Lewis, who revealed his battle with Parkinson’s disease last year, portrayed himself as David’s friend on the show, just as he was in real life. He and Essman, known for her role as Susie Greene, the foul-mouthed wife of David’s manager, evoked contrasting responses from fans, he reminisced.
“When I’m out with her in public, they want her to respond with fiery remarks,” he explained. “But for me, it’s more like, ‘You’ll be fine, Richard.’”
He called me directly instead of using a publicist, which is more common, and seemed content to chat and make jokes over the phone.
Listening to our conversation recording after his passing at 76, I hear a lot of my own laughter. Lewis had a natural wit and sharpness.
He praised Jeff Garlin for enduring the role of David’s manager and Essman’s tormented husband, subject to her profanity-laden, improvised outbursts. “It’s like a battle for him after each scene,” Lewis remarked.
Regarding the alleged final season of “Curb,” Lewis hinted at potential surprises. “Larry is known for changing his mind,” he stated.
Reflecting on the past, Lewis joked about the melancholy of speaking in the past tense about friends as if they were gone. “But I’ll do my best,” he quipped.
Recalling their friendship since childhood, Lewis and David shared a love for comedy. “We always carried notepads to jot down ideas,” Lewis reminisced.
He admired comedians who stayed true to themselves both on and off stage. “I appreciated authenticity in comics,” he remarked.
Describing David as “the storyteller of my generation,” Lewis paid tribute to his friend’s talent.
Expressing gratitude for his time on “Curb,” Lewis mentioned his desire for more scenes with Essman. “I feel left out,” he joked.
Playfully, Lewis mentioned his wish to provoke Essman on the show and teased a potential moment in an upcoming episode.
He hinted at a plan to surprise Essman if she ever had her own show, “Susie,” and play a prank on her.
Laughing together, Lewis shared his mischievous intentions with humor.
Audio produced by Jack D’Isidoro.
