Larry David, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Stiller pay tribute to comedian Richard Lewis after death at 76

Fellow comedians, well-known lovers, co-stars and buddies react to the death of Richard Lewis, who died Wednesday at age 76.

“Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me. He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him.” — Larry David, Lewis’ “Curb Your Enthusiasm” co-star, in a remark.

“He made me laugh, which is the one thing that a strong, capable woman, can’t really do for herself…. He also is the reason I am sober. He helped me. I am forever grateful for him for that act of grace alone.” — Jamie Lee Curtis, Lewis’ co-star at the sitcom “Anything But Love,” by way of Instagram.

“I never met a kinder, more empathetic comedy genius. He was so funny. And deep. As a stand-up he was really iconic in the ’70s. Cool, funny, self deprecating and hip. He was a friend to my parents and the whole Stiller family.” — Ben Stiller, by way of X, previously Twitter.

“A brilliantly funny man who will missed by all. The world needed him now more than ever.” — Albert Brooks on X.

“Absolutely devastated by this news. Richard was my hero when I was a stand-up. I was lucky enough to get to know him and he was the most wonderful man. So supportive and kind and truly one of the funniest people on the planet.” — “Bridesmaids” director Paul Feig on X.

“His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm families, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter.” — HBO, in a statement.

“I have never had a brother. From the day he came up and said hi in 1989 Richard Lewis and I called each other ‘brother.’ I used to kid him: if people knew how good and kind a person he was, it would ruin his career.” — Newscaster and commentator Keith Olbermann on X.

“Farewell, Richard Lewis. Procol Harum has lost another fan, and the rest of us have lost a very good man.” — Actor and comedian Michael McKean on X.

“Richard Lewis used to be a part of a converting of the guard in stand-up historical past all the way through the Nineteen Seventies; his paintings exemplified and expected the deeply non-public, uncooked, introspective and sure, neurotic, tone that has come to colour such a lot fresh comedy.” — National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson, in a statement.