Lewis has taken his lifelong therapy fodder and carved it into a commanding, compelling art form. A NY Post article noted; "Richard Lewis built the strongest stand-up comedy career on a blazing trail of neuroses since Woody Allen." Comedy Central has recognized Mr. Lewis as one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time and he was charted on GQ Magazine's list of the '20th Century's Most Influential Humorists'.
SAG nominated Lewis for his work in the ensemble category for his recurring guest star role, playing true-to-life as one of Larry David's closest friends in "Curb Your Enthusiasm," the Seinfeld co-creator's hit HBO series. The show has garnered many awards to include over six Emmy nominations and high praise.
With scores of other guest acting appearances in TV series and films he tries to be as diverse as possible in his choices from appearing on such shows as "2 1/2 Men" and an arc in the new series, 'Til Death" starring Emmy Award winning Brad Garrett . He's been featured in the season finale of A&E's "The Cleaner," portraying a junkie with his life very much on the line. Other guest starring stints have included "The Dead Zone," "Alias," and "Seventh Heaven." He mixes it up between heaven and hell so to speak. Yet, most close to his heart was his four year run in ABC's critically acclaimed series "Anything But Love," co-starring with Jamie Lee Curtis, "Anything but Love", now out on DVD with Volume One of the four year situation comedy. Late night TV viewers and media junkies in general are familiar with his frequent guest appearances. He may hold title to having the most late night appearances, chalking up well over 100 appearances with Dave, Jay, Conan, Jon, Stern, Ferguson and Maher.
In December of 1989, Lewis achieved a very personal goal...he performed at Carnegie Hall to a standing room only audience. To close, in his own words--"I go on a long tour and make people happy that they're not me and go home."