“RIP” – 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Mourns Death of Legendary Comedian Richard Lewis

Richard Lewis, America’s iconic stand-up comedian, passed away at the age of 76 due to a heart attack on Tuesday night. The “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” star announced last April that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would retire from stand-up comedy. Following his demise tributes poured in for the actor with NFL star Christian McCaffrey sharing a message from Larry David on his Instagram.

Jeff Abraham, his publicist, confirmed that Lewis passed away in his home in Los Angeles. Known as the “Prince of Pain”, his death left his long-time friend Larry David heartbroken.

“I will never forgive him” Christian McCaffrey shares Larry David’s statement on his Instagram

Larry David, the creator of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” wrote, “Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me,” in a statement Wednesday, shared by HBO. He also added, “He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him.”

The 49ers RB, Christian McCaffrey took to Instagram stories to grieve over Lewis’s demise and shared Larry David’s statement from an Instagram post with the caption, “RIP.” Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, Lewis made a name for himself in the 1970s performing in clubs in New York City and on late-night TV.

During this time he became a favorite of late-night shows including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He became known for his self-deprecating humor and rose to prominence in the 1980s. Nicknamed “The Prince of Pain”, Lewis was known for poking fun at his own neuroses and hypochondria during his comedy routines.

He made his acting debut in the 1979 NBC special Diary of a Young Comic, a 90-minute film that aired on Saturday Night Live. He starred in a number of TV shows before finding his footing in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in 2000. On the show, he played a fictionalized version of himself. For years, the actor and writer starred alongside Larry David, his childhood friend, in the HBO show.

Lewis returned to the 12th season of the show, having stayed away for season 11 due to surgeries. His role was more periodical in the latter years due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Following his death, HBO also released a statement that read, “We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm families, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.” Apart from making waves in the entertainment industry, he was also known for his hardcore support of a college team.

Richard Lewis’ passion for the Buckeyes

Richard Lewis was also a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes through and through. Long before, he had us all rolling with laughter on TV and in the movies, Lewis was a proud student at Ohio State. From there, he earned his marketing degree back in 1969. But his Buckeye spirit didn’t stop there; he carried it with him, loud and proud, even when he was cracking jokes on College GameDay.

As much as he loved the Buckeyes, he hated one team. If there’s one thing Lewis despised more than bad punchlines, it was the Michigan Wolverines. His disdain for the team up north was legendary, and he wasn’t shy about sharing it. “I hate Michigan. I have total distrust for anyone who went to school there,” Lewis said in one memorable GameDay segment. In it, he unleashed a comedic tirade against all things maize and blue.

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And his love for Ohio State was no act; he poured his heart out in an interview on the Eleven Dubcast, reminiscing about the best days of his life spent on campus. “It was the greatest time of my life. I made friends to this day that I’m still great friends with … I couldn’t love a school more, and I will till the day I die.” The Buckeyes will surely be missing one of their most hardcore fans.

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