Richard Lewis’ cause of death confirmed; actor honored on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’
Richard Lewis FILE PHOTO: Actor Richard Lewis attends the STARZ' "Blunt Talk" series premiere on August 10, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Lewis died last week at the age of 76. (Michael Kovac/Getty Images)
By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
The cause of death for comedian Richard Lewis has been confirmed.
Lewis’ representative told Entertainment Tonight that the 76-year-old actor died after suffering a heart attack last week.
The Blast obtained Lewis’ death certificate, which confirmed that he died of a “cardiopulmonary arrest with a secondary cause of death of Parkinson’s disease.” Lewis announced he had Parkinson’s in April 2023 after being diagnosed in 2021, Entertainment Tonight reported.
He had retired from his comedy tours because of the diagnosis, People reported.
In a recent episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Larry David discussed his will and death with Lewis’ character. The episode aired about two weeks before Lewis died.
“I have better news for you. I‘m leaving you in my will. I’m tweaking it, and you’re in it,” Lewis told David. “It’s done. You’re in.”
David tells Lewis that he doesn’t need the money, but Lewis counters, “When I die, I want you to know how much I cared about you... You’re my best friend. You’re getting it.”
David told Entertainment Tonight that Lewis was “like a brother to me,” sharing that they were born three days apart at the same hospital.
The episode that aired on Sunday, the first since Lewis’ death, had a tribute card that read, “In memory of Richard Lewis. 1947-2024,″ along with a photo of the actor.
The Blaze reported that his resting place is the Temple of Aaron Cemetery in Roseville, Minnesota.
Richard Lewis through the years LAS VEGAS - JULY 27: Comedian/actor Richard Lewis hosts the Video Software Dealers Association's award show at the organization's annual home video convention at the Bellagio July 27, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Comedian Richard Lewis attends the Launch of ELLE Magazines Premiere Green Issue at the Pacific Deisgn Center on April 11, 2006 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images) (Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES - APRIL 11: Comedians Larry David (L) and Richard Lewis attend the Launch of ELLE Magazines Premiere Green Issue at the Pacific Design Center on April 11, 2006 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images) (Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 9: Actor Richard Lewis attends ATAS Presents An Evening With "Curb Your Enthusiasm" at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Theatre on November 9, 2005 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images) (Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 6: Comedian Richard Lewis arrives at "Turn Up The Heat-Fight Global Warming", a benefit to help the Natural Resources Defense Council, featuring a concert performance by the Rolling Stones at the Staples Center on February 6, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 10: Actors Richard Lewis (L) and Patrick Stewart attend the STARZ' "Blunt Talk" series premiere on August 10, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for STARZ) (Michael Kovac)
Richard Lewis through the years BEVERLY HILLS - NOVEMBER 24: Comedian Richard Lewis attends the Annual Norby Walters Holliday Party at the Friars Club on November 24, 2002 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years 399244 68: Actor Richard Lewis and date attend the American Film Institutes AFI Awards 2001 at the Beverly Hills Hotel January 5, 2002 in Beverly Hills, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) (Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 16: Actor/comedian Richard Lewis (left) and actress Jennifer Love Hewitt (right) arrive at the Tourette Syndrome Association Champion Of Children Award at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on February 16, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) (Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Richard Lewis (L) and Joyce Lapinsky attend HBO's Post Emmy Awards Reception at the Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images) (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 31: Comedian Richard Lewis attends Soho Rep's 2014 Spring Fete at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on March 31, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images) (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 06: Actor/comedian Richard Lewis and Larry David attend the 41st AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Mel Brooks after party at Dolby Theatre on June 6, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Special Broadcast will air Saturday, June 15 at 9:00 P.M. ET/PT on TNT and Wednesday, July 24 on TCM as part of an All-Night Tribute to Brooks. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Actors J.B Smoove and Richard Lewis arrive at HBO's "Curb your Enthusiasm" Season 7 on September 15, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images) (Valerie Macon/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 14: Comedian Richard Lewis attends the 27th annual PaleyFest Presents "Curb Your Enthusiasm" event at the Saban Theatre on March 14, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Actor Richard Lewis poses at the Comedy to Benefit The IMF's Peter Boyle Fund held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater and Club on November 10, 2007 in Los Angeles California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images) (Mark Davis/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 30: Actor Richard Lewis attends the private opening of Dennis Hopper's "A Survey" exhibit held at ACE Gallery on March 30, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images) (Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 06: Actor/comedian Richard Lewis attends AFI's 41st Life Achievement Award Tribute to Mel Brooks at Dolby Theatre on June 6, 2013 in Hollywood, California. 23647_006_JK_0006.JPG (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for AFI) (Jason Kempin/Getty Images for AFI)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES - JULY 20: Comedians Billy Crystal (left) and Richard Lewis arrive for the Premiere of HBO's Documentary "My Uncle Berns" on July 20, 2004 at the Museum of Tolerance, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images) (Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Richard Lewis through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 10: Actor Richard Lewis attends the STARZ' "Blunt Talk" series premiere on August 10, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for STARZ) (Michael Kovac)
Richard Lewis through the years NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 06: Comedian Richard Lewis attends "From Stand-up to Sitcom" presented by the Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre on October 6, 2008 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images) (Charley Gallay/Getty Images)