Richard Lewis Parents, Children, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Height, Biography, Movies & More
Richard Lewis, one of the most influential and beloved comedians of his generation, passed away on February 27, 2024, at the age of 76. He died of a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles, leaving behind his wife of 19 years, Joyce Lapinsky, and his loyal dog.
Lewis was known for his self-deprecating, neurotic, and hilarious style of comedy, which influenced many of his peers and successors. He was also a successful actor, appearing in movies such as Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and TV shows such as Anything but Love and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Richard Lewis, from his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his rise to fame and fortune in Hollywood, and his final years battling Parkinson’s disease.
Early Life and Family
Richard Lewis was born on June 29, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, to Blanche and Bill Lewis. His mother was an actress in community theatre, and his father was a co-owner of a catering company.
He had a brother and a sister, who both died before him. Lewis grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, where he attended Dwight Morrow High School.
He was a shy and insecure kid, who found solace in humor and music. He idolized comedians such as Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, and Mort Sahl, and musicians such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
Richard Lewis Wiki/Bio
| Name | Richard Philip Lewis |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | June 29, 1947 |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Death Date | February 27, 2024 |
| Death Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor, writer, producer |
| Spouse | Joyce Lapinsky (m. 2005–2024) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Blanche Lewis (mother), Bill Lewis (father) |
| Siblings | Robert Lewis (brother, deceased), Renee Lewis (sister, deceased) |
| Net Worth | $8 million (estimated) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Ethnicity | Ashkenazi Jewish |
| Nationality | American |
| Wikipedia | Richard_Lewis_(comedian) |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Education & Bckground
Lewis went to Ohio State University, where he majored in marketing. He graduated in 1969, and moved back to New York, where he got a job at an advertising agency. He hated his job, and spent his nights writing jokes and performing at open mic nights in clubs and coffee houses.
He soon quit his job, and pursued comedy full-time. He became a regular at the famed Comedy Store, where he met and befriended other aspiring comedians, such as David Letterman, Jay Leno, Billy Crystal, and Robin Williams. He also met Larry David, who would become his lifelong friend and collaborator.
Career
Lewis developed his signature style of comedy, which was based on his anxieties, insecurities, neuroses, and obsessions. He often joked about his relationships, his family, his therapy, his addiction, and his Jewish identity.
He was known for his rapid-fire delivery, his expressive facial expressions, and his trademark black clothing. He was dubbed “The Prince of Pain” by Newsweek, and “The King of Kvetch” by Time. He was admired by his peers and critics, and loved by his fans.
Controversies
Richard Lewis was not a stranger to controversies, as he often spoke his mind and expressed his opinions on various topics. Some of the controversies he was involved in are:
- In 1989, he was sued by a woman who claimed he sexually harassed her during a comedy show at a club in New York. The woman alleged that Lewis made lewd remarks and gestures at her, and touched her inappropriately. Lewis denied the allegations, and the case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
- In 1997, he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Los Angeles. He pleaded no contest, and was sentenced to three years of probation, a $1,000 fine, and an alcohol education program.
- In 2003, he was criticized by some Jewish groups for making jokes about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany in his stand-up act. Lewis defended his humor, saying that he was not mocking the victims, but rather the perpetrators. He said he was using comedy as a way of coping with the horrors of history, and that he had the right to do so as a Jew.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Diary of a Young Comic | Himself |
| 1979 | The 416th | Himself |
| 1988 | The Wrong Guys | Belzer |
| 1989 | That’s Adequate | Himself |
| 1992 | Once Upon a Crime… | Julian Peters |
| 1992 | The Danger of Love: The Carolyn Warmus Story | Paul Solomon |
| 1993 | Robin Hood: Men in Tights | Prince John |
| 1993–1994 | Anything but Love | Marty Gold |
| 1995 | Drunks | Jim |
| 1995 | Leaving Las Vegas | Peter |
| 1996 | A Weekend in the Country | Norman Phipps |
| 1996 | The Elevator | Martin |
| 1997 | Hugo Pool | Chick Chicalini |
| 1997 | The Maze | Richard |
| 1999 | Game Day | Coach |
| 1999 | Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm | Himself |
| 2000–2024 | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Himself |
| 2005 | Confessions of an Action Star | Himself |
| 2011 | Lewis on Film: The Oscar Edition | Himself |
| 2012 | Vamps | Danny |
| 2014 | She’s Funny That Way | Al Finkelstein |
| 2014 | Gangsta Waitress | Gangsta Waiter |
| 2015 | Bucky and the Squirrels | Richard Lewis |
| 2018 | The Great Buster: A Celebration | Himself |
| 2021 | Emily @ the Edge of Chaos | Himself |
Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
According to various sources, his height was 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), and his weight was 165 lbs (75 kg). His body measurements were 40-32-35 inches (102-81-89 cm). His shoe size was 10 US (43 EU).
Fame and Fortune
Lewis achieved national fame and recognition in the 1980s when he appeared frequently on Late Night with David Letterman. He was one of Letterman’s favorite guests, and they had great chemistry and rapport. He also appeared on other talk shows, such as The Tonight Show, The Howard Stern Show, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
He released several comedy albums, such as I’m in Pain, I’m Exhausted, and I’m Doomed, which were critically acclaimed and commercially successful. He also starred in his own HBO specials, such as I’m Doomed, I’m in Pain, and I’m Exhausted, which showcased his brilliant and hilarious stand-up routines.
Lewis also ventured into acting, and proved to be a versatile and talented performer. He co-starred with Jamie Lee Curtis in the romantic comedy series Anything but Love, which ran for four seasons on ABC. He played Marty Gold, a neurotic and cynical journalist, who falls in love with his co-worker Hannah Miller, played by Curtis.
The show was a hit, and earned Lewis a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. He also appeared in several movies, such as Once Upon a Crime, Wagons East, and Leaving Las Vegas. His most memorable movie role was Prince John in Mel Brooks’ spoof Robin Hood: Men in Tights, where he delivered some of the funniest lines and scenes in the film.
Lewis reached the pinnacle of his career in the 2000s, when he joined the cast of Curb Your Enthusiasm, the acclaimed comedy series created by his friend Larry David. He played a fictionalized version of himself, who was often involved in awkward and hilarious situations with David and other celebrities. He was one of the main characters, and appeared in all 11 seasons of the show.
He was praised for his natural and improvisational style of acting, and his chemistry with David. He also received several Emmy nominations for his performance. Curb Your Enthusiasm was widely regarded as one of the best and most influential comedy shows of all time, and Lewis was an integral part of its success.
Personal Life, Spouse & Kids
Lewis was married once, to Joyce Lapinsky, a production coordinator and producer. They tied the knot in 2005, after dating for several years. They had no children, but they had a dog named Rocky, who was like a son to them. They lived in a beautiful house in Los Angeles, where they hosted many parties and gatherings for their friends and family. They were a happy and devoted couple, who supported each other through thick and thin.
Lewis struggled with substance abuse for many years and was addicted to alcohol and drugs. He hit rock bottom in 1994 when he overdosed on cocaine and almost died. He decided to get sober and entered a rehab program. He stayed clean for the rest of his life and became an advocate and a role model for recovery.
He wrote a memoir, titled The Other Great Depression, where he candidly shared his experiences and insights on addiction and sobriety. He also spoke at many events and meetings, where he inspired and encouraged others to overcome their demons.
Health Causes
Lewis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021, a chronic and progressive disorder that affects the nervous system. He revealed his condition to the public in 2023, in a touching video message. He said he was determined to fight the disease and to continue working and living as normally as possible. He said he was grateful for the support and love of his wife, his friends, his fans, and his dog.
He also said he wanted to use his humor and his platform to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research and treatment. He participated in the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he addressed his diagnosis and his will in a poignant and funny episode. He also launched a video podcast, called Alive and Unwell, where he talked about his life and his career with his guests and his viewers.
Death Cause
Lewis died of a heart attack on February 27, 2024, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 76 years old. His death was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham, who said he was “one of the greats”. His wife, Joyce, said he was “the love of her life”.
His friend, Larry David, said he was “like a brother” to him, and that he had “that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest”. His fans and colleagues expressed their grief and their admiration for him on social media and in the press. He was remembered as a comic genius, a brilliant actor, a generous friend, a loving husband, and a courageous fighter.
Richard Lewis was a legend in the world of comedy and entertainment. He made millions of people laugh and cry with his unique and hilarious style of humor. He also touched many lives with his honesty and his kindness. He faced many challenges and hardships in his life, but he never gave up or lost his spirit. He was a survivor, a fighter, and a winner.
He left behind a legacy of laughter, love, and hope. He will be missed, but he will never be forgotten. He was Richard, and he was one of a kind.
