Richard Lewis’ official cause of death has been determined, only days after the comedian passed away at the age of 76.
The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star died of cardiopulmonary arrest (also known as cardiac or circulatory arrest) at 9:22 p.m. on Feb. 27 at his Los Angeles home, according to his death certificate.
According to the paper, Parkinson’s disease is a secondary cause of death. Lewis confirmed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in April, along with his intention to retire from stand-up comedy.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive ailment, affects both the neurological system and nerve-controlled portions of the body, according to The Mayo Clinic. It can cause stiffness and slowness of movement.
Born in Brooklyn in 1947, Lewis rose to prominence in the comedy industry during the early 1970s. His act, known for its neurotic and self-deprecating tone, frequently addressed topics such as his alcoholism and mental health issues.
By 1975, magazines such as the Daily News were referring to Lewis as a “new breed” of comedians, alongside Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Andy Kaufman.
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In his later years, he became well-known to younger generations for his guest-starring role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” with longstanding friend Larry David, in which they played semi-fictionalized and exaggerated versions of one other.
Lewis participated in more than 40 episodes of the series during 24 years, including the 2000 pilot.
David, who stars in and developed the HBO series, paid a heartfelt tribute to Lewis this week.
“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,” according to the “Seinfeld” co-creator of the show. “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.”
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Lewis, who spoke openly about his 30-year sobriety, was also honored for his hard efforts to help others get clean.
“Richard Lewis helped people laugh and he helped people heal through his tireless, indefatigable belief in sobriety,” actress Jamie Lee Curtis said on Instagram. “The laughs may stop but the healing never does. It’s the power of recovery and fellowship and solidarity, and it’s available everywhere all at once. A phone call away. Rest in the knowledge that you helped people, Richard. First of all, me.”
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Lewis is survived by his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, with whom he had been married since 2005.
