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Richard Jeni Obituary
Police found the 49-year-old comedian alive but gravely injured in a home when they responded to a call Saturday morning from Jeni's girlfriend, Los Angeles Police Officer Norma Eisenman said.
Eisenman said the caller told police: "My boyfriend shot himself in the face."
Jeni died at a nearby hospital.
Eisenman said suicide had not been officially confirmed and the investigation was continuing. An autopsy would be done Monday, said Lt. Fred Corral from the investigation division of the coroner's office.
Jeni regularly toured the country with a standup act and had 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 in the TV shows "Everybody Hates Chris," "Married: With Children" and updated versions of the game shows "Hollywood Squares" and "Match Game."
The 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 highest ratings 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.
He also wrote comic material for the 2005 Academy Awards, which was hosted by his friend Chris Rock.
Frazer Smith, a standup comedian who often opened for Jeni, said young comedians looked up to him.
"He was probably one of the best standup comedians in the last 50 years," said Smith. "He had tons and tons of material."
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press.
143 Entries
Michael Santaniello
October 25, 2018
I had seen your show 2x's in Denver. Get your material ready. I will see you again one day. Godspeed Richard.
Nancy Memmott
July 17, 2018
Just watched your showtime special and laughed until I cried. I haven't done that in such a long time. You have left your mark on this earth and in the hearts of many people.
Harry Simpson
March 10, 2018
Godspeed Richard, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
How you can show support
Sam Koutouzakis, U.S. Army, Ret.
December 17, 2016
I retired from the U.S. Army in 1996 and shortly thereafter I had the privilege of attending one of Mr. Jeni's shows in at Rascals Comedy Club in New Jersey.
During the show, Mr. Jeni asked if there were any Vets in the audience to which I answered in the affirmative. Mr. Jeni's entire demeanor changed as he thanked for my service to this country and spoke to me directly from the stage for a minute or so.
I will never forget the sincere respect this man gave me for that brief moment in time.
May his memory be eternal...
Wayne Fravel
April 24, 2012
Saw his show many, many times. Truly a comic genius. I was shocked upon hearing the news and the circumstances surrounding Richard's death. Strange, but I wondered if I could have done something, anything, that may have helped him. I felt he was a friend even though I never personally met him. He was that type of entertainer. I will never forget Mr. Jeni and even today just the thought of him makes me smile....and even laugh.
BRIAN HUNTER
May 13, 2011
i just saw an old comedy special or richard, and wondered why we dont see him anymore, i did'nt know. i loved his comedy and i miss it. R.I.P
March 17, 2010
For Richard...
I can not tell you how
very much you are missed.
Richard...this is for you.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Isabelli Rossi
August 19, 2009
Missing Richard's comic relief!
His death was a tragedy. One day Depression will be removed from the hearts and minds of those who suffer with this disease.
Isaiah 33:24 says that there will come a time when no one will say; "I am sick"
We pray for that time to come soon!
rosalie lefevre
January 2, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
roxann arwen mills
December 20, 2007
I was deeply saddened to hear about Richard's death, especially the circumstances. He was such an original, brilliant comic and a force of nature on stage. I loved his sexy, boyish charm. I'm sorry to say that just discovered that he 's gone. I'm still in shock. I've watched his specials over and over again and laugh hysterically each time. I really can't believe that he's gone, so sad. The world is a lonelier place without him in it, as laughter is real food for the soul.
He made our lives much better, I wish that we could have done the same for him.
I'm sure that he's making God laugh now.
.................................
My deepest sincere condolences to the Jeni family.
God bless you Richard you will be deeply missed.
Daniel Rohe
August 27, 2007
I think he was one of the best since Robin Williams. He was awesome and I hope that he's in Heaven making God even laugh as much as he made me.
Rich Elkerton
July 13, 2007
I saw Richard at The Improv shortly before his passing. The crowd response was a roar of hysterical laughter. I am shocked and saddened by our loss. Rest now dear boy.
Scott Walton
June 17, 2007
To Richard's family, I'm very sorry for your loss, and for everyone who ever experienced Richard's perceptions on life. I enjoyed his comedy in person and on TV, and am very sad. Whatever pain and thoughts he had that led to his death, are now over. My condolences. Thank you Richard.
Bob D. Caterino
April 8, 2007
Richard, I will personally miss you old friend. I still can't believe you are gone. I guess I will see you again someday, hopefuly later. You made a lot of people laugh and that you should be proud of.
Michael Skaggs
April 2, 2007
My sincere condolences to the Jeni family. I'm sorry that Richard was miserable in his personal life. I've heard it being that way for a lot of popular comics. Richard has been my favorite comedian since a 1988 appearance on Showtime of comedy all-stars. The first time I saw him, I knew he would be the funniest comedian on the show and he proved me right. I regret not seeing him in person and I had always intended to. He was always in top form and most everyone could indentify with his comedy as most true things in life are always the funniest. I will miss you Rich, you will always be one of my heroes........
Nina Spencer
March 20, 2007
Dear Family,
I still can't believe it.My family is heart sick for you. We loved Richard. If I knew him personally I would have thanked him for all the laughter. To this day I can't think of Michael Jackson without laughing to myself about his HBO show. He was a gift and we miss him already.
Much love
Nina, Bill and Danielle
Boston
Michael Amboian
March 20, 2007
I'm saddend to hear of such a great loss to the family, and the world. He was so talented, and his humor was unmatched. He will be greatly missed.
kevin wood
March 15, 2007
my deepest sympathy to all the family.we all will miss him.
Lindsey Birdsong
March 15, 2007
He was one of my favorits I was very shocked my he rest in peace and god bless everyone that loved him..
Patricia Elledge
March 15, 2007
He was a very funny man,one of the best and i was shock to hear he was gone.Rest in peace.
PATTI RHODES
March 15, 2007
O SORRY TO HEAR THIS.... I TRULY ENJOYED HIS WORK.... MAY GOD GOD STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY....
A FAN
Lisa
March 15, 2007
March 17 2007-
The day he laughter died.
Richard you were so loved and will be forever missed.
Rest in peace.
Cheryl Schroeder
March 15, 2007
May you find peace. You will be missed by all of your fans.
Eddie Chapman
March 15, 2007
God bless him we loved him so
robert reed
March 15, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Steven Jackson
March 14, 2007
THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS!!
WITH ALL COMICS UP THERE WITH YOU,
WE MISS THEM TOO!! SEE YA,RICHARD.
Shannon Nelson
March 14, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Scott & Stacey Freiman
March 14, 2007
My wife and I loved your work. We'll miss you.
Rose Anna
March 14, 2007
I WAS WATCHING ON TV A COMMERCIAL WHERE CHRIS ROCK PAYS TRIBUTE TO RICHARD JENI. RICHARD ALWAYS HAD MY LAUGHING. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, ESPECIALLY WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND WHO WAS WITH HIM DURING THIS TRAGEDY. MAY GOD, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS COMFORT YOU AS YOU GRIEVE. REST IN PEACE RICHARD.
CHRISTINA
March 14, 2007
DEAR RICHARD JENI,
YOU ARE A COMEDIC ANGEL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU FELT YOU NEEDED TO LEAVE US, BUT I GUESS YOU FELT IT WAS THE BEST THING TO DO AT THE TIME. I'LL BET YOU ARE LOOKING AT US AND HAVE A NEW STAND UP BREWING. ONE DAY I KNOW WE WILL SEE IT AND IT WILL BE THE BEST ONE YET. YOU MAD ME CRY LAUGHING WITH YOUR STYLE OF HUMOR AND IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. WELL RICHARD I HAVE TO GO, CAN'T WAIT TILL THE NEXT SHOW.
THANK YOU.
Gloria Nuernberg
March 14, 2007
Richard Jeni was a great comedian and also a great actor he will be missed.
necoll davis
March 14, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Aracelis Felicano
March 14, 2007
So sad about his death; here from Puerto Rico like we say "Que descanse en paz" love you....
Julia
March 14, 2007
I was so sad and shocked to hear about Richard. To his girlfriend,family and friends: My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God Bless and Comfort You. REST IN PEACE RICHARD
L. Reed
March 14, 2007
Jeni Family,
You have my deepest sympathy.
May God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation give you all strenght and endurance to help you throught this most sorrowful time of your lives.
Artie Parti
March 14, 2007
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Richard's death. He was one of my favorite's, a truly brilliant artist in the realm of stand-up comedy. He both made me laugh and amazed me at the same time. I miss him already.
janet singh
March 14, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Farra Foster
March 14, 2007
What A great loss. Rest In pEace!
chris segura
March 13, 2007
My son just lost a girlfriend to suicide, our prayer's are with the family, we know the pain, but after the tear's, the sun does shine again! God Bless this family.
Chris Segura, Louisiana
Paula Guarcini Zipser
March 13, 2007
I saw you perform your comedy routine in Atlantic City,New Jersey with my boyfriend many years ago - we laughed all night.Later that evening we saw you at the casino and we wanted to tell you how we enjoyed your concert, but did not want to infringe on your privacy.I just wanted to say now what a great talent you were and how much you will be missed.
eric bourgeois
March 13, 2007
always remember the good thing that you did
Karl Henriques
March 13, 2007
I was schoked to hear of this tragic loss of sh=ucha talent. Richard will be surely be missed by all his fans.
May his soul rest in peace.
March 13, 2007
I just lost a friend to suicide last week. He was also a fun loving person who always made everyone laugh. It's so hard to believe that someone who always smiled and made jokes could be so sad inside. I pray for his family and friends. Love, A fan....
Deborah Scott
March 13, 2007
In your memory
Now that I have come to the end of my road and the sun has set for me.
Do not despair in a tear-filled room, why cry for my soul is set free!
Please miss me a little but not too much and not with your head hung low.
Remember our memories that we have shared please miss me but let me go!
For this is a journey we all must take each of us must take alone.
This is all a part of the Master's plan on the road on our way back to home.
So please remember miss me a little but not too much and not with your head hung low.
Remember our memories that we have shared...........
Please miss me but let me go!
armstead umo
March 13, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Marilyn Dickie
March 13, 2007
I was shocked an saddened to hear that we lost another good person.
He will be sorely missed.
Ruth (A Fan)
March 13, 2007
To a sweet, funny man: GOODBYE! You are missed!
Joe Bonilla
March 13, 2007
God bless you and your family, you will be missed. Richard you made me laugh so hard that my stomach always hurt at the end of your show. Thank You, you always managed to put smiles and much laughter in people's lives. Sorry we couldn't be there for you to help you in your troubled times. keep em laughing Platypus man, you are the best. Rest In Peace Richard.
patty rasmussen
March 13, 2007
you were so talented, you will be missed. rest in peace.
shari mello
March 13, 2007
Its sad to know such a funny guy will no longer be here to make us laugh. Did'nt he realize how many people he brought smiles to? thats sad that we have to let the ones left behind hear all these things. i think from now on if i feel the urge to let someone know they are great or have touched me in a way, I'M GONNA TELL 'EM before its too late. godspeed richard.
D Williams
March 13, 2007
I was stunned to hear this and so saddened. We keep losing people so young and so tragically. Come now Lord Jesus!
Joe Mazz
March 13, 2007
Rich, You were a comedian's comedian, and so funny that I never knew you were suffering off stage. Few comics make me laugh joke after joke like you did (and still do). I hope that one thing good comes for this: Now you can finally see how many of us still love you and your comedy. You are a legend, especially to those in your line of work, and guys like me, who envied your ability to live-out the joke on stage. It was mastery. I'm sure you're sold-out every night in heaven, just as you were here on earth.
Tori H
March 13, 2007
What a loss! This goes to show that fame and celebrity status mean absolutely nothing in the larger scheme of things. We all should be mindful of what makes us truly happy, and embrace it with all of our might! Life is so fragile. Time truly is of the essence.
RIP, Richard Jeni
Steve Morris
March 13, 2007
I am sorry the world has lost a great person and star.
MARGARET SLATTERY
March 13, 2007
THE WORLD HAS LOST A TRULY GIFTED AND TALENTED PERSON. WE ADMIRED YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WAY YOU MADE US LAUGH AND LAUGH AND LAUGH.
Earl Quezaire
March 13, 2007
As everyone has said you will be greatly missed. The smiles and laughter you leave behind will remain forever. RIP
Donna Yerkes
March 13, 2007
I saw you each time you came to Boston/The Comedy Connection for the past 5 -6 years along with my fiancee'. We laughed so much, your "stuff" was hilarious! I will smile every time I see a picture of you, it's hard not to but I will also say a little prayer for you as you perform on the biggest stage of all! God Bless
Timothy Nickoson
March 13, 2007
Now you can make them all laugh in a better place.Boy what a head liner you will be.RIP
Laurie Kruse
March 13, 2007
We never know what another person is feeling.
Be kind and thoughtful to one another we never know how a kind word might make a difference in a persons life. May you be in Gods care.
Linda Carll
March 13, 2007
I really enjoyed you in the movie "Mask' with Jim Carey.
Rest in peace. You are too young to die.
DENISHA MACK
March 13, 2007
RIP
Sheila Smith
March 13, 2007
You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Laurie Mertens
March 13, 2007
I tried so hard to get someone to drive to Phoenix with me to catch the show at the Tempe Improv, but to no avail. In retrospect, I should have just gone alone, but I thought there would be a next time. I had even planned to bring my sign that said, "I know Bosco!" My personal favorite bit was the Pesci-esque goodfella guy doing Mass. I read all the entries and I truly identify with all my kindred spirits in comedy, especially Eddie, Elaine, and Muffy, who said it best..."In this time when we need laughter so badly, Richard's passing leaves a terrible hole in our collective comic soul." AMEN!
David Sims
March 13, 2007
In 1990, I won a trip to Los Angeles to see a Vancouver comedian, Craig Campbell, do his first big time gig. The headliner was Rich Jeni, and from what I read, this was the year that Rich arrived in LA and started making a splash in the comedy world.
Thanks for the gift of laughter. My condolences to your family and friends.
ROK ZOMBIE
March 13, 2007
ONE THING,ONE THING I KNOW FOR SURE......THE ANGELS ARE LAUGHING THEIR BUTTS OFF IN HEAVEN!
merry
March 12, 2007
Awesome guy and comic. God Bless your family and you in Heaven. Thanks for the laughs.
Cheyenne Greggs
March 12, 2007
More than a year ago, on August 13, 2005 (Sat.), I saw you at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.
I could have sat on the stage as I was stage center and that close to your show.
You bend over me, then bend down for about 3 minutes directly in front of me to better hear a lady's comment about your shoe size.
You told her that you wore Buster Brown shoes.
You did not seem too happy that night. Not from the lady's comment, but strangely from Life itself...
As I didn't know to shake your hand or to continue translating what the lady in the "bad" seat had asked you.
For all to know, there are no bad seats at the Turning Stone's Showroom in Verona, NY.
It is an intimate place to see any entertainer in the world.
In the words' of the gospel group Mary Mary, " When I get to heaven, I hope I see everyone I know !"
Well that night I got to know a little bit more about you, and I hope to see you in heaven when I get there.
Now, I know I have to get my act together...
Rest In Peace Richard
John 3:16 - John 3:18
D G
March 12, 2007
Dear Family and friends,
We just saw Richard at Westbury Music Fair.How ironic that someone who made so many people laugh, could himself, be so sad. May the prayers of the world let you finally rest in peace and feel no pain. Condolences to all your friends, and the many hearts you have touched. This has truly shocked the entertainment world. RIP
Deborah Lord
March 12, 2007
Richard was a truly gifted comedian who was one of a kind. To be as funny as he was shows how intelligent he was. He was so entertaining. HUGE loss for the comedy world. My sympathies to his family & friends. Rest in peace Richard.
Joan Edwards
March 12, 2007
I only knew Rich by his television
shows,and I wish I had known him enough to know that he was hurting
so I could help him to cope with what ever he was going through, he
brought lots of laughs to me and my family,he will be greatly missed, and I hope that his family will hold on to God for the strength to go on, my prayers are with you all.
"Shay St. Claire"
March 12, 2007
Even though I had been in radio for over 25 years, this is the first time my jaw literally dropped and I was shocked. I had the pleasure of seeing Rich perform in the infancy of his career. We loved him so much at Hard Rock Live Orlando, that I planned to see him again. I sat on the computer hitting refresh until they went on sale...my Christmas gift to my husband ended up being 4 floor seats in the very, very front row, slightly off the center. I had never looked forward to a show so much in my life. I gave "A Great Big Steaming Pile of Me" DVDs as presents last year, including my 75 plus in-laws (I even had to buy them a DVD player to watch it). Platypus Man should be required study material for all wannabe comics.
The world has lost a great man, but the Heavens have gained a star. A very bright star. I haven't stopped crying yet.
March 12, 2007
Richard Jeni: It's a shame that you won't be around to make us laugh anymore. We will miss your humor. We hope your family will find comfort in knowing that you are at peace now.
Joey Horist
Melinda Andolina
March 12, 2007
I made my husband drive through a "State of Emergency" storm for his performance(10/06)in Niagara Falls, NY. Richard's performance was delayed 2 hours due to the weather (he had to travel in a storm from Rochester to Buffalo) but he was upbeat and amazing. I have NEVER laughed so hard in my life. Thank you for warming our spirits! You were an original!
Elise Crapser
March 12, 2007
A brilliant comedian...
I will miss you.
Rest In Peace
March 12, 2007
the gentleman that posted earlier,
"the tears of a clown" - how befitting of this sad ending to a brilliant life! Sleep well, Richard, and in peace.
Paula Brown
March 12, 2007
RIP
Christi S.
March 12, 2007
Rich, I'm going to miss you SO MUCH! You never failed to make me laugh, even at the toughest times of my life. I only wish I knew you in person and could have helped you in your time of need. Watch down on all of us from Heaven, we need all the help we can get! May your family find the strength to get through this. I wish them the best and am keeping them in my thoughts and my prayers.
Barb Stewart
March 12, 2007
A great funnyman now belongs to the ages! My sincere sympathy to all who knew and loved you.
March 12, 2007
WE REMEMBER WHEN TOU FIRST BEGAN TO SHARE YOUR STAND UP COMEDY WITH US IT WAS IN (PIPS COMEDY CLUB) SHEEPSHEAD BAY BROOKLYN N.Y. OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES BARTENDERS DIANE&MOE (PIPS)
Christina Thomason
March 12, 2007
To the Jeni Family,
He brought so many laughs to our family. He will be very much missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all through your loss and on.
The Thomason Family of Chicago, IL
Linda Greco
March 12, 2007
You've brought me to tears in laughter many times. Now I am brought to tears in sorrow. I am deeply saddened that you are gone. I've had the privilege of seeing you perform live a couple of times and I've watched your tv specials, guest appearances and videos. You were my favorite. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. I'll miss you. I'm sorry you were so troubled. My deepest sympathy to your loved ones.
With Love from a Sister Brooklynite,
Ken Rinn
March 12, 2007
Rich;
you were my favorite comedian by far. I never missed your shows in Boston and you never failed to make me laugh. Thanks for taking a photo with me. That picture and all your great video fun will be remembered by me for the rest of my life. I will certainly miss you as much as a lost member of the family. Peace my friend.
Maggie Hall
March 12, 2007
It was such a shock to hear that Richard Jeni is no longer around to make us laugh. He was smart and funny. His comedy specials were all priceless. What a shame that the "boy from New York City" is gone! God bless Richard and his family.
Leann Sacks
March 12, 2007
God Bless Your Family At this time
Gail Siegel
March 12, 2007
I was in shock when I learned about this. You always made me laugh. You will be missed and I hope you find peace.
Verneeda Alvarez
March 12, 2007
I regret this lost of Richard Jeni of our greater community and hopefully a future insight to suicide will benefit others. To his
family and friends, I am saddened also.
Debra Schofro
March 12, 2007
I was truly distressed upon learning of this news. I am equally sorry for this man and that his incredible talent and immense humor he brought to others did not transcend whatever pain he was feeling. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
Vanessa Greco
March 12, 2007
Feels like I'm losing a friend. I've been watching you for years and you've never failed to put a smile on my face or make me laugh. You'll be missed very much. Rest in Peace.
Steve
March 12, 2007
He was really a great comedian and I will miss all the jokes he told. A big loss for all of us who got a chuckle with his humor
LIZ SALDANA
March 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Daniel Mueller
March 12, 2007
We'll miss you!
Judy Billard
March 12, 2007
You were the BEST!!!
Gaye Drew
March 12, 2007
you were one of the better people out there, we're sorry you had to go, hope you'er making them laugh UP there. you'll be sadly missed.
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