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Feb. 29, 2024 – Tributes that poured in for comedian Richard Lewis, who died late Tuesday at the age of 76, highlighted his comedic presence and stalwart friendship, but he played another major role in others’ lives as well — helping people get sober. “He helped me. I am forever grateful for him for that act of grace alone,” Jamie Lee Curtis said.

Curtis said his sobriety was one of the two most important things in Lewis’s life, along with his wife of nearly 20 years, Joyce Lapinsky.

Meanwhile, Andy Lassner, a producer of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” recalled incessant daily phone calls from Lewis after meeting at a 12-step program during a time in Lassner’s life that was “ravaged” by addiction. After ignoring Lewis’ calls during a period of relapse, Lassner said Lewis eventually showed up to his hotel. 

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