The world lost a comedic legend when Curb Your Enthusiasm star Richard Lewis passed away at the age of 76 following a heart attack. Among those deeply affected by his passing was actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who took to Instagram to honor her longtime friend and former co-star with a heartfelt and emotional tribute. The two shared a special bond dating back to their time on the sitcom Anything But Love, which aired from 1989 to 1992.

Curtis, 65, who is known for her roles in films like Halloween and Freaky Friday, shared a series of vintage photos of herself and Lewis alongside a deeply personal message. While countless fans and celebrities were mourning the loss of Richard Lewis, Jamie’s tribute stood out for its vulnerability and depth. “He is the reason I am sober,” she wrote, openly crediting Lewis with helping her through one of the most transformative journeys of her life.

The two had more than just on-screen chemistry. They built a real friendship that spanned decades, weathering life’s joys and tragedies together. In her post, Curtis recalled how Lewis, though best known for his sharp wit and signature neurotic comedic style, was also a deeply thoughtful and supportive friend. “He hated doing stand-up in front of a live audience,” Curtis revealed. “But I always thought he was brilliant.” She went on to describe how he’d hide his cue marks on doorframes, props—even her face—and always carried a clipboard filled with his lines. “He was actually a great character actor. Funny and profound.”

Curtis reminisced about the grief they had shared over the losses of other close friends, including beloved actor and producer John Ritter and co-star Richard Frank. Lewis, who was famously private and humble, continued to show his deep affection for those around him—even in his final messages. In what would be one of his last texts to Jamie, he asked her to get another box set of their sitcom from ABC/Disney. That simple, nostalgic request speaks volumes about the kind of connection they had.

Reflecting on Lewis’s profound impact on her life, Curtis wrote, “He helped me get sober. I will always be grateful for his tenderness and support.” She also spoke warmly about Lewis’s wife, Joyce Lapinsky, saying, “Finding love with Joyce and staying sober were what mattered most to him.” With emotion heavy in her words, she added, “It’s hard to describe the loss of someone so funny, so kind. Richard, I hope you’re laughing your way into the next life.”

In a second post, Curtis continued to honor her friend with a musical tribute. She shared lyrics from the Anything But Love theme song, written by singer-songwriter JD Souther for the show’s final season. Accompanied by another throwback photo of her and Lewis, she encouraged fans to look up the song or listen to her recording of it. “This one’s for you, Richard,” she wrote, highlighting lines from the theme that read, “We would still be searching for the next big thing and trying not to fall… Everything but love would be sufficient for everyone but you.”

As the news of Lewis’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. His Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David shared a touching message via HBO, calling Lewis “like a brother” and recalling that they were born just three days apart in the same hospital. “He was the sweetest, funniest guy,” David said. “Today he made me cry—and I’ll never forgive him for that.”

Cheryl Hines, who also stars on Curb Your Enthusiasm, expressed that she had a huge crush on Lewis growing up. “He was the most charming and handsome person on stage,” she recalled. “Getting to work with him was a dream come true.” She described how, in recent years, Lewis became more vocal about expressing love and appreciation to those close to him. “He would always take a moment between takes to tell me how much I meant to him,” she said. “To be loved by Richard Lewis was a true gift.”

Jamie Lee Curtis, Cheryl Hines, Larry David, and countless others are mourning a man who brought laughter to millions, but also quietly touched lives in profound ways. Whether through humor, friendship, or support during difficult times, Richard Lewis left a legacy that goes far beyond the stage.

As fans around the world remember Richard, let’s take a moment to appreciate the power of real friendships, the impact of kindness, and the courage it takes to help someone find a better path. Richard Lewis may be gone, but his heart, humor, and humanity will live on in the lives of those he touched.