Comedian, 'Seinfeld' regular Hiram Kasten dead at 71

Remembering the comedian and actor Hiram Kasten

Health struggles and retirement, supported by his peers

Remembering the comedian and actor Hiram Kasten

Comedian and actor Hiram Kasten, perhaps best known for his role on 'Seinfeld,' died at the age of 71 in Batavia, New York. He died in the arms of his wife, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, just hours after their 38th wedding anniversary came to an end.

What happened?

His death marked the end of a long battle with prostate cancer and a lifelong struggle with Crohn’s disease and a multitude of illnesses, according to an obituary posted on his Facebook.

Photo: Hiram Kasten/Facebook

Early comedy beginnings

Born in the Bronx. Kasten's career took off in New York's comedy clubs, including the Comic Strip Live, Improv, and Comedy Cellar. "With his open-collared shirts and natty sport jackets always with a pocket hanky billowing forth, he stood out amongst his peers. 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," reads his obituary.

Bond with Jerry Seinfeld

At Comic Strip Live, Kasten met Jerry Seinfeld, sparking a friendship that lasted 45 years.

Photo: Hiram Kasten/Facebook

'Seinfeld' appearances

Kasten is best known for his role as Michael, Elain's co-worker, on 'Seinfeld,' appearing in three episodes during 1993-94.

Image: Seinfeld/NBC

Other memorable TV roles

Beyond 'Seinfeld,' Kasten appeared on several popular TV shows, including 'Mad About You,' 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' 'Saved by the Bell,' and 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.'

Moving to LA and becoming a dad

After getting married in 1986, he moved to Los Angeles, where many of his TV hits came. And that's when his daughter Millicent came along. He was a stay-at-home father for the first years of her life, "he would come up with new things for the two of them to do every day," reads the obituary.

Photo: Hiram Kasten/Facebook

A Las Vegas show based on the Rat Pack

As his obituary puts it, he found his perfect role in a stage show in Las Vegas based on The Rat Pack. One night, one of the other actors didn't show, and he ended up playing both roles! The show was the "toast of the town." Later, he also performed and traveled the world on cruise ships.

Life in Batavia

In 2012, Kasten moved to Batavia, New York with his wife, Diana, to be closer to her aging father. There, she ran for office and he saw his daughter graduate from college.

Photo: Hiram Kasten/Facebook

Health struggles and retirement, supported by his peers

Kasten retired from the entertainment industry in 2017 due to declining health. He kept the severity of his diagnosis private until the last six months, during which he received immense support from his peers, who traveled to visit him and met with him on Zoom. According to the obituary, his wife said it prolonged his life for at least another two months to be able to laugh with his peers.