Comedian Richard Jeni has reportedly been found dead in West Hollywood. According to various reports, the comedian committed suicide. The Post Chronicle is reporting that according to police, Jeni was found dead presumably from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday, March 10, 2007. A loaded gun was reportedly found next to his body. Syndicated TV show extra is reporting on its website that he had been scheduled to perform at the Chicago Improv tonight but cancelled several weeks ago.
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| Comedian Richard Jeni Dead of Apparent Suicide, Report |
The website report from Extra notes that he was raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York, Richard Jeni first received recognition through a series of Showtime stand-up specials and frequent appearances on The Tonight Show.
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Top executives at HBO noticed Jeni's talent, and he was soon picked up for his first appearance on the coveted HBO Comedy Hour in 1992, entitled Richard Jeni: Platypus Man. The show was very well received, and Jeni would return for 2 more shows, and go on to receive a CableACE Award for one of his HBO specials. Jeni would also star on the short-lived UPN sitcom Platypus Man, and appear in the Jim Carrey film The Mask. He also has starred in commercial campaigns for Certs, Arby's, and won a CLIO Award for his work as a writer/performer in a campaign for the Milk Association.
Jeni's website biography claims that he has appeared more on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno than any other stand-up comedian, dating back to when the Tonight Show was hosted by Johnny Carson.
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tPC has much more here and also indicates that it is said that he chose to take his life because he was ill. Jack ryan writes, "We could speculate, but out of respect for Richard and his family we will not. Autopsy results are expected soon."
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