Richard Lewis, a renowned comedian celebrated for his candid, neurotic humour and trademark all-black attire, has passed away at the age of 76. He died at his Los Angeles home following a heart attack, shortly after disclosing his Parkinson’s diagnosis earlier this year.
Lewis enjoyed a lengthy career, gracing clubs and late-night television as well as starring as Marty Gold in “Anything But Love” alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, and portraying the neurotic Prince John in “Robin Hood: Men In Tights.” He is also remembered for his role in HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where he re-engaged with a newer audience.
Known for his self-deprecating style, Lewis once joked about his paranoia, saying, “I’m paranoid about everything in my life,” and his comedic approach has earned him accolades from Comedy Central, which named him one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time. The Los Angeles Times described his performances as akin to “a very funny and often dark therapy session.”
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Lewis shared the stage with comedy legends like Jay Leno and Billy Crystal, earning recognition for his compelling blend of humour and vulnerability. His contributions to comedy, including charity work and influential comedy specials, leave a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.