Comedian, Actor. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he was a graduate of the Hunter College, where he majored in political science. He gained his recognition as a comedian on several Showtime comedy specials, and appearances on The Tonight Show. Through these appearances, he was discovered by top HBO executives who signed him to appear in his own television show. The show, entitled "Richard Jeni: Platypus Man", premiered in 1992 on the HBO Comedy Hour, and it went on to receive several awards including a CableACE Award. In 1995, Jeni also appeared in a short-lived television situation comedy on the UPN Network, also entitled "Platypus Man." Among Jeni's other work was numerous commercials for Certs and Arby's Restaurants, and films such as Clint Eastwood's "Bird" (1988), Jim Carrey's "The Mask" (1994), Alan Smithee's "Burn Hollywood Burn" (1998), and "The Aristocrats" (2005). On television, Jeni's appearances included "Comedians Unleashed", "Married with Children", "Caroline's Comedy Hour", "Match Game", "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson", "The View", "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist", "Hollywood Squares", "Pyramid", "Comedy Central Presents", "Everybody Hates Chris", "The 77th Annual Academy Awards", and several others. He also did voice work for cartoons. In 1993, Jeni was awarded the American Comedy Award in the category of Funniest Male Stand-Up Comic. He also received the Clio Award for his work as both a writer and a performer for the Milk Association. In 2004, Jeni was named number 57 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of all time.
Comedian, Actor. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he was a graduate of the Hunter College, where he majored in political science. He gained his recognition as a comedian on several Showtime comedy specials, and appearances on The Tonight Show. Through these appearances, he was discovered by top HBO executives who signed him to appear in his own television show. The show, entitled "Richard Jeni: Platypus Man", premiered in 1992 on the HBO Comedy Hour, and it went on to receive several awards including a CableACE Award. In 1995, Jeni also appeared in a short-lived television situation comedy on the UPN Network, also entitled "Platypus Man." Among Jeni's other work was numerous commercials for Certs and Arby's Restaurants, and films such as Clint Eastwood's "Bird" (1988), Jim Carrey's "The Mask" (1994), Alan Smithee's "Burn Hollywood Burn" (1998), and "The Aristocrats" (2005). On television, Jeni's appearances included "Comedians Unleashed", "Married with Children", "Caroline's Comedy Hour", "Match Game", "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson", "The View", "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist", "Hollywood Squares", "Pyramid", "Comedy Central Presents", "Everybody Hates Chris", "The 77th Annual Academy Awards", and several others. He also did voice work for cartoons. In 1993, Jeni was awarded the American Comedy Award in the category of Funniest Male Stand-Up Comic. He also received the Clio Award for his work as both a writer and a performer for the Milk Association. In 2004, Jeni was named number 57 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of all time.
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