Hiram Kasten dead: Comedian and “Seinfeld” actor was 71

Hiram Kasten, the New York comedian who became known through sitcoms such as “Seinfeld,” has died. He was 71 years old.

Kasten died Sunday in the arms of his wife, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, at their New York home “just hours after their 38th wedding anniversary” after battling prostate cancer and Crohn’s disease, according to an obituary published in the Batavian.

Kasten, born Hiram Z. Kastenbaum on October 30, 1952, was best known for his supporting role as Michael, Elaine Benes’ co-star on “Seinfeld.” The comedian met Jerry Seinfeld while doing stand-up at Comic Strip Live in New York City, where Seinfeld was a host. The comedians formed “a friendship that lasted 45 years,” the obituary said.

Kasten’s prolific career in the New York comedy scene included appearances at clubs such as the Improv, the Comedy Cellar, Caroline’s and Dangerfield’s.

Kasten also appeared in several other television shows, including “Mad About You”, “Everybody Loves Raymond”, “Cut It, Larry!”, “Saved by the Bell” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.

Kasten retired from the entertainment industry in 2017 as his health declined, but it was only in the last six months that he revealed the severity of his diagnosis to friends. His “great comedy and artistic community stood by him,” his obituary said, and while “some traveled to Batavia to visit him, there were late-night Zoom meetings with friends on both coasts that lasted into the wee hours of the morning.”

“It has extended his life by at least two more months, during which he can laugh with his peers again,” Kastenbaum said.

He leaves behind his wife and daughter Millicent Jade.