On February 4, 2026, Jamie Lee Curtis reflected on her journey of 27 years of sobriety, crediting her late friend Richard Lewis for his crucial role in helping her overcome addiction. The actress shared a heartfelt message on social media, marking nearly three decades free from drugs and alcohol, while honoring the friend who passed away in 2024 at age 76. This milestone highlights the significance of connection and support in her recovery.
How Richard Lewis Became a Catalyst for Recovery
The 67-year-old star described how Richard Lewis, known for his roles including Prince John in 1993’s Robin Hood: Men In Tights, reached out during one of her darkest moments. Jamie recalled that when she sought help through a difficult time, Richard was the one who responded and included her in a community of understanding individuals. She emphasized this impact by stating,
“The miracle of sobriety is that it just takes one other person to relate to how you’re feeling and THAT can change everything.”
Beyond simply offering his hand, Richard connected Jamie with many others battling similar struggles. She reflected on these connections, sharing,
“Richard introduced me to many others and for these 27 years I have met so many people who share our common link of addiction and recovery from that daily prison.”
This ongoing network of support has been essential to her continued sobriety.
Continuing the Legacy of Support and Openness
Having acted with Richard as Hannah Miller alongside his character Marty Gold in the TV series Anything But Love from 1989 to 1992, Jamie expressed how she honors his memory by helping others in recovery. She explained her commitment to openness,
“I’m honored to be open with strangers, many who know me better than people I have spent my entire life with, and I try to honor all of their courage and strength, and hope daily and do what Richard did, which is reach my hand out to others in need.”
She mourned the loss of Richard but recognized his lasting influence, adding,
“I miss my friend but his gift to me IS the gift that keeps on giving.”
Through this ongoing dedication, Jamie Lee Curtis continues to pay forward the support that saved her life and inspires others to embrace hope and healing.
The Deep Impact of Richard Lewis’s Friendship
Jamie also shared a moving tribute following Richard’s death, emphasizing his grace and the important relationships in his life, including his love for Joyce. Reflecting on his legacy, she wrote,
“He helped me. I am forever grateful for him for that act of grace alone. He found love with Joyce and that, of course, besides his sobriety, is what mattered most to him.”
Her emotional farewell captured the bond they shared:
“I’m weeping as I write this. Strange way of saying thank you to a sweet and funny man. Rest in laughter, Richard. My Marty, I love you, Hannah!”
This tribute underlines how deeply Richard Lewis influenced not only Jamie’s life but also her journey toward lasting recovery.
