Comedian Jeni Dies

Popular stand-up comedian and actor Richard Jeni died Saturday, March 10, from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Best known for his television comedy specials including Crazy from the Heat, A Good Catholic Boy and A Big Steaming Pile of Me, the 45-year-old funny man also lent his voice to episodes of the toon shows Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist and Batman: The Animated Series.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jeni was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show, both with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. and was named one of the top 100 comedians of all time in a special aired by cable outlet Comedy Central. His most notable big-screen venture was a supporting role in the Jim Carey hit The Mask. More recently, he appeared in The Aristocrats, a documentary about one of the dirtiest jokes ever.

Police responded to an emergency call made by Jeni’s girlfriend from a West Hollywood home. Jeni later died at a Cedars Sinai Medical Center. His death is still under investigation and has not yet been declared a suicide.