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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."

Tags: Richard Jeni, RichardJeni

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31. I remember him with his platypus man. he's one of the few that mademe laugh out loud! Maybe now he's in peace...

Posted at 11:36AM on Mar 12th 2007 by marcy

32. A BIg Steaming Pile of Me was his last HBO Special--I can't believe it took me that long to find him. Witty, intelligent, hilarious. Damn. I'm so sorry this happened.

Posted at 2:00PM on Mar 12th 2007 by BB

33. I MADE SOME MISTAKE IN MY FIRST COMMENTS I'D LIKE TO CORRECT THEM HERE THEY WERE SPELLING MISTAKE THAT I WISH TO CORRECT





I LOVED HIS COMEDY FOR ALL THE STORY THAT TMZ BREAKS LETS GO EASY
THEY MAY MISS A COUPLE 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 AWARE OF MR. JENI I THOUGHT I'LL GO FAR AND TO LOSE HIM
AT SUCH 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

THANK YOU TMZ FOR ALLOWING ME TO CORRECT THESE MISTAKES

Posted at 11:53AM on Mar 12th 2007 by BART KEARNS

34. My heart has not stopped hurting since I heard of Richard Jeni's death yesterday. My husband and I saw him at the HOB in Las Vegas in September '06. Loved his show and laughed so hard. I am so sorry for whatever sadness he was experiencing and send my condolences to his family and friends. Paula

Posted at 11:55AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Paula Walker

35. He was one of the best! An absolutely brilliant comedian and an incredibly intelligent man. It's always sad when someone feels there is no other solution for life's pain. I'll miss him. It does seem tacky (to say the least) to be making jokes but maybe that's what he would have wanted. Laughter is the best medicine.

Posted at 12:03PM on Mar 12th 2007 by Joy

36. RIP Richard Jeni.

Being a comedian is probably the toughest job in show business. Cut throat competition, constant fight for gigs, and little job security even if you get a sitcom. It takes a toll on even the strongest person.

In the picture with Chris Rock, he looks pale and frail. I wonder if he was ill and took this way out.

Posted at 12:04PM on Mar 12th 2007 by El Barto

37. He was one of the most talented comics EVER! In 1983 has was already getting standing ovations when I opened for him. He was an absolute talent- this news is heartbreaking- a devastating loss. So sorry you left us Richie

Posted at 12:27PM on Mar 12th 2007 by Mary Catalano Comedian

38. It could have been May or Nov of '57 making him 49,but no matter.Dude was balls out funny and will be missed.Dude on a Chicago radio staion dissing him is whack and foul,save it for another day.RIP,Buddy,you will be missed.

Posted at 1:36PM on Mar 12th 2007 by D.J. Quiz

39. Someone said that the picture of him with Chris Rock made Jeni look like he had a terminal disease. I thought he looked like Chris Kattan in the pic....same thing.

Posted at 12:42PM on Mar 12th 2007 by Joe

40. He was one very funny man. Sorry he was so unhappy he felt the only alternative was to take his own life. Since we went through this with a young family member years ago, those left behind never can reconcile the WHY. It will be a long road for his family and friends.

He will be remembered for his wit and comedy by legions of fans of his comedy and performances. We see the professional face we are allowed to see but, no one knows the personal demons others face or understand the pressure they experience to become a success.

God bless him, his family and his friends.

Posted at 10:52AM on Mar 13th 2007 by anotherfan

41. I heard he saw Rosie on "The View" hanging upside down and could not take it anymore.

Posted at 1:02PM on Mar 12th 2007 by Rosie Sucks

42. he was 49 years old

Birth: Oct. 31, 1957
Death: Mar. 10, 2007

Posted at 1:04PM on Mar 12th 2007 by poodle

43. When I found out about his death, all I could do is repeat the tune of National Geographic...
Da Da Da Daaaa Da - Da Da Daa - Da Da Da Da Dum. We'll mis you greatly young prince.

Posted at 2:40PM on Mar 12th 2007 by Frank R

44. Rest in Peace Richard! You will be missed. Thank you for all the laughs over the years. My thoughts and condolences are with your loved ones.

Posted at 1:41PM on Mar 12th 2007 by Kathy

45. Never heard of him-sorry he killed himself.

Posted at 3:48PM on Mar 12th 2007 by cocopuff

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