Richard Lewis is packed and ready to head back to New York, there's only one problem -- he has three more days left here in Miami.
The neuroses have never left the stand-up legend nor has the ability to channel comedy that resonates with legions of fans of the HBO hit comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm. We sat down with Lewis, 60, to discuss his book, television and early days in comedy for a taping of What the 5, but he also shared some thoughts on South Florida.
What's your first memory of Miami?
``I lived in North Miami Beach in third grade. My first memory was getting bit by a jellyfish and the next was waking up to a palmetto bug that took a nap on my forehead and then it went downhill from there.''
Do you remember your first stand-up gig?
``I started at the NYC Improv in 1971, an idyllic time, when there were a handful of us versus the celebrated stars of comedy we have today. I've been coming here for 25 years and if I do play I try to play here in Miami because it has sentimental value even though they rape me financially.''
You have a favorite hangout?
``If I do leave my hotel, I like to walk along the beach where I was a kid along Collins Avenue and remind myself that I outlived the horror of being raised by wildlife.''
Favorite restaurant -- that is, if you leave the hotel?
``Is Wolfie's still here? No. Rascals? No. Well I used to go all to the delicatessens because they had a bottomless pit of free pickles and rolls but I guess they all fell on hard times after President Bush got elected.''
You're staying in Coconut Grove. Are you enjoying yourself?
'As a recovering alcoholic it's always a pleasure to walk around on any weekend night and have 95 percent of the people who come over to me say, `I think I'm dying -- I need help.' I tell them to buy my book.''
You and Larry David are close. Will we ever see him do stand-up here?
``There's about as strong a chance for Larry David to go onstage in a comedy venue as there is for any of us to know what's in Roswell, New Mexico.''
Any parting words?
``I've lived for the arts. I have no children and if you don't come see me there might be a gunshot late in the evening on Sunday night.''
• Head to www.whatthe5.com for a full interview and www.miamiimprov.com for tickets to one of his six shows this weekend at the Miami Improv.
