Larry David pays tribute to childhood friend and co-star Richard Lewis

Comic Richard Lewis died at age 76 after struggling a coronary heart assault, his publicist introduced Wednesday. The comic, most lately recognized for enjoying himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” was remembered by his good friend and the present’s creator Larry David and different stars.

“Richard and I had been born three days aside in the identical hospital and for many of my life he is been like a brother to me,” David mentioned in an announcement shared on the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Instagram web page. “He had that uncommon mixture of being the funniest individual and in addition the sweetest. However at the moment he made me sob and for that I will by no means forgive him.” 

Lewis and David first met at 12 years previous at summer time camp. The pair performed fictionalized variations of themselves on the long-running HBO comedy about David, who co-created “Seinfeld.”

Different “Curb” stars additionally remembered Lewis, who had a decadeslong standup profession and dozens of movie and TV roles.

“He would take time to inform the folks he liked what they meant to him,” Cheryl Hines, who performs David’s ex-wife on the present, wrote on X. “In between takes on Curb, he would inform me how particular I used to be to him and the way a lot he liked me. To be liked by Richard Lewis. A real reward. I like you Richard. You can be missed.”

In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Susie Essman, who performed Susie Inexperienced, the spouse of David’s greatest good friend and supervisor on the present, referred to as Lewis an “unique good voice that can’t be changed.”

“I used to be fortunate to name him a good friend. He made me giggle and he was one of the supportive and kindest folks I’ve ever recognized,” she mentioned. 

Different stars additionally remembered working with Lewis, together with Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred with him on the sitcom “Something However Love.” The pair performed a pair on the present. “He received the half once I snort laughed when he mispronounced the phrase Bundt cake,” she wrote on Instagram. 

She remembered Lewis’ trick of hiding scripts across the set to recollect his traces. “It seems he was an exquisite actor. Deep and so freaking humorous.”

“He discovered love with Joyce and that, in fact, in addition to his sobriety, is what mattered most to him. I am weeping as I write this,” she mentioned, mentioning Lewis’ spouse, Joyce Lapinsky. “Unusual approach of claiming thanks to a candy and humorous man. Relaxation in laughter, Richard.”

Ben Stiller wrote in on social media: “I by no means met a kinder, extra empathetic comedy genius. He was so humorous. And deep. As a stand-up he was actually iconic within the ’70s. Cool, humorous, self deprecating and hip. He was a good friend to my dad and mom and the entire Stiller household.”

Director Paul Feig mentioned Lewis was his “hero.” “Completely devastated by this information. Richard was my hero once I was a stand-up. I used to be fortunate sufficient to get to know him and he was essentially the most fantastic man. So supportive and sort and really one of many funniest folks on the planet,” he wrote on social media.

Cary Elwes, who starred alongside Lewis in “Robin Hood: Males in Tights” mentioned he and Lewis had been lately planning to get collectively. “Moreover your outstanding expertise there was nobody sweeter or extra beneficiant than you, my good friend. I miss you already & without end. Relaxation in Energy, Richard. Our honest condolences to Joyce, his household & followers,” he wrote on social media.

A press release about Lewis was posted by HBO as effectively. “We’re heartbroken to be taught that Richard Lewis has handed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and expertise had been unmatched,” the social media publish reads. “Richard will all the time be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm households. Our heartfelt condolences exit to his household, associates and all of the followers who may depend on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.”

Lewis revealed final 12 months that he had Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from standup, he mentioned in a video posted on social media. Regardless of his sickness, he continued to movie scenes for the ultimate season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” In a current episode, he and David argue about what Lewis will depart him in his will. David insists he does not want the cash.

“After I die I would like you to understand how a lot I care about you,” Lewis tells him on the present. “You are my greatest good friend, you are getting it.”