Comedian Richard Jeni Dead at 45

Posted Mar 12th 2007 12:00AM by TMZ Staff

Richard Jeni, a beloved standup comedian who was a regular on the "Tonight Show," died of a gunshot wound Saturday in Los Angeles. He was 45.

Police said yesterday, as reported by the AP, that the comic was found alive but injured after they responded to a call from Jeni's girlfriend that he had shot himself. Jeni died later in an L.A. hospital. An LAPD spokesperson said that an investigation into the death was continuing.

Besides his numerous appearances on the "Tonight Show" and on cable comedy specials including "A Big Steaming Pile of Me," Jeni acted in "The Mask" and "National Lampoon's Dad's Day Off."

Filed under: TV


Tags: Richard Jeni, RichardJeni

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1. Why don't I know this guy?

Posted at 9:06AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Joey

2. He was one funny guy.

Posted at 9:06AM on Mar 12th 2007 by RIP Richard

3. Wow.. TMZ is slacking.. I read about this on MSNBC.com 2 hours ago....

Posted at 9:08AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Mykey

4. I really don't know who he is

Posted at 9:16AM on Mar 12th 2007 by sasha

5. Richard Jenni was a great Comedian! I laughed so hard when I saw him that my sides were always hurting

We'll miss you, Richard.....

Posted at 9:19AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Edguardo

6. Sasha haven't you seen the movie Mask with Jim Carey

Posted at 9:20AM on Mar 12th 2007 by RIP Richard

7. OK now I remember!

Posted at 9:22AM on Mar 12th 2007 by sasha

8. He was a great comedian and will be sorely missed by the entire stand-up comedy world. I actually read the news on USAtoday.com YESTERDAY!! Catch up, TMZ!

Posted at 9:24AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Leah C

9. It's tragic. People want to be famous but nowdays it's like a curse for so many of them.

Posted at 9:28AM on Mar 12th 2007 by baj

10. My condolences to his loved ones.

Posted at 9:28AM on Mar 12th 2007 by SinCity

11. Was it possible that HE was Dani lynn's father? Hmmm...

Posted at 9:31AM on Mar 12th 2007 by W B

12. Couldn't stand his humor, but I am very sorry he took this route. My thoughts go to his family. A lot of comedians walk that emotional tightrope - it must be a tough business.

Posted at 9:37AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Paul Olioff

13. We will miss you platapus man!

Posted at 9:40AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Kevin

14. I have read elsewhere that he had a terminal illness and decided to take his own life.

Posted at 9:42AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Lori

15. There is a photo out there with Chris Rock and him and he looks terrible..so I bet he did have a disease of some sort.

Posted at 9:51AM on Mar 12th 2007 by RIP Richard

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