireImage
Fellow “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Cheryl Hines said that working with Richard Lewis was “a dream come true.” FilmMagic for HBO
Fellow “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Cheryl Hines said that working with Richard Lewis was “a dream come true.” FilmMagic for HBO
Several celebrities paid tribute to Richard Lewis after his death. WireImage
Several celebrities paid tribute to Richard Lewis after his death. WireImage

Jamie Lee Curtis, who co-starred alongside Lewis in the ABC sitcom “Anything But Love,” said in an Instagram statement, “I remember exactly where I was when I saw a billboard of him about a stand-up special on Sunset Boulevard when we were casting the ABC pilot ‘Anything But Love’ and asked the casting people to bring him in to audition to play my best friend/maybe boyfriend, Marty Gold.”

“I thought he was handsome. He made me laugh, which is the one thing that a strong, capable woman, can’t really do for herself,” Curtis continued. “He also is the reason I am sober. He helped me. I am forever grateful for him for that act of grace alone. He found love with Joyce and that, of course, besides his sobriety, is what mattered most to him. I’m weeping as I write this. Strange way of saying thank you to a sweet and funny man. Rest in laughter, Richard.”

Lewis’ former “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” co-star, Cary Elwes, for his part, called the late actor a “remarkable talent.”

“Noooo….. We were literally just making plans to get together. … There was no one sweeter or more generous than you, my friend,” he posted on Instagram. “I miss you already & forever.”