Celebrities, including close friend and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” co-star Larry David, praised Richard Lewis as “brilliantly funny” after news of the comedian’s death at 76 became public Wednesday.
David told Fox News Digital Lewis was “like a brother.”
“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,” the “Seinfeld” co-creator said. “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 also co-starred on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” told Fox News Digital having known Lewis was a “true gift.”
“When I was young, I had the biggest crush on Richard Lewis,” Hines said. “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.
“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.
Actor and comedian Albert Brooks wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “RIP Richard Lewis. A brilliantly funny man who will missed by all. The world needed him now more than ever.”
Nancy Sinatra called the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star’s death “dreadful news. I will always love Richard.”
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr posted on X, “God bless Richard Lewis we will all miss you man love to Joyce peace and love Ringo.”
Bette Midler posted, “On a sad note, the great Richard Lewis has died.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, who worked with Lewis on the early ‘90s sitcom “Anything But Love,” wrote a lengthy note about the comedian on her Instagram along with publicity photos of the two of them embracing, adding he is the reason she is sober.
Comedian Patton Oswalt shared a throwback black-and-white headshot of Lewis smiling at the camera. The “King of Queens” star also posted “We love you Richard” last summer after Lewis posted about turning 76.
According to his publicist, Jeff Abraham of Jonas Public Relations, Lewis died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack.
Lewis announced his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and retirement from stand-up in April 2023.
