Comedian and actor Richard Lewis announced Sunday that he has been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for the last three and a half years.
Lewis, who has just wrapped filming for season 12 of hit show “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” said that the diagnosis came when he was “at the top” of his professional game, coming off a nearly 50-year career in entertainment. “But you know the last three and a half years I’ve had sort of a rocky time,” he told fans, listing through a series of operations on his back, surgery, shoulder, shoulder replacement, and hip replacement.
“On top of that, two years ago, I started walking stiffly, I was shuffling my feet,” Lewis continued. “I went to a neurologist and they gave me a brain scan and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”
— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) April 24, 2023
But Lewis appeared to be in great spirits despite the diagnosis, saying how much he loved his wife, their pets, and more in the video shared to Twitter. The disease has progressed really slowly, but Lewis is done with his stand-up career.
Instead, he’s focusing on writing and acting. It seemed like he had made the decision to stop touring before any of his health woes rose. (RELATED: ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ To Return For 12th Season On HBO)
“Curb” star Cheryl Hines was quick to reply to the video, writing “I love you, Richard! Before I ever knew you, I loved watching you perform. You’re just a beautiful person. I hope the love you’re receiving from everyone will continue to make you stronger everyday.” Thousands of others responded to the video, sharing their love for Lewis and his life’s work, which isn’t even done yet!