Richard Jeni

I woke this morning to learn that the fabulous stand-up comic Richard Jeni died of an apparent suicide over the weekend.  The Brooklyn-native Jeni had been a staple on the comedy scene for a number of years, including starring in specials on Showtime, in his own television series, the great but short-lived Platypus Man, and appearing on countless late night television talk shows.

A number of comedians listed Jeni as their favorite comic.  But he just never got to the next level in the entertainment world of television or movie stardom.   

I've followed Jeni's career for a number of years since I saw him perform for a private function in Las Vegas in 1992.  It was the annual Alpine car audio dinner for their dealers and I was an Alpine representative at the time.  Jeni was just downright hilarious.  His observations and comedic body language had the house in stitches.

His show was mildly "R" rated, but he wasn't using the "F" word - at least not until late in his hour long routine.  He announced, "I was told that I would receive another $5000 if I would not say the word 'f***' tonight.  Well, I guess I just blew that five grand."

And he proceeded to tell some very blue stories using the "F" word liberally throughout.  The audience loved it.  The Japanese Alpine Electronics officials stood there, arms folded with a sour look on their faces.  Jeni literally thumbed his nose at his hosts for the evening.  I loved it. 

I've had a handful of friends and parents of friends who have taken their lives.  I've just never understood what could be so bad where someone would just want to end it all.  I suppose someone can be just fed up enough with life to put a gun to their head and pull the trigger.  Even though I'll still never fully understand the reason, I'm sure they had a good one to take their own lives. 

Sadly, Richard Jeni may have taken his life as he saw a number of his contemporaries make it big with their own television shows or on the big screen.  Jeni was a great talent who didn't get the ultimate big break.  And he may have figured that he wasn't going to get any bigger and he took the ultimate way out. 

To read tributes to Richard Jeni, go to his My Space site here. 

The world is just a little less funny now.  He will be missed.

Comments

[Lynn S.]

My wife and I saw Richard Jenni at a casino in Biloxi about three years ago or so. He was hysterical! You're right. What would push such a comedic talent over the edge?

[Tony Jobe]

Jeni was definitely one of the best. Sadly a lot of the best comedians died way too young. Belushi, Kinison, Hartman, Farley, Candy, Hedberg, and now Jeni.

I think a lot of them walk pretty close to the edge. It's what drives them to excel in their field.

BTW, it should be noted that the police have not officially ruled his death a suicide at this point. They are treating it as a possible suicide but are still investigating other potential scenarios.