Audio: Richard Lewis on Howard Stern (2/14/2008)

Richard Lewis joins Howard, Robin, Artie, and Fred to discuss the new edition of his book, his champagne problem, and other topics. RIP Richard Lewis.
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Richard Lewis was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. Born in Brooklyn in 1947, Lewis graduated from Ohio State University before landing in the New York and Los Angeles comedy scenes of the 1970s. There, he took his place alongside soon-to-be stars like Andy Kaufman and Richard Belzer, and he quickly became a favorite of late-night shows, including The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson .
Lewis developed a singular stage persona nearly as dark as the all-black clothes he favored. Known for his dark, neurotic, and self-deprecating humor, Lewis' stand-up performances could best be described as straddling comedy and therapy.
Making his acting debut in the 1979 NBC special Diary of a Young Comic a 90-minute film that aired in the Saturday Night Live slot, Lewis’ national profile grew significantly during the next two decades as his edgy observations were welcomed and celebrated by talk hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno and, on radio, Howard Stern.
TV comedy specials followed, and his first Showtime special, pointedly titled I’m In Pain aired in 1985. He became one of the premier presences on HBO with comedy specials in 1988, 1990, and 1997.
Although his humor was hardly an easy fit for sitcoms of the era, he co-starred for several seasons in the late ’80s/early ’90s with Jamie Lee Curtis on Anything but Love and with Don Rickles on 1993’s Daddy Dearest . In 1998, he co-starred with Kevin Nealon in the sitcom Hiller and Diller .
His film credits include 1993’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights where he played Prince John, and 1995’s Drunks . He also appeared in Leaving Las Vegas .
Lewis began what arguably would be his signature role - based on himself - when he was cast by his childhood friend Larry David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2000. The two New Yorkers had met at summer camp when they were 12 and re-established their friendship on the New York comedy circuit a decade later.
In a statement Wednesday, HBO said: “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.”
#HowardStern #howardsternshow #richardlewis

[@whatsinaname6926]

The best interview of all time

[@darkostrain185]

I come back to this so often

[@ribbs13]

Richard and Belzer were always my favorite guests. I’ll miss Richard on curb. It’s crank he was doin

[@robertjean7705]

This interview is a total classic ❤

[@UrNameIsToby]

In one interview Richard came in promoting Drunks and at some point Howard asks "Now is it true you were paid in canned hams?"
Im dying at the thought!

[@ribbs13]

There’s no way Howard didn’t have Sal interrupt the show he would flip tf out otherwise

[@T-Gunns]

Love Richard, his chemistry with Larry was automatic on the set. Was first introduced to Richard in the movie “The Wrong Guys.” The Boy Scout movie everyone broke his balls about. I liked it as a kid. belz was in it. Howard’s interviews with Richard are always great. Now classics.

[@kevykev8389]

richard was a great guest for years and this is pretty awesome.

[@tylerkelly9801]

Well that’s that, you know, sergeant pepper stuff, haha!

[@Somepepper]

33:59 best comeback 😂😂😏

[@PolaBurrr]

Rip

[@GHOSTbirdnatureLOVER]

46:56

[@DanCohoon]

Angel Dust?

[@eggheadusa9900]

The drug he was describing is mdma

[@ralphishere5756]

A comment 👽

[@tylerkelly9801]

“I should be dead”. Now he is. Shame