Richard Jeni - A Look Back
For anyone who enjoyed a good laugh, the name Richard Jeni might bring back some fond memories of sharp humor and quick thinking. He was, in a way, a familiar face to many, someone who could really make you chuckle with his performances. You know, his presence on screen and on stage just had a certain something that drew people in, making him a memorable person in the world of comedy and acting.
Yet, there's a side to his story that, you know, carries a deep sense of sorrow. It's a reminder that even those who bring joy to so many can be facing their own private battles, struggles that are not always visible to the outside world. This look back aims to share some facts about his life and, you know, the circumstances that surrounded his passing, as they have been reported.
We will, you know, explore some of the known details about Richard Jeni, from his beginnings to his work in entertainment, and then, you know, touch upon the very sad information that came to light after his death. It’s a way to, perhaps, remember him and what he contributed, while also, in some respects, acknowledging the difficult parts of his personal journey.
Table of Contents
- The Life of Richard Jeni
- What Did Richard Jeni Do?
- A Difficult Time - Richard Jeni's Health
- How Old Was Richard Jeni When He Passed?
- What Was Richard Jeni Known For?
The Life of Richard Jeni
Richard Jeni, whose birth name was Richard John Colangelo, came into the world on April 14, 1957. He was, you know, born and spent his early years in Brooklyn, a well-known part of New York, USA. This is where, presumably, his story really began, shaping the person he would grow to be. His upbringing in that environment, you know, probably played a part in his outlook and, you know, the way he saw the world around him.
As a matter of fact, he would later become someone recognized for his contributions to the world of entertainment. His path led him to become a person who performed and wrote for a living, putting his thoughts and observations into forms that others could enjoy. It’s interesting to think about how someone from Brooklyn, you know, found their way to such a public life, sharing their talents with so many people.
His journey, you know, included various roles and projects, showing his range and dedication to his chosen field. The details of his personal beginnings, as a matter of fact, give us a starting point for understanding the individual behind the public persona. So, knowing where he came from helps to, in a way, paint a picture of his life's progression.
Personal Details and Biography
To provide a clearer picture of Richard Jeni, here are some key pieces of information about his personal background and career journey, gathered from available reports. This table, you know, puts some of the facts into an easy-to-read format.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Richard John Colangelo |
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Occupations | Actor, Writer |
| Known For | The Mask (1994), Platypus Man (1993) |
| Date of Passing | (Not specified in "My text", only age and cause) |
| Age at Passing | 49 years old |
| Cause of Death | Suicide (ruled by Los Angeles County) |
This information, you know, helps to frame his life, giving us a few anchors in his story. It’s, you know, a brief summary of some very important points about him.
What Did Richard Jeni Do?
Richard Jeni was a person who worked as both an actor and a writer. This means he spent his time bringing characters to life on screen and also, you know, crafting the words that those characters, or perhaps even he himself, would speak. His involvement in these two areas shows a person with a knack for storytelling and performance. He really, you know, put his efforts into creating things for an audience to experience.
His work included, as a matter of fact, some projects that became quite well-known. When you think about his contributions, the film The Mask from 1994 often comes up. That was, you know, a big movie at the time, and his part in it was something many people would remember. He also, you know, had a role in a production called Platypus Man, which came out in 1993. So, these were some of the things that made him a recognizable face.
Beyond just acting, the fact that he was also a writer suggests that he had a hand in shaping the narratives, or, you know, the jokes and observations that made up his performances. This dual role, in some respects, indicates a deeper engagement with his craft, going beyond simply performing lines. He really, you know, made his mark in both areas.
Richard Jeni's Work on Screen
When we talk about Richard Jeni's presence in front of the camera, it's clear he had a way of connecting with people. His performances, you know, in things like The Mask really helped to put him in the public eye. In that film, he played a part that, for many, was quite memorable, adding to the overall feel of the movie. It's almost, you know, as if he brought a certain energy to the screen.
Then there was Platypus Man, a project from the early nineties. This was another example of his work, showing his ability to be part of different kinds of productions. He also, you know, made his mark in other areas of entertainment, though specific details beyond these two are not provided. But, you know, it suggests a career that was varied and, in a way, quite active.
He was, you know, known for his role in The Mask, which is a fact that comes up often when his career is discussed. This particular role, you know, seems to have been a significant point in his acting life, bringing him a lot of attention. So, his work on screen was, in a way, something that reached many people and, you know, left an impression.
A Difficult Time - Richard Jeni's Health
The information about Richard Jeni's health, you know, paints a very somber picture. It has been reported that he was diagnosed with clinical depression earlier in the year of his passing. This kind of diagnosis, as a matter of fact, can bring with it immense challenges for a person, affecting their daily life and their overall sense of well-being. It’s a condition that, you know, can be very hard to live with.
Beyond the depression, his family also shared that he was experiencing bouts of psychotic paranoia. This combination of conditions, you know, would have made his personal experience incredibly difficult and, you know, very distressing. It suggests a period of intense struggle and, in some respects, a profound internal battle that he was facing. So, his health situation was, apparently, quite severe.
These details about his health, you know, come from his family, who spoke about it after his death. Their words, in a way, shed light on the private torment he was enduring, providing some context for the tragic events that followed. It’s a very sad part of his story, indicating a deep level of suffering.
The Coroner's Findings on Richard Jeni
The official report from the coroner, you know, provided a clear statement regarding the cause of Richard Jeni's death. It revealed a history of depression, confirming what his family later spoke about. The findings, as a matter of fact, concluded that his death was a suicide, a very sad and final outcome to his struggles. This was the ruling made by the Los Angeles County authorities.
The report indicated that the comic, as he was often called, shot himself in the head at his west side location. His girlfriend, you know, was the one who found him bleeding in the bathroom. This detail, in a way, adds to the profound sorrow of the situation, highlighting the immediate impact of his actions on those close to him. It’s a very stark and, you know, painful piece of information.
So, the official investigation, you know, confirmed the tragic circumstances, linking his passing directly to his mental health challenges. It’s a very sobering reminder of the serious nature of the conditions he was facing. The coroner’s report, you know, brought these difficult facts into the public record.
How Old Was Richard Jeni When He Passed?
Richard Jeni was 49 years old when he passed away. This age, you know, means he was still in the middle part of his life, with potentially many more years of contributions and experiences ahead of him. It’s a relatively young age for someone to leave the world, which, in a way, adds to the sense of loss for those who knew him or enjoyed his work. His life, you know, ended at a point where he was still quite active.
The fact that he was 49, you know, makes the circumstances of his death even more poignant. It highlights that the struggles he faced were, apparently, so overwhelming that they led to this tragic end at what many would consider to be a vibrant stage of life. So, his age at the time of his passing is a key piece of information in his story.
It’s, you know, a detail that often comes up when people reflect on his life and the unfortunate way it concluded. The number 49, you know, stands as a marker of the time he spent with us, and the time that was, in a way, cut short.
Richard Jeni's Final Moments
The immediate circumstances around Richard Jeni's passing were, you know, discovered by his girlfriend. She found him in the bathroom, in a state of severe injury, bleeding. This moment, you know, must have been incredibly distressing and, as a matter of fact, very traumatic for her. It’s a detail that brings a very personal and painful aspect to the public information about his death.
The location, his west side home, was where this event took place. It was, you know, a private space where such a profound tragedy unfolded. The fact that his girlfriend was the one to find him, you know, underscores the immediate and personal impact of his actions. This is, apparently, the last known interaction or discovery related to his final moments.
These details, while very difficult to consider, are part of the reported facts surrounding his passing. They paint a picture of the immediate aftermath of his decision, and, you know, the direct consequences for those closest to him. So, his final moments were, in a way, discovered by someone who cared for him.
What Was Richard Jeni Known For?
Richard Jeni was, you know, widely recognized for his very sharp wit. This means he had a quick mind and a knack for humor that was, apparently, intelligent and often very clever. People who watched him perform, you know, probably appreciated his ability to deliver jokes and observations that were not just funny but also, in a way, quite insightful. His wit was, you know, a defining characteristic of his public persona.
Beyond his comedic style, he was also known for his work in acting. As mentioned, his role in The Mask was something that many people remembered him for. This movie, you know, put him in front of a large audience and showcased his acting abilities alongside his comedic background. So, his presence in popular films was, in some respects, another area where he made a name for himself.
His performances, whether on stage or screen, often carried that distinctive blend of cleverness and humor. He really, you know, had a way of crafting his words and delivering them that set him apart. So, his sharp wit and his acting roles were, apparently, the main things that made him a known figure.
The Distinctive Wit of Richard Jeni
The way Richard Jeni used humor was, you know, something quite special. His wit wasn't just about telling jokes; it was about, in a way, seeing things from a different angle and then presenting those observations in a way that made people laugh and, perhaps, even think. He had a reputation for being someone with a very quick and, you know, intelligent comedic style. This made his shows and appearances quite engaging for audiences.
His ability to use words in a clever and impactful way was, apparently, a significant part of his appeal. It wasn't just about the punchline; it was about the setup, the delivery, and the underlying thought process that went into his comedy. He really, you know, had a handle on how to connect with people through his particular brand of humor. So, his wit was, you know, something people talked about.
This distinctive quality, his sharp wit, was, in some respects, what made him stand out in the crowded world of comedy. It was a hallmark of his performances and, you know, contributed to his recognition as a talented individual in entertainment. His humor was, you know, truly his own.
This article has explored some details about Richard Jeni, including his birth in Brooklyn, his career as an actor and writer in projects like The Mask and Platypus Man, and the tragic circumstances of his passing at 49 years old. It touched on the coroner's report, which noted a history of depression and revealed his death was a suicide, and mentioned his family's statements about his struggles with clinical depression and psychotic paranoia. We also looked at his known qualities, particularly his sharp wit.
Richard Jeni — Freedom From Religion Foundation
116 Richard Jeni Photos Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images
179 Richard Jeni Photos & High Res Pictures - Getty Images
