Comedian Richard Lewis made legal arrangements to ensure his wife, Joyce Lapinsky, could continue living in their Los Angeles home following his passing. The beloved comic passed away at 76 on Tuesday after suffering a fatal heart attack.
According to records reviewed by the New York Post, Lewis and Lapinsky had taken out a loan for $2.02 million to renovate the 2,200 square-foot home they purchased in 2016 for $1.53 million.
In order for Lapinsky to continue living in their Hollywood Hills home, Lewis changed the standard mortgage to an assignment of rents trust deed. This legal maneuver focuses on the earning potential of the property through rent payments rather than using the property itself as collateral.
Lewis and Lapinsky began dating in 1998 after meeting at a record release party for Ringo Starr. They had met years earlier when a mutual friend tried to set them up during Lewis’ time on the ABC series Anything But Love from 1989 to 1992. However, Lapinsky was hesitant to pursue anything with Lewis at the time due to his battle with addiction.
But when they crossed paths again years later, Lewis was in a better place and he told a friend at the party that he was going to marry Lapinsky. They got engaged in 2004 and exchanged vows the following year.
In an interview less than three weeks ago, Lewis said he was “doing quite well” health-wise despite his battle with Parkinson’s disease. He had been diagnosed with the disease in 2016 and announced it to the public in 2023.
Lewis said that he was disappointed to miss the season 12 premiere party for Curb Your Enthusiasm, in which he played a fictionalized version of himself, to avoid any potential health setbacks. Lewis said his Parkinson’s disease caused occasional walking difficulties but nothing major. He also mentioned that he stopped touring three-and-a-half years ago and was now focusing on writing and acting.
Lewis’ long-time friend and Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David released a statement mourning his passing. David and Lewis were born three days apart in the same hospital and David said that Lewis had been like a brother to him for most of his life. He described Lewis as having a rare combination of being the funniest person while also being incredibly sweet. David also joked that Lewis made him sob and he would never forgive him for it.
Other notable names in entertainment paid tribute to Lewis on social media, including Bette Midler, Steve Martin, Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, and Michael McKean. With Lewis’ passing, the entertainment industry has lost a true comedic talent and a beloved friend.
Lewis’ impact on the world of comedy will not be forgotten, and his memory will continue to live on through his work and the memories of those who knew him best. His legal measures to secure his wife’s future in their LA home show his love and dedication to his family even after his passing.