Comedian Hiram Kasten, who played memorable role in 'Seinfeld,' dead at 71

Fans of the legendary hit TV show Seinfeld were left shocked and saddened to learn of the death of a beloved actor from the production.

According to ET, comedian and actor Hiram Kasten, a dear friend of Jerry Seinfeld's, died at his New York home after a battle with a series of illnesses.

The legendary actor and stand-up comedian was 71.

An obituary was shared to his official Facebook page, and it included a detailed account of his life and career as a comedian, leading all the way to television screens everywhere.

"Hiram Kasten saw the light flash before his eyes, as he so often did when he was a young comedian in the New York comedy clubs during the late 1970s and 1980s, meaning his time was up and start wrapping up his set. This time it was to make his exit from this worldly stage to another," the obit read.

It continued, "A few years bouncing around the theatre scene, he decided he would try his hand at stand-up comedy. His first stop was an obscure jazz club on the Upper East Side called Pearl’s Place where he made the musicians laugh more than the audience with his hip references and style."

"After a few times onstage there, he set his sight on an actual comedy club and walked into The Comic Strip. The Emcee was Jerry Seinfeld and he passed Hiram on his first audition, and he became a regular. The two struck up a friendship that has lasted for 45 years."

RIP Hiram Kasten.

Larry David has used him consistently over the years, from Seinfeld (1989) to Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000), as well as the ill-fated Sour Grapes (1998).

He appeared in the Curb Your Enthusiasm "The Baptism" episode which aired Nov 18, 2001.

Hiram started his… pic.twitter.com/YomwXSUkZE

— Curb Your Enthusiasm - Larry David Latest News (@curb_david) June 16, 2024

ET added:

While he only appeared in Seinfeld for a few episodes -- Kasten played Michael, a co-worker of Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), in three episodes -- his friendship with the comedian and star behind the hit series was long-lasting.

The popular comedian also starred in other hit shows at the time.

He last acted on screen in 2012, according to the outlet.

Given his iconic role in the popular comedy, among other appearances and for his stand-up, Kasten received many tributes across social media.

"Sad news in the entertainment world as Seinfeld actor Hiram Kasten, known for his role as Michael, has passed away at 71. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time," one X user wrote. 

Another X user wrote, "Wow, that's sad news. RIP Hiram Kasten."