New York comedian Hiram Kasten has passed away at the age of 71, according to a confirmation from Fox News Digital. His wife, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, announced the news on Facebook, revealing that his health declined in 2017 while he was battling prostate cancer and Crohn’s disease. Diana expressed her love and care for him until the very end, as they were married in June 1986 and he passed away in her arms on June 16, 2024, shortly after their 38th wedding anniversary.
A funeral service will be held in Forest Hills, New York, with a public memorial service planned for Los Angeles in the upcoming summer. Despite only revealing the seriousness of his illness to friends in the last six months, Hiram’s comedy and artistic community showed immense support by visiting him in Batavia, holding late-night Zoom meetings, and sharing laughter that extended his life at least another two months.
Hiram Kasten became known for his role as Michael on “Seinfeld” from 1993 to 1994, after gaining popularity as a regular performer at Comic Strip in New York, where his friend Jerry Seinfeld also performed. Their friendship spanned 45 years, with Seinfeld passing Hiram on his first audition for the show. Hiram leaves behind his wife, Diana, and daughter, Millicent Jade.
In addition to his work on “Seinfeld,” Hiram performed stand-up at various venues throughout his career, including Improv, the Comedy Cellar, Carolines on Broadway, and Dangerfield’s. His legacy as a comedian and actor will be remembered by fans and peers alike, as his impact on the entertainment industry was significant and lasting. May he rest in peace.