Stand-up comedian and television actor Hiram Kasten was born Hiram Z. Kastenbaum on October 30, 1952, in Bronx, New York City, to his parents, James Kastenbaum and Mildred Polansky.
The well-known personality across the New York comedy club circuit appeared in several episodes of Seinfeld. He played the recurring role of Michael, the co-worker of Julia Louis Dreyfus’s character Elaine Benes.
In addition, he appeared frequently in Curb Your Enthusiasm and the ill-fated Sour Grapes (1998).
Unfortunately, the world lost one of the most entertaining and funny comedians to prostate cancer and Crohn’s disease on June 16, 2024. He was 71 at the time.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Kisiel, and daughter, Millicent Kastenbaum.
Career Begining
Hiram Kasten began his standup career in 1978 when Seinfeld creator Jerry passed him on an audition at “The Comic Strip.”
Hiram wasn’t just a flash in the pan. He became a regular on the New York and New Jersey comedy scene, holding down the mic at Dangerfields for five years straight, all while touring the circuit like a boss.
In the late eighties, he decided to switch coasts and head west. California loved his humor! He landed several roles in sitcoms and movies, proving he’s funny on both the big and small screen.
Vegas? You bet! He performed at all the major casinos there and even headlined “The Rat Pack is Back” with David Cassidy for two years – talk about a blast from the past!
Final Days
Hiram had started his years-long battle with multiple illnesses in 2017.
His health issues became the primary reason for him to step away from the show biz.
Naturally, he did not perform, whether on stage or on TV, and kept his health issues on the hush-hush.
Hiram had been fighting Chron’s disease and prostate cancer for the past seven years, which he never felt necessary to share with anyone.
However, he decided to open up about his illness during the final six months of his life.
Following the revelation, his close peers and artistic community made personal visits to his home.
He made his demise on Sunday, June 16, in Batavia, New York.
A few short hours before his passing, he and his wife celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary.
