Seinfeld actor Hiram Kasten dead at 71 after prostate cancer and other illnesses

Hiram Kasten, best known for his role in Seinfeld, has died at 71 years old.

The news was posted to official Facebook page. His obituary, which dubbed him as "a truly charming guy," revealed that he passed away on Sunday. This comes after seven years of fighting through a multitude of illnesses including prostate cancer and a lifelong battle with Crohn’s disease.

The beloved comedian and actor revealed that he was terminally ill to those closest to him in the last six months. He was met with an outpour of love and frequent Zoom calls from his friends, something his wife Diana said "prolonged his life for at least another two months to be able to laugh with his peers."

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Hiram Kasten

During his life, Hiram was an iconic staple of the New York City and New Jersey comedy scene and first started his stand-up career in 1978, when Jerry Seinfeld passed him on an audition at "The Comic Strip." After, he went on to become a staple in the comedy scene entertaining audiences all throughout the '70s and '80s.

Speaking on his unforgettable comedy style, his obituary reads: "He channeled the greats in his demeanor onstage, always dressing for the occasion. With his open-collared shirts and natty sport jackets always with a pocket hanky billowing forth, he stood out amongst his peers.

It added: "He was the 'missing link' to another generation of comedians he watched as a child on TV. He emulated Alan King, Jackie Gleason and Jerry Lewis."

Hiram Kasten

Hiram Kasten

Hiram was also a talented actor and known for his beloved role on the hit comedy sitcom Seinfeld. Hiram starred as Michael, who was Elaine Benes' co-worker for three episodes. He also went on to star in a number of other hit television shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Saved By the Bell, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Everybody Loves Raymond, My Wife and Kids, among many more.

After the news of his death broke his fans shared an outpour of love in the comments of the Facebook obituary. One sweetly wrote: "Multi talented. Act, sing, dance, direct, write. A heart as large as his talent. Mentor to many." And another added: "Loved him so much. He was a friend, a mentor and an wxcyclipedia of all things comedy. Today is my birthday and weep for Hiram’s passing and revel in the joy of having been lucky enough to know this amazing man!" And a third commented: "I think Hiram would love this wonderful obituary. What better life than to have lived your passion and to have loved and been loved."

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