Comedian Richard Jeni Dies of Apparent
Suicide

From LoveToKnow Celebrity

Richard Jeni, the popular stand-up comedian who was a regular on The Tonight Show, died of an apparent suicide March 10, 2007.

The Death of a Comedian

The Associated Press reported that Richard Jeni, 45, apparently shot himself in the head at his home above Los Angeles' Sunset Strip comedy clubs. His girlfriend phoned 911 for assistance. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died later that morning.

Comics Community Mourns

News spread quickly throughout the comedy club circuit of Jeni's death. Frazier Smith, a comedian who frequently opened for Jeni, reportedly said, "He was probably one of the best stand-up comedians in the last 50 years. He had tons and tons of material. He was looked up to by all the young comedians, a total pro."

Biography

Richard Jeni was born October 31, 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated with honors from Hunter College in New York City with a degree in political science. He first arrived on the comedy scene in 1990 with a series of specials on Showtime, which led him to appearances on The Tonight Show.

In 1992, he starred in HBO's Richard Jeni: Platypus Man, a special that led to a prime-time sitcom on UPN of the same name. He received the American Comedy Award for Best Male Stand-Up Comedian in 1993, and a year later, he co-starred with Jim Carrey in The Mask. His portfolio includes numerous television specials.

In 2004, he was ranked 57th on Comedy Central's list of "100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time."