Richard Lewis makes surprise return to Curb Your Enthusiasm season 11 after undergoing surgeries

Richard Lewis has announced that he is to make a surprise return to season 11 of Curb Your Enthusiasm after undergoing multiple surgeries.

In January this year, it emerged that Richard, 73, was not going to appear in the upcoming new season of the comedy TV series created by comedian Larry David.

In a tweet, the actor and stand-up comedian wrote that over the past 18 months, he had ‘endured a back and two shoulder surgeries’ and so was ‘not able to be in #CurbYourEnthusiasm for season 11’.

Richard said in a statement that he was ‘crushed’ to be giving the show a miss. But now, he has revealed that he is going to be back for a brief appearance.

In a tweet showing a photograph of him on set, he wrote: ‘Great news for me! Although I’m still recovering from three surgeries and missing Season 11 of Curb, LD [Larry] called me and asked if there was any chance if I felt strong enough to do one episode!

‘I am and here I’m on the set to shoot it. I’m so grateful.🙏 @HBO⁩ #curb.’

Since 2000, Richard has played a version of himself in Curb Your Enthusiasm, with creator Larry also portraying a fictionalised version of himself in the show.

Taking inspiration from real life, Richard’s character is a stand-up comedian who is one of Larry’s oldest friends and is known for frequently having different girlfriends.

Several Curb Your Enthusiasm fans expressed their excitement over the news of Richard’s return.

‘We’re so grateful! Lookin’ good, sir!’ one tweeted in response.

‘A pleasure to see you however many you show up for. Always,’ another commented.

When the news of Richard’s absence from Curb Your Enthusiasm season 11 was announced, he praised his role on the programme as the ‘greatest comedy gig’.

‘For 20 years, I had the greatest comedy gig I could have ever imagined with my oldest and dearest friend LD. Honestly, I’m crushed that I won’t be part of this season,’ he told Variety at the time.

‘For sure, I will be screaming with all the other Curb fans when the new season starts. Hope to be there for Season 12!’

Fortunately for Richard and Curb fans, his comeback is now taking place earlier than expected.

Curb Your Enthusiasm is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.

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