Richard Lewis‘ wife says she has been “so touched” by the tributes shared in the days since the comedian’s death aged 76.
Lewis, known for his performances in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, died at home in Los Angeles on February 27 after suffering a heart attack.
Now, his wife Joyce Lapinsky has spoken publicly for the first time since losing her husband, sharing a short message via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
READ MORE: Kylie Minogue’s surprising act moments before taking the stage
READ MORE: ‘Why I marched in the Mardi Gras after 15 years’
“This is Joyce, Richard’s wife,” she wrote.
“Thank you for your loving tributes. He would be beyond thrilled and so touched, as am I.
“In response to the many queries, I know Richard would appreciate donations in his memory to the Los Angeles-based charity comedygivesback.com or the charity of your choice.”
The couple met in 1998, reportedly at an album release party held by musician Ringo Star.
Lapinsky worked in music publishing at the time.
After that first encounter, Lewis says he told sportscaster Bob Costas, “I met the woman I’m going to marry.”
That declaration became true in 2005, with the couple having become engaged a year earlier.
Lewis’ publicist Jeff Abraham confirmed the news of his death last week.
”His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Abraham noted.
READ MORE: ‘Don’t think of me dying’: Wife’s parting words to Tom Jones
The news came almost a year after Lewis announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring.
“I went to a neurologist and they gave me a brain scan and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and that was about two years ago,” he said in April 2023.
“But luckily I got it late in life and they say you progress very slowly, if at all, and I’m on the right meds, so I’m cool.”
Source link