Jamie Lee Curtis, overcome with sorrow, shares devastating news: “He left us today… such a kind spirit… – check the article below šš
The 65-year-old star, famous for her legendary role in Halloween, co-starred with a cherished comedian in the series Anything But Love, which ran for four seasons from 1989 to 1992. After learning of his untimely passing, Curtis shared her grief on Instagram, following an initial post from Bette Midler.
In her emotional message, Curtis spoke about how much the late comedian had influenced her life. Alongside several old photos, she disclosed that he was “the reason Iām sober.” Curtis, who has been sober for 25 years, previously struggled with opioid addiction.
āI just heard the heartbreaking news that my dear friend Richard Lewis has passed,ā she wrote. āI can still picture the billboard of him on Sunset Boulevard promoting his stand-up show. When we were casting for Anything But Love, I insisted the producers bring him in to try out for the part of Marty Gold, my friend and potential love interest.ā
āI liked the way he carried himself,ā she added, āand he had something that made me laugh uncontrollably.ā Curtis fondly remembered a moment from his audition where Lewis mispronounced “bundt cake,” leaving her in fits of laughter.
āHe outshone everyone else,ā Curtis recalled. Despite some hesitation from the network, the undeniable connection between Curtis and Lewis pushed the show forward. They co-starred for two years.
Curtis highlighted that although Richard excelled at stand-up comedy, performing in front of audiences was difficult for him, despite her admiration for his talent.
āHe would hide his notes everywhereāon props, door frames, even on my face,ā she chuckled. āBut somehow, he always made it work. He was both hilarious and profound.ā
Remembering their shared losses, Curtis reflected on how they mourned the deaths of close friends like producer John Ritter and actor Richard Frank.
In her Instagram tribute, Curtis mentioned that Richardās last message to her was a request for a boxed set of Anything But Love episodes from ABC/Disney.
āHeās also the reason Iām sober,ā Curtis shared. āHe was by my side during my recovery, and Iāll always be thankful for his kindness.ā
Curtis also honored Richardās bond with his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, saying, āFinding Joyce and achieving sobriety were everything to him. Writing this brings tears to my eyes.ā
Curtis concluded her post with deep emotion, āRichard, I hope youāre laughing wherever you are. My Marty, I love you.ā
In a follow-up post, Curtis expressed even more grief over losing her dear friend, sharing an old photo of them and quoting the theme song from Anything But Love, a beautiful melody written by JD Souther.
āGive it a listen on YouTube,ā she recommended, before quoting the lyrics: āIf we had never met/And the world moved on without us/As if we were never here at allā¦ā
Other celebrities and fans joined Curtis in mourning the loss, including Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David.
āRichard was like a brother to me,ā David said in a statement to HBO. āWe were born just three days apart in the same hospital. Itās rare to meet someone so sweet and funny, but today he made me cry, and Iāll never forgive him for that.ā
Cheryl Hines, another Curb star, also paid tribute to Lewis. āI had the biggest crush on Richard when I was younger,ā she confessed. āNo one could charm an audience like he could.ā
Working with him on Curb Your Enthusiasm was a dream come true, she added. āHe was incredibly thoughtful, and he always made sure people knew how much they meant to him, especially later in life.ā
Hines ended with a heartfelt note, āTo have Richard Lewis love you was a true blessing. I love you, Richard. Youāll be missed terribly. My thoughts are with Joyce and his family.ā