After the passing of the iconic comedian Richard Lewis at the age of 76, his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to his fans worldwide in a post on his X page just three days after his death.
She conveyed her gratitude saying, “Thank you for your loving tributes. He would be beyond thrilled and so touched, as am I.”
In response to the numerous queries she received, Joyce highlighted that Richard would appreciate donations in his memory to the Los Angeles based charity comedygivesback.com or any charity of the donor’s choice.
Comedy Gives Back is known for providing financial crisis relief, mental health and chemical treatment sponsorship, along with continued community support to comedians in need.
Richard Lewis, known for his role in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” alongside Larry David, passed away on Tuesday from a heart attack at his home in LA. He had retired from standup comedy after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last spring.
Besides his role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Lewis was also known for his appearances in ABC’s “Anything but Love” with Jamie Lee Curtis and the Fox sitcom “Daddy Dearest” with Don Rickles.
Throughout his career, Lewis was a popular guest on late-night TV, making numerous appearances on shows like “Late Night with David Letterman” and “The Tonight Show.”
Prior to his death, Lewis shared a photo on social media comparing his wife Joyce to Eleanor Keaton, the wife of legendary silent film star Buster Keaton, showing their strong bond.
Having met at a Ringo Starr album release party in 1988, Lewis and Lapinsky’s relationship blossomed, leading to their engagement in 2004 and marriage in 2005.
Following Richard Lewis’ death, Ringo Starr paid tribute to him, expressing his blessings and sending peace and love to Joyce.
Despite facing struggles with addiction in the past, Lewis found solace and happiness in his marriage to Joyce. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in 2010, he mentioned, “We have a neurotic relationship that’s, 99 percent of the time, filled with laughter and love.” He credited their relationship for bringing him peace and gratitude.
