Legendary standup comedian Richard Lewis, who graced the stage for more than four decades, has reportedly died at the age of 76. Lewis was an icon, somebody who inspired many comedians who populate the industry today.
A cause of death for the late star has not yet been revealed.
His iconic appearances on the Howard Stern Show reached millions of fans, and some broadcasts including late comedian Sam Kinison, will go down as some of the greatest radio that has ever been produced.
Lewis, in his later years, would become a mainstay on the Larry David HBO show ‘Curb Your Entusiasm.’ The comedian started in the 1970s, and made his first runs at comedy in New York City and Los Angeles.
I was 23, and all sorts of people were coming in and out and watching me, like Steve Allen and Bette Midler. David Brenner certainly took me under his wing. To drive home to my little dump in New Jersey often knowing that Steve Allen said, ‘You got it’ – that validation kept me going in a big, big way.
Richard Lewis Quote
Lewis was a regular guest on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, undoubtedly the most watched late night television program of all time, and developed a reputation for being brutally honest, especially as it pertained to himself.
If you want to devote yourself to the arts, you’d better do it strictly from passion, because there is zero guarantee that you’ll get anywhere. The hardest thing is dealing with business people who have nothing to do with your art. They could care less that you’re up at 4:30 in the morning writing a joke. Don’t expect any sympathy from anybody.
Richard Lewis Quote
The late comedian was always self-deprecating, and sincerely honest about his struggles with many drugs, including crystal methamphetamine. He achieved sobriety towards the end of his life.
Rest in peace, legend, Richard Lewis.
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