The official cause of death of Richard Lewis has been revealed.
The Curb your enthusiasm the actor and comedian died at 9:22 p.m. on February 27 of “cardiopulmonary arrest,” according to his death certificate obtained by The Blast on Friday. Lewis was 76 when he died, and according to the media, Parkinson’s disease was listed as his secondary cause of death.
Cardiopulmonary arrest is when “adequate heart and breathing function ceases,” often resulting in death, according to the National Library of Medicine. The NLM noted that this condition can often occur in patients with coronary artery disease.
Lewis revealed in April 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021, “a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and parts of the body controlled by the nerves”.
He said he retired from his comedy career as a result and privately battled the disease for years after his diagnosis.
Richard Lewis hosts the Video Software Dealers Association Awards at the home video organization’s annual convention at the Bellagio on July 27, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ethan Miller/Getty
Comedian and Curb your enthusiasm Star Richard Lewis died at 76
According to The Blast, the late actor will be laid to rest at the Temple of Aaron Cemetery in Roseville, Minnesota. Representatives for Lewis did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
News of the comedian’s death was confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE by Lewis’ rep Jeff Abraham on Feb. 28, who said the actor “passed peacefully at his home in Los Angeles” the night before after “suffering a heart attack.”
“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for their love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Abraham added.
Richard Lewis says he’s ‘pretty well’ with Parkinson’s less than 3 weeks before death (Exclusive)
Broadcasting HBO spokesperson Curb your enthusiasmsaid: “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 the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm family…”
Lewis in 2020 in an interview for Chicago Tribune. He explained: “After 20 years of being associated with the entire series, it was too much on my mind to let [Larry David] down.”
Less than three weeks before his death, Lewis shared some optimistic words with PEOPLE about his health after missing the Season 12 premiere party for Curb January 30.
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“For the last few years, I have had occasional difficulty walking due to Parkinson’s disease. It’s not important. I’m doing fine so far, but I didn’t want to go, spend five or six hours hanging out with so many people,” he explained of skipping the event. “He’s just asking for trouble.”
He said he was “disappointed” to miss the festivities, but added that “all things considered, I’m fine.”
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