24 April 2023 , 09:53
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Curb Your Enthusiasm star Richard Lewis has shared an emotional video to tell his fans he has Parkinson's disease.
The comedian, 75, revealed he was diagnosed two years ago and has decided to give up his stand-up performances as he deals with his health issues.
Taking to social media, Richard told his followers he was happy to have recently finished filming the 12th season of the popular sitcom and admitted he is "grateful to be part of that show".
However, he said it'll be his last in front of the camera and opened up on what he called "a rocky time" over the last three and a half years.
He revealed he had people asking him a lot recently about when his next stand-up tour would be after an extended break of late.
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Richard took to social media to inform his fans of his condition (@TheRichardLewis/Twitter)
He announced he would no longer do stand-up comedy (@TheRichardLewis/Twitter)And it's then that he opened up on all the health issues he had recently faced. "Well, here's really what happened," he began.
"I said, 'You know, I'm at the top of my game - after 50 years almost, I'm just going to call it quits.'
"And I felt great about that. And then out of the blue, the s*** hit the fan."
He revealed he had four consecutive operations on his back, shoulder and hip, before realising he wasn't walking as he used to.
Richard said he noticed he was "walking a little stiffly" and "shuffling" two years ago which led him to visit a neurologist.
Richard Lewis fans sent their well wishes (WireImage)
He said he is 'lucky' to have got Parkinson's disease at this stage of his life (Getty Images)Following a brain scan, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite his diagnosis, he kept an upbeat attitude, continuing: "Luckily I got it late in life, and they say you progress very slowly if at all and I'm on the right meds and it's cool.
"I just wanted you to know that that's where it's been at."
He then added: "I'm finished with standup, I'm just focusing on writing and acting.
"I have Parkinson's disease but I'm under a doctor's care and everything is cool and I love my wife, I love my little puppy dog and I love all of my friends and my fans."
Fans and friends were quick to comment on the upload to offer their support.
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Among those doing so was actor Ben Still, who wrote: "I love @TheRichardLewis. One of the funniest ever.
Richard you're an amazing person and I've been your fan since I was about 12 which is a very long time. And we're both still here! Stay strong."