Before his death from a heart attack at the age of 76, Richard Lewis said in one of his last interviews that he was “in pretty good spirits” during his three-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Richard Lewis said in an interview less than three weeks ago that he was doing “pretty well” health-wise amid his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The beloved comic, who died Tuesday at the age of 76 from a heart attack, said in an interview with People on Feb. 9 that in order to avoid any setbacks over the controversy, he planned to cancel the season 12 premiere of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on Jan. 30.・He said that he was “unfortunate” that he had to be absent from the party. A battle with his health.

Lewis, who has played a fictionalized version of himself on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm since 2000, told the publication: “In recent years, I have had occasional difficulty walking due to Parkinson’s disease.” “It’s no big deal.”

Lewis continued: “I’m doing well so far, but I didn’t want to go and interact with so many people for five or six hours.” It’s just asking for trouble. ”

“All things considered,” said Lewis, who has appeared in films such as “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “Wagons East,” “Once Upon a Crime…” and “Leaving Las Vegas,” I am doing very well,” he concluded.

The comedian revealed on social media on April 24, 2023 that he had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2021.

“Hey, listen, I just finished season 12 of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ a few weeks ago and it was a really great season and I’m so grateful to be a part of that show,” he said. . “But, you know, the last three and a half years, I’ve been going through a rough time in some ways, and people have said, ‘I haven’t heard from you, are you still touring?’

“Well, this is what actually happened,” Lewis said, noting that he made the decision to stop touring three and a half years ago, saying he felt the time was right.

“I said, ‘You know, I’m at the top of my game. After almost 50 years, I think it’s time to call it quits,'” he said. “And I felt great about that. And all of a sudden that shit hit the fan.”

Lewis, who starred opposite Jamie Lee Curtis on ABC’s “Anything But Love” from 1989 to 1992, said he had undergone four consecutive surgeries on his back, shoulders and hips, adding: “It was just bad luck. But that’s life,” he added.

“On top of that,” Lewis said, two years ago he started “walking a little stiffer” and “shuffling” his legs, prompting him to see a neurologist. She said a brain scan diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease.

“Fortunately, I got the disease late in life. They say it progresses very slowly, if at all, but I’m on the right medication and I’m fine,” Lewis said. said. “I wanted you to know that this is the situation right now.

“I’m done with stand-up, so I’m just going to focus on writing and acting. I have Parkinson’s disease, but I’m being treated by doctors and everything is fine, and I love my wife, I loves the little pup, and I love all my friends and my fans.”

Lewis’ lifelong friend Larry David was among those who publicly mourned Lewis’ death.

“Richard and I were born in the same hospital, three days apart, and he has been like a brother to me for most of my life,” David said in a statement released by HBO. “He had the rare combination of being so funny and yet the sweetest person. But today he made me sob and I will never forgive him.”

Prominent figures in the entertainment world who have praised the late comedian include Bette Midler, Steve Martin, Jimmy Kimmel, Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks and Michael McKean.