Curb Your Enthusiasm Honors Richard Lewis 5 Days After His Death

Richard Lewis may be gone, but the actor was certainly not forgotten during this week’s episode Curb your enthusiasm.

The long-running HBO comedy series aired a congratulatory tribute to Lewis, who died Tuesday at age 76, at the start of Sunday’s episode.

“In memory of Richard Lewis. 1947 – 2024,” read the dedication card.

Richard Lewis’ wife Joyce Lapinsky thanks fans for ‘loving tributes’ in first statement since his death

Lewis’ death was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday by his representative Jeff Abraham.

“Actor/comedian Richard Lewis passed away peacefully last night at his home in Los Angeles following a heart attack,” Abraham said. “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for their love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time.”

An HBO spokesperson also confirmed the news, telling PEOPLE in a statement, “We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a valued member of HBO and Curb your enthusiasm family, our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.”

Larry David with Richard Lewis in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Season 11.

John P. Johnson/HBO

From the inside Curb your enthusiasm Starring Richard Lewis and Larry David’s Decades Long Friendship

Soon after, the Hollywood community paid tribute to Lewis.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Lewis’ longtime Curb Costar and friend, Larry David, said of the sad news: “Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he was like a brother to me. He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and the sweetest at the same time. But today he made me cry and I will never forgive him for that.”

David’s on-screen wife, Cheryl Hines, also paid tribute to the late actor, telling PEOPLE in a statement that it was “a real gift” to be “loved by Richard Lewis.”

“When I was young I was most in love with Richard Lewis. He was the funniest person on stage and the best comedian. Then when they dumped me Curb your enthusiasmI got to work with him and it was a dream come true,” Hines said.

“Over the years, I learned who Richard really was and what kind of gifts he gave. Yes, he was a comedian I fell in love with, but he was also one of the most loving people I know. He would take the time to tell people that he loved what they gave him meant — especially in recent years Curbhe would tell me how special I am to him and how much he loves me,” she continued and added, “I love you Richard.”

Richard Lewis and Larry David in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Season 12.

John Johnson/HBO

Richard Lewis jokes about leaving Larry David ‘in my will’ Curb your enthusiasm Before His Death

Original Curb your enthusiasm The director, Rob Weide, shared photos on social media with Lewis from 1984, 2004 and 2023, and wrote: “Delighted with the news. The suddenness of it. I love you my friend. I always have. He always will.”

On Friday, Lewis’ wife issued a statement about the late actor X (formerly Twitter) accountexpressing her gratitude for the touching messages she received from fans after her husband’s death.

“This is Joyce, Richard’s wife,” she began. “Thank you for the honor. You would be more than delighted and touched, as I am.”

Lapinsky also responded to the “many inquiries” she received about how best to comply Curb your enthusiasm alum and his legacy. “I know Richard would appreciate donations in his memory to the Los Angeles-based comedygivesback.com charity or a charity of your choice,” she concluded.

Richard Lewis and his wife Joyce Lapinsky.

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty

Lewis was best known for his signature self-deprecating humor, which he displayed in countless standup performances and TV and film roles. He had a long-standing role at Curb your enthusiasmappearing in over 40 episodes between 2000 and 2021. Lewis was also known for being a regular guest on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Show.

His acting career also saw him in TV series starring opposite Jamie Lee Curtis in the sitcom Everything but love from 1989 to 1992, in later appearances on the small screen 7. heaven, A rude awakening, Battle horseman and Blunt Talkand in films including 1993 Robin Hood: Men in Tightsin 1995 Departure from Las Vegas.

Lewis is survived by his wife, whom he married in 2005. He had no children.

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Curb your enthusiasm airs Sundays at 10:00 PM ET on HBO.

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