Comedian Richard Jeni Dead at 45

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."

Tags: Richard Jeni, RichardJeni

Reader Comments

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16. This sounds very similar to Phil Hartman's death.

Posted at 10:29AM on Mar 12th 2007 by makesyouthink

17. 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

18. I just watched the show about John Belushi's last 24 hrs of life....

What is happening to the comedians?

Mitch Hedberg
Phil Hartman
Chris Farley
John Candy
John Belushi


Posted at 6:23PM on Mar 12th 2007 by t j

19. 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

20. Have no fear for there will be a ... return of the "Jeni". Baaaad, I know!

Posted at 10:03AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Roger C

21. Richard Jeni was one of the absolute funniest comedians.Every special or appearance that I saw was side splitting,and I am sorry to hear of his passing,especially under these circumstances.My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.He will be sorely missed,R.I.P. Platypus Man!

Posted at 10:10AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Chaz

22. OMG...THIS IS SO SAD! We have lost a very talented comedian....the tears are flowing....so sad when people feel there is no hope... I know, I've been there too.

PLEASE BE KIND AND GENTLE TO ALL YOU MEET IN THIS LIFE, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THEM!

RIP funny Richard...the "Good Little Catholic Boy"

Posted at 8:10PM on Mar 12th 2007 by Kat

23. RIP Rich. You were one funny guy.
You will be missed.
Go to Comedy Central and see some of his stuff,
especially the Gospel According to Vinny.

Posted at 10:15AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Prnzez

24. He was on my top list of favorite comics. I am so sad that he's gone now. He had the greatest jokes. Rest in peace Richard.

"Love songs....nothing but love songs....24 hours a day...."

Posted at 10:19AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Laura

25. I LOVED HIS COMEDY FOR ALL THE STORY THAT TMZ BREAKS LETS GO EASY THEYU MAY MIS A COPLE FROM TIME TO TIME AND LETS ALL LAY OFF MAY HE BE THE FATHER OF THE LATE ANNA NICOLE SMITH'S BABY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PEOPLE A MAN JUST DIED HE MAY HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WE MAY NEVER HAD A CLUE TO AND THAT IS NO REASON TO LINK HIM INTO THIS YES WHEN I FIRST BE CAME AWERE OF MR. JENI I THOUGHT I'LL GO FAR AND TO LOSE HIM AT SHCH A YOUNG AGE AND BY HIS OWN HANDS
MAN WHAT A LOSS TO THE COMEDY WORLD AND TO THOSE WHO JUST LOVE A GOOD LAUGH
WELL MISS YOU RICHARD
PEACE OUT

Posted at 11:26AM on Mar 12th 2007 by BART KEARNS

26. #20..So you are saying that the girlfriend could of shot him?

Posted at 10:33AM on Mar 12th 2007 by RIP Richard

27. You were a good guy, Richard. I will miss you tremendously! Now, go make God laugh.

Posted at 10:44AM on Mar 12th 2007 by eddie

28. Why does every article I've read about it so far claim he's 45? His website clearly states 1957-2007...that would make him 50. Do some research.

Posted at 10:59AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Morgan

29. TMZ was late on this story because there was no gay angle.

Posted at 11:16AM on Mar 12th 2007 by shawna

30. He was born in 1957, that would make him 50

Posted at 11:41AM on Mar 12th 2007 by robin

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