Born Name:  Richard John Colangelo

Born Date:  April 14, 1957

Born Place:  Brooklyn, New York

Died Date:  March 10, 2007

Died Place:  Los Angeles, California

Occupations:  Comedian, actor

Brief Biography:  Richard Jeni was known for his rapid-fire delivery, intelligent observational humor, and frequent television appearances. Ranked among the top 100 stand-up comedians of all time by Comedy Central in 2004, Jeni was a staple of the 1990s comedy scene.

Early Life and Career:
Born in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in Bensonhurst and graduated from Hunter College with a degree in comparative politics. Before pursuing comedy full-time in 1982, he worked in public relations.

Rise to Fame:
The Tonight Show: Jeni gained national recognition following his 1988 debut on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He became a favorite of Johnny Carson and later Jay Leno, making more appearances than almost any other stand-up comedian, according to Wikipedia.
HBO/Showtime Specials: He starred in several critically acclaimed specials, including The Boy from New York City (1989), Crazy from the Heat (1991), and Platypus Man (1992). He won a CableACE Award for his work.
Acting: He is best known for his film role as Charlie Schumaker, Jim Carrey’s best friend in the 1994 hit The Mask. He also starred in his own sitcom, Platypus Man (1995), and appeared in National Lampoon's Dad's Week Off.

Comedy Style:
Jeni was often described as a "comic's comic," known for clean, sharp, and tightly written material focusing on relationships, dieting, and modern life.

Key Facts:
Known for: The Mask (1994), Platypus Man (1992), The Tonight Show
Awards: CableACE Award for stand-up comedy.