|
Description: |
My dear friend Richard Jeni committed suicide this weekend. I put together a tribute video of the last time we shot a segment for Access Hollywood. Please more...join me in praying for his soul. He was very much loved and will be sadly missed.
Cheryl Shuman
CherylShuman.com
468 North Camden Dr., #200
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.285.1777
Cheryl@CherylShuman.com
I woke up this morning with chills when I checked my email account on AOL. I subscribe to news alerts and received an alert saying "Comedian Dies of Apparent Suicide at 49". My first thought was "Oh My God, I hope it's not someone I know". Sadly, when I clicked on the link, the death was not only someone I know, but was a former boyfriend and yet still very close and dear friend of mine by the name of Richard Jeni. I had just spoke to him a few weeks ago to catch up and talk about some of the great fun we used to have together. He was an extraordinary guy, incredibly naturally funny and kind. He used to cook for me all the time when we were dating. We used to write jokes together in his kitchen in his West Hollywood home. Richard and I spoke often about dealing with depression. He had told me that most comedians he knew, including himself had to overcome tremendous depression and pain in their lives. That's why many of them turned to comedy. According to the report which I will cut and paste below, his current girlfriends stated to the media, that "Richard took a gun and shot his face off". God, please have mercy on Richard's soul. He was a good and decent man. It breaks my heart to see this news on my computer screen. I ask that those of you who knew his work, say a prayer with me for him.
Two years ago, Richard and I got together and made a video that was on Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight etc. where he was kind enough to be involved in a story about my optical company. We laughed and had a great time together. I still have this video of some of our laughter together. I want to remember him laughing and enjoying life and I'm sending these well wishes out to the Universe as a message to him that I love him dearly and will miss him enormously. Ironically, I was dating Richard Jeni for almost a year when the Steven Seagal incident happened. Seagal couldn't understand why I choose Richard Jeni over having a relationship with him (Seagal). It was quite simple. Richard Jeni was a sweetheart and he made me laugh. He was a small guy and I towered over him at 5'9". He didn't mind that he was short and small in stature, in fact, he loved for me to wear heels and spoke often about how he loved going out together and to be seen together. Rest in peace Richard. My heart bleeds for you and I will remember all of the laughter we shared.
This is the news release that popped up on my screen this morning:
Updated:2007-03-11 16:58:02
Comedian Jeni Dies in Apparent Suicide
By ANA BEATRIZ CHOLO
AP
WEST HOLLYWOOD, California (March 11) - Richard Jeni, a standup comedian who played to sold-out crowds, was a regular on the "Tonight Show" and appeared in movies, died of a gunshot wound in an apparent suicide, police said Sunday.
Police found the 45-year-old comedian alive but gravely injured in a home when they responded to a call Saturday morning from Jeni's girlfriend, Los Angeles Police Officer Norma Eisenman said.
Eisenman said the caller told police: "My boyfriend shot himself in the face."
Jeni died at a nearby hospital.
Eisenman said suicide had not been officially confirmed and the investigation was continuing.
Jeni regularly toured the country with a standup act and had starred in several HBO comedy specials, most recently "A Big Steaming Pile of Me" during the 2005-06 season.
Another HBO special, "Platypus Man," won a Cable ACE award for best standup comedy special, and formed the basis for his UPN sitcom of the same name, which ran for one season.
less
|
What's New?|
Report Bugs
