Comedian Richard Jeni Dies in Apparent Suicide

[minir]

Hi to all
Just on the News. A funny guy. Sad.
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Comedian Jeni Dies in Apparent Suicide
Mar 11, 2:28 PM EST


The Associated Press

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Richard Jeni, a standup comedian who played to sold-out crowds, was a regular on the "Tonight Show" and appeared in movies, died of a gunshot wound in an apparent suicide, police said Sunday.

Police found the 45-year-old 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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[Immortal]

He was one of the comics I liked.... dang... I loved the mask as well.

[MissTynker2]

Always sad to see a life just thrown away and wasted. When it is one with the capability of making others smile, laugh and truely enjoy themselves, makes the blow that much sadder and more difficult to understand. He could make thousands laugh and be happy...yet apparantly not himself.

[thepieman]

Thats such a shame. I dunno what prompts these successful people to end their lives like that. A permanent solution to a temporary problem. My sister was dating his brother, and she tried to call him today to offer condolences. He must be a mess. RIP Richard


Pie

[minir]

Hi Immortal, MissTynker & Pie
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No one knows what the paint of the clown conceals i guess.

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regards

minir