Dana DeLorenzo Instagram – It’s taken me a few days to bring myself to write this. I’ve been in shock, completely shattered at the unexpected loss of my friend and mentor Richard Lewis. We just exchanged messages days before his passing. He said he wasn’t feeling well that day but still ended his message as he always did, with uplifting words of encouragement. Two days later he was gone.
Richard is a Legend, a truly authentic Comedic Genius. His self-deprecating quips and improvisational rants were their own kind of brilliant symphony. He was a magnetic actor, performer and artist. But he was also one of the most generous, kind, magnificent humans on the planet. And one of the most the most influential and important people in my life.
I met Richard 18 yrs ago during my radio days when he came in studio to plug his upcoming shows at Zanies. Even though my admiration for him was obvious, our banter was surprisingly effortless from the start. We laughed a lot that day, and all the years since. He once told me I was the only person more neurotic than he was. I thanked him for that badge of honor, and he retorted, “It’s not a compliment you idiot!” and we howled.
Richard was the first person I admired who made me feel seen. His belief in me had the biggest impact on my life. Over the years through our emails and phone conversations, Richard’s mentorship gave me a priceless education: from advice about the business to the greatest artists in the business. He sent me every Cassavetes film ever made, along with Buster Keaton and Chaplin films, later discussing them with me while sharing his insights and anecdotes after I’d watched. Throughout the years he guided me with his advice when I needed it, encouraged me during the hardships, and kept me laughing through it all. He was a mentor in every sense of the word. And a true friend in this crazy business. He was one of the good ones. I will miss him for the rest of my life.
My heart breaks for his wife Joyce, whom he loved so very much, and for his many friends and fellow fans. Perhaps the one small comfort is the Prince of Pain is not in pain anymore. The pain is now ours to bear. | Posted on 03/Mar/2024 01:44:38
