Richard Lewis, 1947 – 2024: In Memoriam

On Wednesday, February 28, powerHouse Books author Richard Lewis passed away in his home in Los Angeles. We were incredibly sad to hear about his passing. Chris Murray, who wrote the preface for his 2015 book ‘Reflections from Hell: Richard Lewis’ Guide On How Not To Live‘ shared some words.

“I first got to know Richard Lewis as a rare book collector of musical titles at Govinda Gallery, and then as his collaborator on Reflections from Hell: Richard Lewis’ Guide On How Not To Live. It was my great pleasure to edit Reflections from Hell, write the preface and to bring it to publication with powerHouse Books. Working on that book together Richard and I became great friends.

The last time I was with Richard in person, just last year in Los Angeles with his wonderful wife Joyce,  he gave me a framed drawing, taken off the wall of his home, by the artist Carl Titolo. Carl’s drawings accompany Richard’s ‘Refections’ in his powerHouse book. The drawing he gave me had been inscribed by Carl to Richard in February 2003. It said “Richard…Thanks for the empty wall! Carl.” Richard was an avid collector of Titolo’s art, as is Richard’s friend Larry David. The inscription reflected the fact that Richard had bought everything off the walls of Titolo’s studio. It meant so much to me that Richard gave me that drawing.  Carl had passed on only a few years earlier.

I wrote in my preface to Reflections from Hell:  “I won’t soon forget Lewis’ words combined with Titolo’s works on paper. The collaboration immediately engaged me in a way that was intimate and personal while at the same time existential and universal. Their work together is a contemporary personification of creative angst from which we can laugh at the dilemmas of life we all face”.

Richard Lewis was one of the kindest people I have known. What a blessing to have him in my life. Saddened as I was at news of my dear friend passing on, I am comforted by the legacy he leaves for us all. Richard Lewis… a comedic genius, a devoted husband and a true friend.”

The New York Times – With Richard Lewis, Kvetching Was Charismatic

Variety – Richard Lewis, Comedian and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star, Dies at 76

CNN – Comedian Richard Lewis, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ star, dead at 76