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Richard Jeni
Born: 1957-04-14 - Died: 2007-03-10Cause of Death: Suicide
Death Summary: Richard John Colangelo (Jeni being his stage name) was found by his girlfriend; he had apparently shot himself in the face. He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California where he died.
After his death his family said that he had been diagnosed with severe clinical depression coupled with psychotic paranoia.
Who was Richard Jeni: Jeni was a stand up comedian and actor.
Jeni gained recognition through his many stand-up specials and appearances on The Tonight Show. HBO picked up his stand-up special in 1992 which was called “Richard Jeni: Platypus Man”.
He also appeared in numerous movies such as The Mask, The Aristocrats, National Lampoon’s Dads Week Off, Burn, Hollywood Burn, and his last role was in Chasing Robert.
Jeni appeared on The Tonight Show more than any other stand-up comedian.
Categories: Actors, Comedians, Entertainment.
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I can definitely identify with where Richard was coming from as a fellow sufferer of mental illness (depression) and creative soul trying to cover up the pain that lurked so deep beneath the surface. Richard was and still is one of the most talented comedic geniuses of my time (in addition to George Carlin who was/is also one of my very favorites ). I first discovered Richard on Caroline’s Comedy Club, Night at the Improv and other shows back about 20 yrs ago. I always hung on every word of his comedy routine. Never had I come across someone with such brilliance and remarkable talent that made me laugh until my sides hurt. My only regret is that I never got to witness his act in person although I have enjoyed him via tv and internet throughout the years and am grateful that I can “relive” these moments at any time I so choose.
There is something about his charisma and charm that always held me spellbound. The day I found out about his ‘passing’ I was devastated beyond belief and cried for hours trying to figure out why someone who was so immensely talented, so extremely popular, ambitious, funny and handsome could think that things were so bad that he had to take the ultimate remedy to escape from his inner pain. Then I knew because I’ve been there only I’ve never had the ‘courage’ to follow through.
I still miss him terribly and believe that there were/are very few out there with such talent and genius and ability to make us laugh the way he did.
RIP Richard … you’ll not be forgotten. We’ll always remember you for the truly extraordinary person you were.