Posted on 03/11/2007 9:28:15 AM PDT by Borges
Comedian Richard Jeni is dead from an apparent suicide. Sources tell Extra Jeni was in his West Hollywood, CA apartment. He had been scheduled to perform at the Chicago Improv tonight but cancelled several weeks ago.
Raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York, Richard Jeni first received recognition through a series of Showtime stand-up specials and frequent appearances on The Tonight Show. Top executives at HBO noticed Jeni's talent, and he was soon picked up for his first appearance on the coveted HBO Comedy Hour in 1992, entitled Richard Jeni: Platypus Man. The show was very well received, and Jeni would return for 2 more shows, and go on to receive a CableACE Award for one of his HBO specials. Jeni would also star on the short-lived UPN sitcom Platypus Man, and appear in the Jim Carrey film The Mask. He also has starred in commercial campaigns for Certs, Arby's, and won a CLIO Award for his work as a writer/performer in a campaign for the Milk Association. [1]
Jeni's website biography claims that he has appeared more on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno than any other stand-up comedian, dating back to when the Tonight Show was hosted by Johnny Carson.
In 2004, Jeni was named number 57 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of all time. Jeni is a graduate of Hunter College, where he majored in political science.
The bipolar folks have the highest percentage of completed suicide. The most dangerous time for them is when they are in the so-called "mixed" state, where they have energy, but are in a dismal mood. It appears that at this time they have the get-up-and-go to actually ACT on their suicidal thoughts.
A fellow Hunter alumni and poli sci no less. Sorry to hear the news. Depression kills, gotta get help.
Dopn't know if they will name a street in Bensonhurst. It's changed quite a great deal. Don't know if with today's makeup they would name a street after Gardenia. I think those Ruskies and Chinese would prefer one named after Stalin.
He was one of the best...sad news.
I was sad to hear this yesterday.. I laughed at his material many times, he was one of the great ones.. condolences to his family...especially the poor girlfriend who was there at the time..
I wonder if people who are unhappy with themselves in real life gravitate to stand-up comedy.
Goodnight, funnyman ...
"I wonder if people who are unhappy with themselves in real life gravitate to stand-up comedy."
Yeah I think so. Many are looking for acceptance and an emotional high from being an entertainer. I knew Rodney and I toyed with the idea myself of doing standup when I was going through a rough period. I never went down that road, although Rodney encouraged me to write material for him. I got a lot out of that experience. He was a terrific guy.
Just heard about this the other day. I saw him do a show here in Denver in the 1990s. Boy was he filthy--but very funny as well. Sorry to hear about his mental health problems and the sad end to his life.
1 Richard Jeni and Greg Giraldo March 30, 2007
Friday - 8:00 PM Keswick Theatre Glenside, PA
He had a show tonight.
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