Hiram Kasten dead: Comedian, ‘Seinfeld’ actor was 71

Hiram Kasten, the New York comic who gained reputation on sitcoms together with “Seinfeld,” has died. He was 71.

Kasten died Sunday within the arms of his spouse, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, of their New York dwelling “solely hours after their thirty eighth wedding ceremony anniversary,” following a battle with prostate most cancers and Crohn’s illness, in keeping with an obituary printed by the Batavian.

Kasten, born Hiram Z. Kastenbaum on Oct. 30, 1952, was finest identified for his supporting function as Michael, Elaine Benes’ co-worker on “Seinfeld.” The comic met Jerry Seinfeld whereas doing stand-up on the Comedian Strip Dwell in New York Metropolis, the place Seinfeld labored because the emcee. The comedians struck up “a friendship that has lasted for 45 years,” the obituary said.

Kasten’s prolific run within the New York comedy scene included appearances at such golf equipment because the Improv, the Comedy Cellar, Caroline’s and Dangerfield’s.

Kasten additionally appeared on a number of different TV reveals, together with “Mad About You,” “Everyone Loves Raymond,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Saved by the Bell” and “The Recent Prince of Bel-Air.”

Kasten retired from the leisure business in 2017 as his well being started to say no, however solely revealed the severity of his analysis to pals solely within the final six months. His “nice comedy and inventive neighborhood rallied to his facet,” his obituary states, and as “some made journeys to Batavia to go to him, late night time Zoom conferences with pals on each coasts ensued and went into the wee hours of the morning.”

“It extended his life for no less than one other two months to have the ability to chuckle along with his friends,” Kastenbaum stated.

He’s survived by his spouse and daughter, Millicent Jade.