Arts

March 13, 2008

Richard Lewis, comedian from heaven

By Jay Firestone

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In response, Lewis told EW that he traces popular usage of the line back to his early days on David Letterman's show.

"When I saw other comedians going 'the blank from hell,' it really bugged me," he said.

Lewis rarely uses the phrase today, but he confessed that as a sober comic he's more inclined to refer to himself as a "______ from hell."

His stand-up comedy remains a constant in his life, and Lewis is currently on his "Misery Loves Company" tour. Because he tries out new material on the road, he says he won't play Los Angeles unless it's a major concert venue.

"I like to come home and relax," he said.

In the coming years, Lewis said, he plans to write screenplays, pitch new shows and continue acting -- recent turns have included Rabbi Richard Glass in "7th Heaven" and the Golem in "The Simpsons." Of course, he also hopes he'll be back for another season of "Curb."

For now, the Prince of Pain plans to relax with his wife in Los Angeles, but said he'll be performing until he "physically can't do it anymore, and then I'll have to retire."

While the bar mitzvah of his sobriety passed last year without so much as a "Today I am a sober man," he said his faith plays a part in his life.

"Of all the changes in attitude I've experienced since putting down the drink, easily the most perplexing and intellectually mind-blowing is being able to acknowledge and accept my own ascent in spirituality," he wrote.

Lewis attributes part of that spiritual awakening to Judaism.

"I was born a Jew and shall be a Jew, and I can tap into that faith," he said.

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Mr. Lewis, I thank you so much for your book ‘The other Great Depression’ I could relate to so much of it. I come from a family of ten. I am number eight, and was looked over a lot!! Had a lot of issues to deal with, and it was very exhausting!! I love your humor, and you are such an intelligent person. Also, very talented, and I am a huge fan. I thank you once again for writing that book, and being, I’m sure, a good person!!!!

Comment by Laura Wiemers on 4/04/11 at 10:00 am

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