March 11, 2007
R.I.P. PLATYPUS MAN
Just saw a news report that that standup comedian Richard Jeni is dead, apparently of a self-inflicted gunshot in his apartment.
I saw Jeni perform at Gator Growl in 1989 and he was hysterical. Jeni played the Growl in 1996 after scheduled headliner Paul Rodriguez had to bow out after a death in the family.
Extra has this info about his career:
Raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, N.Y., Richard Jeni first received recognition through a series of Showtime stand-up specials and frequent appearances on The Tonight Show. 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. [1]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.
In 2004, Jeni was named number 57 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of all time.
He had a lot of highlights, but never took off the way his contemporaries - Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, Drew Carrey, Jim Carrey - did on TV and in the movies.
For a sample of his work, check out these clips, most of which were culled from his special, "A Big Steaming Pile of Me."
Yes, there is language that might be unsuitable for viewing by your toddler. Would you expect any less of the Salad?
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Posted by Jeff at March 11, 2007 06:01 AM | TrackBack