‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star Richard Lewis Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis, Retirement: “I’m on the Right Meds, So I’m Cool”

Comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm star Richard Lewis announced he will be retiring from stand-up comedy after experiencing a spate of recent health issues.

In a video posted to Twitter, the 75-year-old comedian shared that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years ago while undergoing a series of surgeries, including a shoulder and hip replacement.

“I just wrapped a couple of weeks ago Season 12 of Curb Your Enthusiasm and it was just an amazing season, I’m so grateful to be a part of that show,” he shared. “But, the last three-and-a-half years, I’ve had sort of a rocky time.”

The comedian explained that he was initially considering retiring three years ago when he was coming off tour. But after a series of “back-to-back-to-back-to-back” surgeries that left him focusing on his physical therapy, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“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 cool,” Lewis said in the video.

The Curb Your Enthusiasm series regular shared that he’s “finished” with stand-up but will continue writing and acting. The series from Larry David is the only project Lewis has been credited for in recent years according to his IMDb page, aside from a 2018 appearance on BoJack Horseman.

“I have Parkinson’s disease but I’m under my doctor’s care and everything is cool,” he said. “I love my wife, and I love my little puppy dog, and I love my friends and my fans. So now you know where it’s been at for the last three-and-a-half years.”

Lewis shared a photo of himself on set for Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 12 after filming wrapped in March. “Hard to believe we started in 2000. The cast and crew all knew we were working for a genius. When that rarity happens, no one ever takes a moment for granted. We love you LD,” he tweeted.

This was rumored to be the final season of the long-running HBO comedy after a series producer tweeted, then deleted, a post suggesting Season 12 would be the finale.

Executive producer Jeff Schaffer later said those rumors were “greatly exaggerated.” It looks like we could be getting more Curb Your Enthusiasm, hopefully with Lewis by David’s side.