Renowned comedian Richard Lewis, known as the "Prince of Pain," died at the age of 76 from a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles.
Lewis had publicly disclosed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2023. Famous for his all-black attire and fast-paced, stream-of-consciousness monologues, he was a regular on late-night TV and in comedy clubs.
He also made significant appearances in "Anything But Love" and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" by Mel Brooks, and reconnected with audiences on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
Comedy Central ranked him among the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time. His humor style, known for self-analysis and exploring neuroses, has been compared to the Franz Kafka of modern comedy.
His 1989 performance at Carnegie Hall, marked by his signature all-black outfit and the popularization of the phrase "from hell," was a career highlight. After becoming sober from drugs and alcohol in 1994, Lewis published his memoir, "The Other Great Depression."
His friendship with comedian Larry David spanned his career, featuring prominently in their joint appearances on "Curb Your Enthusiasm."