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Richard Lewis 'intensely disliked' future Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David when pair first met at 12 before forging lifelong friendship - as star dies aged 76 after Parkinson's battle

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Richard Lewis revealed he 'intensely disliked' his future Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David when the pair first met as children in a resurfaced interview - after the star's death aged 76 on Tuesday night.

Lewis - who revealed he had been battling Parkinson's disease for two years in April 2023 - died from a heart attack at his Los Angeles home, his publicist Jeff Abraham confirmed to Deadline.

Lewis first met David, 76, at a summer sports camp aged 12, and revealed his first impressions of his now life-long friend were less than positive in an August 2023 chat with The Spectator.

He said of David: 'He was cocky, he was arrogant. When we played baseball I tried to hit him with the ball: we were arch rivals. I couldn’t wait for the camp to be over just to get away from Larry. I’m sure he felt the same way.’

The pair's paths would cross again 11 years later when they both took to the New York stand-up comedy scene - although they failed to recognize each other at first.

Richard Lewis revealed he 'intensely disliked' his future Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David when the pair first met as children in a resurfaced interview - after the star's death aged 76 on Tuesday night (pictured together in 2022)

Richard Lewis revealed he 'intensely disliked' his future Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David when the pair first met as children in a resurfaced interview - after the star's death aged 76 on Tuesday night (pictured together in 2022) 

Lewis - who revealed he had been battling Parkinson's disease for two years in April 2023 - died from a heart attack at his Los Angeles home, reported Deadline (pictured 2015)

Lewis - who revealed he had been battling Parkinson's disease for two years in April 2023 - died from a heart attack at his Los Angeles home, reported Deadline (pictured 2015)

One evening out drinking, Lewis said: 'I looked at his face and I said, “There’s something about you, man, that spooks me.” Just saying that spooks everyone!’ It clicked. ‘“You’re Richard Lewis!” “You’re Larry David!”… I was yelling at him, he was yelling at me.’

'In truth he loves me and I'm his dearest friend, but it would be rare for him to go deep like that. 

David shared an emotional tribute to his beloved friend in the wake of his death, saying in a statement to HBO: '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.'

David had recently alluded to Richard's health struggles, saying he was sad his 'pal, my great friend' could not be at the season 10 premiere of the hit show, earlier this year on January 31.

Richard then confirmed he wasn’t up to making it there in a tweet that same night, writing: 'I sure wish I was up to making the premiere. I would’ve loved to have shared all the love in the room with my wife. @HBO and LD made a dream come true for countless dreamers.' 

In what would be his final post on X, Richard was full of praise for the show, saying: 'What a night! I loved Episode 3 of #curbyourenthusiasm'. The tweet was posted on February 18. 

Lewis was born three days earlier than David, the creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm. They were born in the same city - Brooklyn - and year - 1947.

Lewis has had an illustrious career in Hollywood as an actor, writer, and comedian.

His credits include a long-standing role as a fictionalized version of himself on  Curb Your Enthusiasm. He returned for the series' 12th and final season, which debuted this year.

Lewis first met David, 76, at a summer sports camp aged 12, and revealed his first impressions of his now life-long friend were less than positive (pictured 2020)

Lewis first met David, 76, at a summer sports camp aged 12, and revealed his first impressions of his now life-long friend were less than positive (pictured 2020)

He said of David: 'He was cocky, he was arrogant. When we played baseball I tried to hit him with the ball: we were arch rivals. I couldn’t wait for the camp to be over just to get away from Larry. I’m sure he felt the same way'

He said of David: 'He was cocky, he was arrogant. When we played baseball I tried to hit him with the ball: we were arch rivals. I couldn’t wait for the camp to be over just to get away from Larry. I’m sure he felt the same way'

Bette Midler paid tribute to the 'great' actor in a poignant X post

Bette Midler paid tribute to the 'great' actor in a poignant X post

He is survived by his wife Joyce Lapinsky who he wed in 2005 (pictured 2015)

He is survived by his wife Joyce Lapinsky who he wed in 2005 (pictured 2015)

His many credits include roles in Robin Hood: Men In Tights, Daddy Dearest, and more.

The death comes less than a year after Lewis announced he had been battling Parkinson's.

In April 2023, Lewis said he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease following a brain scan. At the time, he had been battling the disease for the past two years. 

'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,' Lewis said. 'I just wanted you to know that that's where it's been at.

'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.'

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson's disease 'is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly.

'Tremors are common, but the disorder may also cause stiffness or slowing of movement,' according to the site. 

WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS says there are three major symptoms, including tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.

Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness.

Some people can also experience lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration.

What are the early signs?

Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body.

In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, and their arms may not swing when they walk.

Speech can also become soft or slurred, with the condition worsening over time.

What are the causes?

Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson's disease.

It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain.

However, it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place but research is ongoing to identify potential causes.

Scientists say genetics factor can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, and can therefore run in families.

Other factors attributed to causing the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, though such links are inconclusive, the NHS says.

How is it diagnosed?

No tests can conclusively show if a person has the disease, but doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history and a physical examination.

A specialist will ask the person to write or draw, walk or speak to check for any common signs of the condition.

They may even check for difficulty making facial expressions and slowness of limb movement.

How many people are affected?

Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson's disease in the UK, according to the charity Parkinson's UK.

What happens if someone is diagnosed?

According to the charity, it is a legal requirement to contact the DVLA, as a diagnosed person will need to have a medical or driving assessment.

The organisation also advises people to contact any insurance providers and find out about financial support available.

People are also encouraged to partake in more exercise.

Can it be treated?

Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms.

The main remedies include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways.

What medication is available and what are the side effects?

Medication can be helpful in improving the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as shaking and movement problems.

There are three main types which are commonly used, levodopa, dopamine agonist or a MAO-B inhibitor. Each can affect people in different ways.

The drugs do have some side effects, including impulsive and compulsive behaviour, hallucinations, sleep issues and blood pressure changes.

What therapy is available?

There are several therapies available to those with Parkinson's through the NHS.

Among them are physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness, occupational therapy to help with completing day-to-day tasks and speech and language coaching.

Does this change the way you live?

Most people's life expectancy will not change a great deal, though more advanced symptoms can lead to increased disability and poor health.

It can also cause some cognitive issues and changes to mood and mental health.

Those with Parkinson's are encouraged to exercise more often, with scientists saying 2.5 hours of exercise a week is enough to slow the progression of symptoms.

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