died Tuesday of a heart attack. He was 76.“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Lewis’ publicist, Jeff Abraham, told The Post in a statement Wednesday upon announcing the news.Lewis’ longtime co-star and “Curb” creator, Larry David, 76, reacted to the loss in a statement to People. “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.
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,” David joked.
The Post has contacted a rep for David for comment. Cheryl Hines, who portrays David’s on-screen wife in the series, also gushed to the outlet about Lewis. “When I was young I had the biggest crush on Richard Lewis.
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,” said Hines.She continued, “Through the years I learned who Richard really was and the gifts he gave.