Hiram Kasten, the New York comedian who gained popularity with comedies like “Seinfeld,” has died. He was 71 years old.
Kasten died Sunday in the arms of his wife, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, at their New York home “just hours after their 38th wedding anniversary,” following a battle with prostate cancer and Crohn's disease, according to a obituary published by the Batavian.
Kasten, born Hiram Z. Kastenbaum on October 30, 1952, was best known for his supporting role as Elaine Benes' co-worker Michael on “Seinfeld.” The comedian met Jerry Seinfeld while doing stand-up comedy at Comic Strip Live in New York City, where Seinfeld worked as an emcee. The comedians struck up “a friendship that lasted 45 years,” the obituary said.
Kasten's prolific career in the New York comedy scene included appearances at clubs such as Improv, Comedy Cellar, Caroline's and Dangerfield's.
Kasten also appeared on several other television shows, including “Mad About You,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Saved by the Bell,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Kasten retired from the entertainment industry in 2017 when his health began to deteriorate, but only revealed the severity of his diagnosis to friends in the last six months. His “large comedy and arts community rallied to his side,” his obituary says, and as “some made trips to Batavia to visit him, late-night Zoom gatherings with friends on both coasts ensued that lasted into the wee hours of the morning.” .
“Being able to laugh with his peers extended his life by at least another two months,” Kastenbaum said.
He is survived by his wife and daughter, Millicent Jade.
