Richard Lewis

Lewis at the premiere of Encore’s “Method To The Madness Of Jerry Lewis,” Paramount Studios, Hollywood, CA, 12-07-11, s_bukley/bigstock.com

Birth Name: Richard Philip Lewis

Date of Birth: June 29, 1947

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: February 27, 2024

Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Richard Lewis was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He is known for his roles on the shows Anything but Love and Curb Your Enthusiasm, in the films That’s Adequate, Once Upon a Crime, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Wagons East!, Drunks (1995), Leaving Las Vegas, Hugo Pool, and Vamps (2012), and in the made-for-tv movie Diary of a Young Comic, which he also co-wrote. His humour was dark, neurotic, and self-deprecating.

He was the son of Blanche, a community theatre actress, and Bill Lewis, a co-owner of Ambassador Caterers in Teaneck, New Jersey. A picture of his parents can be seen here. Richard was raised in Englewood, NJ. He was married to Joyce Lapinsky, who worked in music publishing, until his death.

Richard’s paternal grandfather was named Jacob Lewis.

Richard’s paternal grandmother was named Molly Geffon.

Richard’s maternal grandfather was named Albert Goldberg. Albert was a Romanian Jew.

Richard’s maternal grandmother was named Sarah Fischer. Sarah was a Hungarian Jew.

Sources: Genealogy of Richard Lewis (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Marriage record of Richard’s parents – https://www.familysearch.org