“Curb Your Enthusiasm ”Honors Richard Lewis 5 Days After His Death
The HBO show paid tribute to the late actor at the start of Sunday's episode
Richard Lewis may be gone, but the actor was certainly not forgotten during this week’s episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
The long-running HBO comedy series aired a dedication card honoring Lewis, who died on Tuesday at age 76, at the start of Sunday's episode.
"In memory of Richard Lewis. 1947 - 2024," the dedication card read.
Lewis' death was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement by his rep Jeff Abraham.
"Comedian/Actor Richard Lewis passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles last night after suffering a heart attack," Abraham said. "His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time."
A spokesperson for HBO also confirmed the news, telling PEOPLE in a statement: "We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm families, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter."
Related: Inside Curb Your Enthusiasm Stars Richard Lewis and Larry David's Decades-Long Friendship
Shortly after, tributes for Lewis poured in from the Hollywood community.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Lewis' longtime Curb costar and friend, Larry David, said of the sad news: “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's onscreen wife, Cheryl Hines, also honored the late actor, telling PEOPLE in a statement that it's "a true gift" to be "loved by Richard 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," Hines said.
"Through the years I learned who Richard really was and the gifts he gave. Yes, he was the comedian I fell in love with, but he was also one of the most loving people I know. He would take time to tell the people he loved what they meant to him — especially in recent years. In between takes on Curb, he would tell me how special I was to him and how much he loved me," she continued, adding, "I love you Richard."
Related: Richard Lewis Joked About Leaving Larry David 'in My Will' on Curb Your Enthusiasm Before His Death
The original Curb Your Enthusiasm director, Rob Weide, shared photos on social media with Lewis from 1984, 2004 and 2023 as he wrote, “Reeling from the news. The suddenness of it. I love you, Pal. Always have. Always will.”
On Friday, Lewis' wife put out a statement on the late actor's X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing her gratitude for the touching messages she's received from fans since her husband's death.
"This is Joyce, Richard’s wife," she began. "Thank you for your loving tributes. He would be beyond thrilled and so touched, as am I."
Lapinsky also responded to the "many queries" she'd received about how to best honor the Curb Your Enthusiasm alum and his legacy. "I know Richard would appreciate donations in his memory to the Los Angeles based charity comedygivesback.com or the charity of your choice," she concluded.
Lewis was best known for his trademark self-deprecating humor, which he showed in countless standup performances and TV and film roles. He held a long-standing role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, appearing in more than 40 episodes between 2000 and 2021. Lewis was also known for being a regular guest on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Show.
His acting career also saw him in TV shows with a starring role opposite Jamie Lee Curtis in the sitcom Anything but Love from 1989 to 1992, in later small-screen appearances on 7th Heaven, Rude Awakening, Bojack Horseman and Blunt Talk, and in films including 1993's Robin Hood: Men in Tights, 1995's Leaving Las Vegas.
Lewis is survived by his wife, who he married in 2005. He did not have any children.
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Curb Your Enthusiasm airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.
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