Comedian Richard Jeni - R.I.P.

Lenny D.Guitarist · March-11th-2007, 05:22 PM

I've seen him numerous times on tv. He was one of the best stand-ups around. The details of his death are just coming in, but all signs point to a suicide. RIP and thanks for allthe laughs. As a tribute to Mr. Jeni, I offer these...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUkey...elated&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhw8D...elated&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-O4m...elated&search=

Ron Thorne · March-11th-2007, 06:22 PM

What a shame.

Yes, it appears that he took his own life.

Elayne Boosler has a very nice tribute page on The Huffington Post.

He was a very clever comic.

(On America's "A Horse With No Name"), "You're in the desert, you got nothing else to do. NAME THE FREAKIN' HORSE!" - Richard Jeni

On dating, "At least Charles Manson has the decency to look crazy from the moment you meet him." - Richard Jeni

R.I.P., Richard Jeni~

Lenny D.Guitarist · March-11th-2007, 10:41 PM

Comic Richard Jeni dies
Comedian was 45
By VARIETY STAFF, WIRE REPORTS
Jeni

Richard Jeni, a brash, observational comedian who was a favorite on the "Tonight Show" and cable television, died Saturday of a gunshot wound in an apparent suicide. He was 45.
Police found the comedian alive but gravely injured in a West Hollywood home when they responded to a call Saturday morning from Jeni's girlfriend. Los Angeles police officer Norma Eisenman said the caller said: "My boyfriend shot himself in the face."

Jeni died at a Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Eisenman said suicide had not been officially confirmed and the investigation was continuing.

The Brooklyn-born comic first received national attention in 1990 with the Showtime special "Richard Jeni: Boy From New York City." Two years later, his "Crazy From the Heat" special attracted the largest audience in Showtime's history.

Jeni became a frequent guest on the "Tonight Show" during Johnny Carson's reign and continued to appear after Jay Leno took over as host. Comedy Central named him one of the top 100 comedians of all time.

A regular on the national standup circuit for nearly two decades, he also starred in several HBO comedy specials, most recently "A Big Steaming Pile of Me" during the 2005-06 season. Another HBO special, "Platypus Man," won a Cable ACE award for best standup comedy special, and formed the basis for his UPN sitcom of the same name, which ran for one season.

Jeni's movie credits included "The Mask," in which he played Jim Carrey's best friend, "The Aristocrats," "National Lampoon's Dad's Week Off," and "An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn."

He had guest appearances on the TV shows "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Married ... With Children," and updated versions of the game shows "Hollywood Squares" and "Match Game."

He also wrote comic material for the 2005 Academy Awards, hosted by his friend Chris Rock.

Jazzooo · March-12th-2007, 02:09 AM

I saw him in a club doing his act a few years ago--excellent, thoughtful and out and out entertaining. RIP.

Gentle Giant · March-12th-2007, 09:31 AM

Tears of a clown. Definitely a shame, and probably preventable. Everyone's got demons, but with help they can be chased away.

Scott Dolan · March-12th-2007, 10:50 AM

Sad news indeed. He was a funny cat.

Lenny D.Guitarist · March-12th-2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

Sad news indeed. He was a funny cat.

Mr. Dolan,
One of the funniest guys I ever heard. I'm reading reports now that he may have had a illness or painful health situation that wasn't getting any better.

chuckyd4 · March-12th-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gentle Giant

Everyone's got demons, but with help they can be chased away.

For my own sake, and a lot of other people I know, I certainly hope so.

RIP Richard Jeni, you were truly smart and funny.

Ron Thorne · March-12th-2007, 07:10 PM

More genius from Richard Jeni.

Martha Stewart

Gospel According to Vinny

rollhead · March-23rd-2007, 10:38 AM

The best standup comedian ever was Mort Sahl... too bad he went nuts over the Warren Commission

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVZQgL9nGjs

Borat Pri Hagafen · March-23rd-2007, 11:29 AM

And what in hell does that have to do with Richard Jeni, you uninteresting loony?

Monte Smith · March-23rd-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borat Pri Hagafen

And what in hell does that have to do with Richard Jeni, you uninteresting loony?

Haha! I propose we adopt this as the Official JC Universally Applicable Response (OJCUAR):

And what in hell does that have to do with ________, you uninteresting loony?