Profile Text
Lewis at the premiere of Encore’s “Method To The Madness Of Jerry Lewis,” Paramount Studios, Hollywood, CA, 12-07-11, s_bukley /bigstock.com
Birth Name: Richard Philip Lewis
Date of Birth: June 29, 1947
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Death: February 27, 2024
Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Richard Lewis was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He is known for his roles on the shows Anything but Love and Curb Your Enthusiasm , in the films That’s Adequate , Once Upon a Crime , Robin Hood: Men in Tights , Wagons East! , Drunks (1995), Leaving Las Vegas , Hugo Pool , and Vamps (2012), and in the made-for-tv movie Diary of a Young Comic , which he also co-wrote. His humour was dark, neurotic, and self-deprecating.
He was the son of Blanche, a community theatre actress, and William B. “Bill” Lupchansky/Lewis, a co-owner of Ambassador Caterers in Teaneck, New Jersey. A picture of his parents can be seen here . His family was Jewish. Richard was raised in Englewood, NJ. He was married to Joyce Lapinsky, who worked in music publishing, until his death.
Richard’s paternal grandfather was named Jacob Lupchansky/Lewis (the son of Elias “Eli” Lupchansky and Sarah). Jacob was born in Lavanto, Russia.
Richard’s paternal grandmother was named Molly/Mollie Geffon/Geffon. Mollie was born in Odessa, Ukraine, then in the Russian Empire.
Richard’s maternal grandfather was named Albert Goldberg. Albert was born in Romania.
Richard’s maternal grandmother was named Sarah Fischer. Sarah was born in Hungary.
Sources: Genealogy of Richard Lewis – https://www.findagrave.com
Genealogy of Richard Lewis (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Marriage record of Richard’s parents – https://www.familysearch.org