Richard Philip Lewis was born on June 29, 1947, in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, and subsequently relocated to Englewood, New Jersey, where he spent his formative years. He attended Dwight Morrow High School, followed by Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in marketing and communications in 1969.
During his early career, Lewis dabbled in writing ad copy in New Jersey, concurrently crafting humorous material for renowned comedians such as Morty Gunty. It wasn't until 1971 that he mustered the courage to take the stage himself, performing at New York's iconic Improvisation and Pips.
After making his television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1974, Lewis continued to hone his craft through extensive touring, receiving guidance from esteemed comedians David Brenner and Robert Klein. His film Diary of a Young Comic, which aired in the coveted Saturday Night Live time-slot in 1979, further solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Lewis's prolific output continued with the 1988 Showtime special "I'm in Pain" and The I'm Exhausted Concert, which earned him a nomination for Funniest Male Performer in a Television Special from the American Comedy Awards for his work on HBO. His subsequent stand-up comedy special, Richard Lewis: I'm Doomed, won him a second Ace Nomination for Best Stand-Up Comedy Special in 1990.
The Richard Lewis: The Magical Misery Tour, filmed at New York's "Bottom Line" in December 1996, showcased his signature wit and candor. In December 1989, Lewis performed to a sold-out crowd at the esteemed Carnegie Hall, a testament to his enduring popularity and talent.
