Actor Hiram Kasten, greatest identified for his work on “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Saved By the Bell,” has died at age 71.
The New York native’s spouse, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, introduced his demise in a Fb publish Sunday, revealing that the actor had been battling prostate most cancers.
The actor died in his spouse’s arms “solely hours after their thirty eighth marriage ceremony anniversary,” the publish reads.
Along with most cancers, Kasten had been battling Crohn’s illness for the previous seven years. He died at his Batavia, New York house.
Whereas Kasten’s “well being had taken a downturn and he not carried out or actively pursued his profession” starting in 2017, “he solely started to share the terminality of all of it together with his pals within the final six months,” the publish learn.
His “nice comedy and inventive group rallied to his aspect,” as “some made journeys to Batavia to go to him, late evening 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 snort together with his friends,” his spouse added.
A funeral service will probably be held at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffers Memorial Chapel in Forest Hills, New York at a later date.
An official memorial service will happen in Los Angeles, Calif., later in the summertime.
Kasten is greatest identified for his position as Michael on “Seinfeld” from 1993 to 1994. His character was Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character Elane Benes’ co-worker.
The actor earned his stripes within the comedy world by making a reputation for himself within the NYC comedy circuit after changing into a daily performer at The Comedian Strip — an iconic venue that after hosted Jerry Seinfeld.
Seinfeld “handed Hiram on his first audition and he turned a daily,” with the pair placing “up a friendship that has lasted for 45 years,” Diana wrote within the publish.
Kasten additionally boasted friendships with Michael Richards, Paul Reiser, Larry Miller and Mark Schiff.
Kasten additionally carried out stand-up at The Improv, The Comedy Cellar, Caroline’s and Dangerfield’s.
Apart from his work on “Seinfeld,” Kasten made appearances on “Saved By the Bell,” “The Recent Prince of Bel-Air,” “Cybill,” “Mad About You” and “All people Loves Raymond.”
Within the early 2000s, Kasten went on to make appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “My Spouse and Youngsters,” and “seventh Heaven.”
The Bronx-born actor is survived by spouse Diana, daughter Millicent Jade, brother-in-law, Kevin John Kisiel.