Jamie Lee Curtis Pays Tribute to Late Friend and Costar, Richard Lewis
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis expressed her love and condolences for her late friend and former costar, comedian and actor Richard Lewis, who passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
A Friendship Born from a Mutual Love for Comedy
Lewis, who had been living with Parkinson’s disease, had a significant impact on Curtis during their time working together on the sitcom “Anything But Love,” which ran for four seasons from 1989 to 1992. Curtis shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reminiscing about their first encounter during the casting process for the show.
“I remember exactly where I was when I saw a billboard of him advertising a stand-up special on Sunset Boulevard,” she wrote. “We were casting the ABC pilot Anything But Love, and I asked the casting people to bring him in for an audition to play my best friend/maybe boyfriend, Marty Gold.”
Curtis was immediately drawn to Lewis’ talent and charm. “I thought he was handsome,” she said. “He made me laugh, which is the one thing that a strong, capable woman can’t really do for herself. He got the part when I snort-laughed at his mispronunciation of the word ‘Bundt cake.’”
An Unconventional Actor with a Hidden Talent
Despite his brilliant stand-up comedy background, Lewis was apprehensive about performing in front of a live audience. Curtis shared that she, who had never done a play before, enjoyed the energy and connection with the audience. She fondly recalled Lewis’ quirky behavior on set, including hiding his lines in unexpected places to avoid memorizing them.
“He was also a stand-up comic and hated the live audience,” Curtis wrote. “Where I, who had never done a play, loved it. He used to hide his lines everywhere on the set: on props, door frames, even on my face in close-ups. It turns out he was a wonderful actor. Deep and so freaking funny.”
Supporting Each Other Through Loss and Grief
Their friendship went beyond the set as they supported each other through personal tragedies. They both mourned the loss of friend and costar Richard Frank and grieved together after the passing of John Ritter, who appeared on the series in five episodes and was an executive producer.
“Richard’s last text to me was hoping that I could convince ABC/Disney to put out another boxed set of episodes of the show,” Curtis shared.
A Lasting Impact and Gratitude
Curtis concluded her heartfelt tribute by acknowledging Lewis’ role in her life. “He also is the reason I am sober,” she wrote. “He helped me. I am forever grateful for him for that act of grace alone.”
Her post ended with a touching message to her late friend. “Rest in laughter, Richard. My Marty, I love you, Hannah!”
The tributes continue to pour in for Lewis, who was recently known for playing himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” opposite Larry David. Fellow actor and friend Larry David called Lewis ‘a brother to me.’
Rest in peace, Richard Lewis, and may your legacy as a talented comedian and actor continue to inspire and bring joy to many.
