Jamie Lee Curtis overwhelmed with grief makes the heart-wrenching announcement
Jamie Lee Curtis recently shared a heartfelt and emotional tribute to her dear friend and fellow actor, Richard Lewis, following his unexpected death at the age of 76. Richard Lewis, known for his brilliant performances on the acclaimed show “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” passed away on Tuesday due to a heart attack. His loss has deeply affected many, including Curtis, who has fond memories of their time together both on and off the screen.
The 65-year-old actress, famous for her role as Laurie Strode in “Halloween,” also starred alongside Lewis in the sitcom “Anything But Love.” The show, which ran for four seasons from 1989 to 1992, showcased their undeniable on-screen chemistry and solidified their bond. Upon hearing the devastating news, Curtis took to Instagram on Wednesday to express her sorrow and gratitude for the profound impact Lewis had on her life.
Curtis posted a series of nostalgic photographs featuring herself and Lewis, accompanied by a poignant caption. She began by expressing her shock and sadness at the news of his passing. She recalled the first time she saw Lewis on a billboard for one of his stand-up specials while driving down Sunset Boulevard. This moment was pivotal, as it led her to insist that Lewis be considered for the role of Marty Gold, her best friend and potential love interest in “Anything But Love.”
“I thought he looked terrific. Someone who could make me laugh, which is something a strong woman can’t really do for herself. I laughed out loud when he pronounced ‘Bundt cake’ wrong, but he got the part,” Curtis reminisced. The pilot for the show initially didn’t get picked up, but the chemistry between Curtis and Lewis was so palpable that they were asked to rework the original concept, leading to a successful run of the series.
Curtis reflected on Lewis’s aversion to performing in front of live audiences, despite his career as a stand-up comedian. She shared anecdotes about his unique methods for remembering lines, often hiding them on props, door frames, and even on her face during close-ups. His meticulous preparation and talent for comedic timing were evident to all who worked with him.
The actress also spoke about the deep personal connection she shared with Lewis, including their mutual grief over the deaths of their friends and co-stars Richard Frank and John Ritter. In one of his last messages to her, Lewis expressed his hope that ABC/Disney would release another boxed set of “Anything But Love” episodes, a testament to how much the show meant to him.
Curtis’s tribute took a deeply personal turn when she revealed, “He’s also the reason I’m sober. He helped me, and I will always be grateful to him for that act of kindness.” She acknowledged the significant role Lewis played in her life, not only professionally but also personally, emphasizing how his support and friendship had a lasting impact.
In her tribute, Curtis also mentioned Lewis’s wife, Joyce Lapinsky, and the profound love they shared. “He found love with Joyce, and that, along with being sober, was what mattered most to him,” she wrote, adding that it brought her to tears to reflect on these memories.
Curtis concluded her heartfelt post with a touching farewell, “This is a strange way to thank a nice and funny man. Richard, may you rest in laughter. My Marty, I love you, Hannah.” Her words encapsulated the deep bond and affection she had for her late friend.
In addition to her initial post, Curtis shared another old photograph of herself with Lewis, accompanied by lyrics from the “Anything But Love” theme song. She encouraged her followers to listen to the beautiful song written by JD Souther, sharing its poignant lyrics as a tribute to Lewis.
The entertainment world also saw an outpouring of tributes from other celebrities and friends. Larry David, a close friend and co-star on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” expressed his profound loss, describing Lewis as “the funniest and nicest person at the same time,” a rare combination that made his passing even more heartbreaking. Cheryl Hines, another co-star, reminisced about her early admiration for Lewis and the deep bond they formed over the years.
Hines highlighted how Lewis’s kindness and humor touched everyone he knew, especially in recent years when he made it a point to express his love and appreciation for his friends. “To be loved by Richard Lewis was a real gift,” she wrote, emphasizing the lasting impact of his generosity and warmth.
As the entertainment community mourns the loss of Richard Lewis, his legacy as a comedic genius and a cherished friend lives on through the memories and tributes of those who knew and loved him.