Richard Lewis Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis, Retirement From Stand-Up Comedy: ‘I’m on the Right Meds, So I’m Cool’

variety.com:

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Stand-up comedian and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” actor Richard Lewis revealed in a video posted to Twitter that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The comedian said he’s had “sort of a rocky time” over the past three years with his health. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, Lewis had several surgeries on his shoulder, back and hip.

For these reasons, Lewis is strictly focusing on “writing and acting” these days and is no longer performing stand-up. “Hey listen, I just wrapped a couple of weeks ago season 12 of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and it was just an amazing season and I’m so grateful to be a part of that show,” Lewis said. “But you know the last three and a half years, I’ve had sort of a rocky time and people said, ‘I haven’t heard from you, are you still touring?'” “Here’s really what happened,” Lewis continued. “Three and half years ago I was in the middle of a tour and I finally ended it with a show.

I said, ‘You know I’m at the top of my game, after 15 years almost I’m going to call it quits,’ and I felt great about that and then out of the blue the shit hit the fan.