Richard Lewis Announces Retirement from Standup Comedy Due to Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis
Richard Lewis, the comedian who starred in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has announced that he will no longer perform standup comedy due to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years ago.
In a video posted on Sunday, Lewis stated that he would instead focus on writing and acting. He revealed that he began experiencing stiffness and shuffling in his feet, prompting him to visit a neurologist for a brain scan, which led to his diagnosis.
However, Lewis said he was on the right medication, and his condition progressed very slowly. In the video, he said, “I’m finished with standup; I’m just focusing on writing and acting.
I have Parkinson’s disease, but I’m under a doctor’s care, and everything is cool, and I love my wife, my little puppy dog, and all of my friends and my fans.”
Lewis also spoke about the challenges he has faced in recent years, including back-to-back surgeries after retiring from standup comedy. However, he remains positive and grateful for his friends, fans, and colleagues.
He recently wrapped the 12th season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which is rumored to be the show’s final season. Producer Jon Hayman confirmed in a now-deleted tweet that the upcoming season would be the last, and showrunner Jeff Schaffer stated that signing up for another season would be difficult since creator Larry David puts all his favorite ideas into each season.
A source also revealed that David’s deal with HBO is set to end in 2023. Lewis has been a beloved figure in the entertainment industry for nearly 50 years, and his retirement from standup comedy has saddened many fans.
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