Richard Lewis retires from stand-up comedy after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that we at GeekTyrant are huge fans Richard Lewis. Unfortunately, in recent years, performances by him have been few and far between. Now we know why.

Earlier today the stand-up comedian and Curb your enthusiasm regular, announced in a video that he will retire from stand-up due to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He was able to speak candidly about his diagnosis as only Lewis could.

In the video he lets his fans know that he has finished his part of the upcoming season of Curb your enthusiasm and plans to continue writing/acting as much as possible. She also explains what happened that brought him to this point.

Lewis was unable to appear on season 11 of the show due to health issues, and here’s a little of what he had to say:

For the last three and a half years, I’ve been having a hard time and people have been like, ‘I haven’t heard you, are you still on tour?’ Here’s really what happened. Three and a half years ago I was in the middle of a tour and I finally ended it with a show and said, ‘You know I’m at the top of my game, after 50 years I’m almost quitting.

And I felt great about it, and then out of the blue shit the fan. I had four surgeries back to back. It was bad luck, but such is life.”

When she noticed things weren’t quite like they used to be, she saw a neurologist and talked about that experience, saying:

“I had a brain scan and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about two years ago. But luckily I got it late in life and they say you progress very slowly if at all and I’m on the right meds so I’m good to go.

“I just wanted to let you know where he’s been. I’m done with stand-up, I’m just focusing on writing and acting. I have Parkinson’s disease but I am under a doctor’s care and everything is fine. I love my wife, I love my dog ​​and I love all my friends and fans. And now you know where he’s been for the last three and a half years. God bless you.

Watch the full video below:

pic.twitter.com/ngqm6TmC3x

— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) April 24, 2023

I am a huge fan of Lewis’s work and am truly saddened by the news of his diagnosis. I know I speak for the GT crew when I say he’s responsible for some of the funniest/embarrassing moments on Curb. I’m glad we’re still bringing him on the show and he’s dealing with this with the support of friends/family/fans.

Billy out!