A well-known stand-up comedian from his generation named Richard Lewis recently learned he has Parkinson’s disease and declared he is “finished with stand-up”.
The 75-year-old comedian, who is also well known for portraying a fictionalized version of himself on the HBO, made the announcement via social media yesterday.
In response to questions from fans about why he hasn’t performed stand-up comedy for the past three and a half years, he claims that it has been a “rocky time” for him. He discusses “what happened. ”.
Lewis remembered, “I was in the middle of a tour, and then I finally finished it with a gig, three and a half years ago. You know, I’m at the top of my game, I said. ”. I’ll give up and part ways with you after nearly 50 years. And that gave me great joy. ”.
In Lewis’s words, “s**t hit the fan” shortly after he decided to retire, causing him to require four consecutive surgeries, including hip and shoulder replacements.
Lewis also disclosed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
He declared, “About two years ago, I started to walk stiffly. “I visited the doctor after noticing that my feet were shuffling, and following a brain scan, I was given the Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. That incident took place around two years ago. ”.
Despite his grim prognosis, Lewis insists that he has a positive outlook on life.
It’s a good thing I discovered I had it later in life because they say I’m doing fine now that I’m taking the right medication and progressing very slowly, if at all. I only wanted to tell you where it was. For me, stand-up is done. Writing and acting are my top priorities. Despite having Parkinson’s disease, everything is fine because a doctor is looking after me. I treasure my relationships with them as well as my wife, dog, friends, and hands. And now that you are aware of where it has been over the previous 3+5 years. God’s blessings.
Lewis was a stand-up comedian who was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. His neurotic, self-deprecating humor and openness about his battles with drug and alcohol addiction have earned him a devoted following.
He frequently appeared as a guest on late-night programs like The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Late Night with David Letterman, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Lewis is well-known for his work in television, both for playing a fictionalized version of himself in Curb Your Enthusiasm and for starring alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the comedy Anything but Love, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. His most recognizable performance is as Prince John in Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men in Tights.
He ranks among the top and most influential comedians, per lists from GQ and Comedy Central.
As Richard Lewis fights Parkinson’s disease and ends his stand-up career, we wish him the best of luck. Thanks to comedian Richard Lewis, we have all laughed together over the years.
Mention this to people!
