Comedian Jeni Dies in Apparent Suicide

[Michelle]

Comedian Jeni Dies in Apparent Suicide

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.

[JV]

Most of those comics are messed up people. Some pull themselves out of it when their circumstances improve, some don't. R.I.P., Rico.

[cmyX6go]

My ex grew up with him, said he had a lot of balls. He was one of those average guys that would approach drop dead gorgeous girls and always get a date. I was friendly with his kid brother Joey, I never met Richie.

Rest in peace

[asawadude]

Originally Posted by JV

Most of those comics are messed up people. Some pull themselves out of it when their circumstances improve, some don't. R.I.P., Rico.

Tru dat. I've seen Richard Jeni a couple of times at local venues. I enjoyed watching him - he was definitely a pro, unlike some other comics I've seen. I had no idea he was whacked out. Bummer.

[B-Line]

ahhhhhhh man.... I'm bummed.

Richard Jeni was a real funny guy. I really liked his stand up. I am a fan.

That's a real, real shame.. He really was a great comedian.

[Acezoned]

The dude was very funny. Bummer. That's 2 if you count the Boston lead singer in regard to celeb deaths coming in 3's.

[cmyX6go]

His family confirmed it was suicide. While having breakfast with his girlfriend he went into the other room and shot himself. That poor girl.

[Acezoned]

Boston lead singer family also confirmed suicide. WTF?

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by Acezoned

Boston lead singer family also confirmed suicide. WTF?

I read that on Comcast.

http://www.comcast.net/music/index.j...&cvqh=itn_delp