Hiram Kasten, a stalwart of the New York comedy scene in the ’70s and ’80s, renowned for his role on Seinfeld, has passed away at the age of 71.
On Sunday, the actor-comedian succumbed to a variety of illnesses, including prostate cancer, according to an obituary posted on his official Facebook page. The post commemorates Kasten as not just a hilarious comedian but also a charming guy and a terrific family man.
A Key Player in the Comedy Scene
Kasten made a name for himself during the New York City comedy boom of the ’80s. He made his entrance into the entertainment scene through comic clubs across New York City. His efforts led him to cross paths with Jerry Seinfeld early in his career when he auditioned at The Comic Strip. This meeting sparked a lifelong friendship that resulted in Kasten appearing on three episodes of Seinfeld, as Michael, a co-worker of Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus).
Jerry Seinfeld and Hiram Kasten appeared together in a sitcom called ‘Seinfeld’ in the 1980s.
Memorable Roles Across Sitcoms
Apart from Seinfeld, Hiram’s versatility shone through his roles on several popular sitcoms. His credits include appearances on My Wife and Kids, Saved By the Bell, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Everybody Loves Raymond, 7th Heaven, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Men of a Certain Age.
Kasten’s contribution to TV was multifaceted; critics fondly recall his role as Hiram on Saved By the Bell, where he delivered memorable performances.
A Lasting Legacy
In addition to his television work, Kasten left an indelible mark within the comedy community. Jerry Seinfeld once noted about hecklers: Booing and hissing are not part of the show. You boo puppets. You hiss villains in silent movies.
A Fond Farewell
Kasten is survived by his wife Diana, to whom he was married for 38 years, and their daughter Millicent, along with numerous extended family members. Funeral services are being organized in both New York and Los Angeles to honor his memory.
A text quote from Jerry Seinfeld suggests the profound impact Kasten had on those around him. Speaking of his TV roles, it was said: Kasten’s TV roles included a recurring part of Seinfeld
. Indeed, he will be sorely missed by all who enjoyed his humor and humanity.
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